2003 Volvo XC90 T5 Review, Price, Fuel Economy & Road Test

In our last update, we had taken our 2003 Sport/Utility of the Year winner in for the first service and were charged $169.50. Fast forward to the 15,000-mile service, with a visit to the same dealer. We had concerns with a rear-wiper arm cover that had gone missing during a trip through the car wash, a noise from the right rear C-pillar area, and an intermittent freewheeling sensation from the transmission while in drive. After looking through the owner's manual we discovered that scheduled maintenance is included as part of the deal--we were previously charged for a service that should've been free.

The representative who took care of us last time was no longer working for the dealer, and our new service advisor cheerfully refunded the previously paid amount, which applied toward front brake-pad replacement. The service department reprogrammed the powertrain control module to correct the trans concern, performed the 15K service, replaced the missing wiper arm cover, tightened down a loose brake cable bracket, and performed a seatbelt recall. This service experience was great until we discovered that they forgot to reset the service indicator light, which we now stare at each time we start the vehicle. D'oh!