Thanks everyone. I've decided that the "real" stuff that needs to be done can be done elsewhere for less than $400.

30K mile tuneup: (from owner's maintenance manual)

Power steering fluid level: check/adjust
Link arm stops: grease
Shift control, automatic transmission: check/adjust
Transmission: check for leaks
Automatic transmission fluid level: check/adjust
Drive shaft joints: check boots for cracks/leaks
Engine: check for leaks
Engine oil and filter: replace
Service Reminder Indicator: reset
Air filter cartridge: replace (includes control module box filter)
Spark plugs: replace
Coolant level: check/adjust
Battery: check charge/fluid level/mounting


Suzanne
'95 854T

u don't need to buy it really...just go online to volvo's onwercircle and it has the owner's manual all in the web..

anyway, at 30k...


REPLACE following:

engine oil and filter
air cleaner filter
spark plugs

INSPECT following:

engine drive belt (accessory belt)
automatic tranny fluid
fuel (line) filter
pcv nipple (orifice)/hoses, clean
battery
brakes (inspect and replace any component)
brake fluid
rotate tire/check wear (alignment if needed)
power steering fluid level
power antenna (clean)

LUBRICATE following:

trunk/hood, hinges and latches

Not an answer to your question but a related experience, I just got to 7500 miles on an 2003 S60. I checked out the Owner's Manual and there were 10 things to do in the 7500 mile service. Seven of the ten were routine check-up items, like checking fluid levels, windshield wipers, tire pressure. The Owner's Manual says that the owner should be checking these items rountinely anyway. The other three were check brake pads, rotate tires, and change oil/filter. Checking the brake pads hardly seems necessary when they are so new and working fine, but nevertheless easy to do while the tires are being rotated. Rotating the tires is actually considered optional in the Owner's Manual - something you "may" want to do. And of course the tires are not covered by Volvo anyway but by the tire manufacturer. Then there's the oil/filter change - typically $30 to $50. But the dealer wants $155 plus tax for the 7500 service. $400 for the 30k sounds high to me too. I think the whole thing is a sort of tax to keep your service book up to date and stamped but I'm not gonna go along - gonna do it myself.

You need to get an itemized list of what the package includes before we can make good comments on it. As I recall, the only hardware replacements at 30k are spark plugs and air filter, which you can easily do yourself for <$50. But the package may include oil change, transmission flush, etc.

Since you have a *very* low mileage car for its age, you need to be careful about maintenance items that have a *time* interval as well as a mileage interval. For example, the timing belt is supposed to be replaced at 70k miles or some time interval (I forget). Since your car is 6-7 years old, you should really check these carefully.

Also, are you the original owner? If so, you may feel comfortable without the "inspection" part of the package. But again, given the age of the car, maybe you shouldn't cut here.

Your scheduled service (formaly called tune-up)is located in the owners manual