I purchased an '03 s40. So far so good. Around the 15k mark, my service light started to come on every time I started the car. I've been driving like this for the past 6 weeks or so. I finally rememberd to call for service, and I was told this is a reminder for the 15k checkup, not that your car has any issues. I ask what is part of the checkup and they say "it's in the handbook".. ok, then I ask price.. "$250". I go and check the book, and it's just an oil/air filter and top off fliuds and turn off the service (SRI) light.

This is crazy... and air/oil change and fluid top off, I could goto JiffyLube for a third of the price and have it done, or less if I do it myself.

I called and asked to speak with the manager... and I was just like, "hey, this is worth 250?".. she finally put someone else on and told me how to 'recycle' the service light through the key. (if successful, I could post how to here for all to use). I am going to try this later today, but has anyone else had this issue/gripe about the price or other service policy? Is this just local to my dealer or a corporate standard?

Thanks in advance,
-Zo

Well, dealers like to make money. On top of the oil change and a new air filter, they will rotate the tires and wash the car. No, its not worth $250.

As the car gets older, it will get worse. When you take it in at 30K, be prepared for a coolant flush and an ATF flush. The manuals say the stuff is permanent, but its not.

I do all my maintenance myself and get some gratification from NOT taking it to the dealer and reseting the Service light myself (very easy). If you don't have the time or are not up to the task, find a good independent shop to service your Volvo. Keep all your receipts just in case you have some warranty issues down the road.

My 2000 S40 has had so many minor problems. Just 41,100 miles. Dealer very expensive here in Brooklyn,NY. I still love this car!!! Great horsepower for me. Good luck with the car. It should have a lot less problems than mine.