Need recommendations for independent Volvo repair shops

We have two older Volvos, a 2010 S80, and a 2015 V60.

The nearby Volvo dealers are asking $100 to $140 for an oil change.  The cost of routine  maintenance is usually in the hundreds and major service can cost up to a thousand or two (brake pads, brake fluid,spark plugs change....)

So any suggestions for independent Volvo repair shops around Maplewood, South Orange ?

tkc said:

We have two older Volvos, a 2010 S80, and a 2015 V60.

The nearby Volvo dealers are asking $100 to $140 for an oil change.  The cost of routine  maintenance is usually in the hundreds and major service can cost up to a thousand or two (brake pads, brake fluid,spark plugs change....)

So any suggestions for independent Volvo repair shops around Maplewood, South Orange ?

 https://www.businessyab.com/explore/united_states/new_jersey/essex_county/city_of_orange/valley_street/595/belair-auto-repairs-973-674-2254.html

Frank is a Volvo mechanic. I went there when I had my Volvo. 595 valley street in Orange. 
they use full synthetic oils in Volvo now. 

Frank Ponte WAS the owner before Belair bought him out. We took our '80 DL wagon there for over a decade, and got great service. Now I drive an Outback, so...

-s.

Jaytee said:

tkc said:

We have two older Volvos, a 2010 S80, and a 2015 V60.

The nearby Volvo dealers are asking $100 to $140 for an oil change.  The cost of routine  maintenance is usually in the hundreds and major service can cost up to a thousand or two (brake pads, brake fluid,spark plugs change....)

So any suggestions for independent Volvo repair shops around Maplewood, South Orange ?

 https://www.businessyab.com/explore/united_states/new_jersey/essex_county/city_of_orange/valley_street/595/belair-auto-repairs-973-674-2254.html

Frank is a Volvo mechanic. I went there when I had my Volvo. 595 valley street in Orange. 
they use full synthetic oils in Volvo now. 

soda said:

 

I think Frank has moved to Rockaway NJ, here is a link to his place:

https://www.franksvolvoserviceandrepairnj.com/

It's unfortunate that there is no Volvo only independent shop in the SOMA area.  I think part of the reason is that a lot of Volvo specific equipment and tools are need in order to fully service and diagnose a newer Volvo.  Also, a lot more people are leasing cars than actually buying them, so people just service their cars at the dealers and turn the cars in after two or three years with the car still under warranty.

The nearby Volvo dealers may advertise an oil change for $100 to $132 (synthetic oil or otherwise), but the price does not include labor and other add-ons, yes I have a receipt from one of them from the last oil change and it was over $200 and that included a 15% discount.

Last time I spoke to Frank Belair had let him stay on working in the remodeled shop. I’m guessing that deal didn’t work out for him. 

soda said:

 

I can't believe that there is anything unique about an oil change in a Volvo.  Any shop should be able to do that.  A full synthetic change for my Toyota costs about $75 all in.  

FilmCarp said:

I can't believe that there is anything unique about an oil change in a Volvo.  Any shop should be able to do that.  A full synthetic change for my Toyota costs about $75 all in.  

 is that at a shop or at one of those oil change joints?

A and J automotive. Alan is a great guy.  I wouldn't go near a quick lube place for any price.

I've never been to a quick lube place, but was thinking about it. Can't imagine they can screw much up with an oil change. Why don't you like them?

No training, no skill, leave bolts loose, wrong oil, unchanged filters, unnecessary sales, you name it. Poke around a little and you will see the stories.  They cost my father an engine in the late 80's.  Oil pan bolt fell out on 95.