do volvo's suck?

I'm driving one (also a 2007), and I'm fine with driving it, although I'd never own this one personally. Maybe one with a Cummins. This one has the 565 D16 and a 13 speed. It's a powerful motor... honestly, maybe even a bit of overkill for how this one is geared. There's been some electrical problems with it.. we managed to find the source, which was in the engine fan... turns out it's over $3000 to replace. But the short causes the F70 fuse (Engine Management System A - inlet air heaters, jake brakes, etc) to blow, which leaves me without jake brakes. So, in the meantime, we put a higher amp fuse in it, which seems to be holding up so far. I suppose we've been fortunate - met a lot of drivers and O/Os with the D16 who've had problems with mistimed injectors (another very costly repair) and a couple who've had problems with it eating turbos. So perhaps I'd like this truck better with a different motor, even if a less powerful one.

Storage space is great (I have a 730 midroof), it handles real well. It turns so tight, it took me a bit of time to get adjusted - I'd often end up overcorrecting as a result of it. Self canceling turn signals were a stupid idea, as was putting a button to activate the air horn on the steering wheel. Catwalk leaves a bit to be desired.. not really ideal for someone pulling flatbeds, but I've managed to work with it. Headlights really suck, though.

 

I drive a 2005 and love it!...Especially since it has a Cummins, seems to outpull most comparably loaded...

 

Some trucks just start out as lemons. Some trucks need minor repairs and the mechanics cause more damage than they fix. And other drivers can do a number on a good tractor.

It's a crap shoot most of the time, but if a tractor spends that much time in a shop it could be a permanent habit. But if you like to gamble, you could also say that it looks like everything must be fixed by now. Or maybe not. Then again...

 

I drove a few Volvo's with Swift, mostly as loaners. It's probably the way the company ordered or "tuned" them, but they were all badly underpowered. I liked the space, ride, turning radius and the computer for the driver (2 mileage meters, info center etc). All of them had electrical issues. Ghosts that would turn on wipers and lower windows at random, etc.

I had a freightshaker that out pulled them and got better milage with heavier loads. It was also far more dependable than (Swifts) Volvos. I wanted to roll, so I told the boss "no Volvos". Also my shaker had the full windshield curtains for more living space and opti idle. Much better than just a Wabasco heater.

 

Yep, serpentine belt, starter and a tire, hardly items to declare a vehicle "bad"...Had original AC compressor replaced 2 weeks ago as well...After 6yrs and 675,000 miles, these original items failing are not out of the ordinary...

 

If the truck has been taken care of, it will serve you well just like any truck The D16 is a real lemon of a motor compared to the D12. The D12's can be good motors if they are maintained well. I relate them to early jaguars as only certain mechanics want to mess with them. Once the engine gets fixed it should be a good performer.

KH