91 Days of ownership/46 days in the shop

[Crazee Frazees]

Hey all. Need some advice and I'm coming to you as the experts.

Bought my 2016 R5 on June 5th, and since then it has been in the shop 46 of those 91 days. First time was 30 days when the EVC failed, and took FOREVER to get the part as it was one THE slowest boat from Germany. Second time was 16 days when we needed a new fuel pump, water pump, catalytic converters and new impeller. The only reason it was 16 days was because the dealer stole parts off another boat to get us back out for our scheduled trip to Norris.

When I spoke to the service manager when we picked up the boat, he essentially said get rid of the boat. He said with all of these issues, we likely will have another catastrophic issue and thinks we should just sell/trade-in. He thinks something got in the engine or the previous owners didn't take care of it, but has no proof to that. Just said the technician indicated the inside is a mess when he tore it down.

Couple of others pieces of info. We had the boat inspected before purchasing, and no issues were found. The warranty expired WHILE it was in the shop the first time and we asked for a 2nd inspection then which also did not identify any issues.

Here's where the advice part from you all comes in....

1. If it were you, would you sell based on what the dealer said, or do you think he might just try to upsell?
2. Would you just bite the bullet and put a new engine in now as a preventive measure? If we sell/trade, we would likely take a $10k hit and maybe have to disclose the issues. Wouldn't a new engine for $16K be worth it. (BTW dealer says new engine isn't worth it) Oh, and if we did a new engine, we would obviously get the bigger one... duh!
3. Would you get a 2nd opinion (I plan to do this, no matter what)
4. Just wait for the next potential failure and pray it doesn't come

Bottom line, 50% downtime SUCKS! And Volvo SUCKs as all of their parts are on backorder. And I KNOW this boat had these problems while it was under warranty, but I have no proof of that. This kind of stuff didn't happen overnight. My biggest frustration is that I bought a Cobalt because of the amazing reputation and quality, and right now, everyone is blaming Volvo. Well, I didn't buy a Volvo boat. Ok, done with my rant. If you read this far, please let me know your thoughts.

[tgrace98]

So if your boat is a 2016 and cobalt gives every new boat a 5 year bow to stern warranty you are still under warranty. But if the PO didn't properly maintain the boat I don't care what boat you own it will have issues.

I am not blaming you for the issues but when you bought the boat did you get a survey and mechanical inspection done? this probably would have uncovered a lot of these issues before purchasing.

[Crazee Frazees]

So if your boat is a 2016 and cobalt gives every new boat a 5 year bow to stern warranty you are still under warranty. But if the PO didn't properly maintain the boat I don't care what boat you own it will have issues.

I am not blaming you for the issues but when you bought the boat did you get a survey and mechanical inspection done? this probably would have uncovered a lot of these issues before purchasing.

It's my understanding the engine warranty is 3 years, something else is 5 (can't remember), and hull is 10.

We did have a mechanical inspection done, but not a survey.

[Big Block Power]

Myself I would sell or trade in no matter what. You got a piece that someone didn't take care of and is not Cobalt or Volvos fault. It's no parts that sucks. But I no other Manufacturers car and boat that are just as bad.

[BobRae99]

So if your boat is a 2016 and cobalt gives every new boat a 5 year bow to stern warranty you are still under warranty. But if the PO didn't properly maintain the boat I don't care what boat you own it will have issues.

I am not blaming you for the issues but when you bought the boat did you get a survey and mechanical inspection done? this probably would have uncovered a lot of these issues before purchasing.

It's my understanding the engine warranty is 3 years, something else is 5 (can't remember), and hull is 10.

We did have a mechanical inspection done, but not a survey.

Volvo Penta currently comes with a 3 + 2 warranty. The selling dealer should have registered the powertrain to add the extra 2 years. I'd check into that first and talk to Cobalt and VP if necessary. The 3 +2 warranty was available on 2016 boats. I know this because I bought a new 2016 210 in 2018 and the warranty registered for a total of 5 years.

Personally, I think pulling the whole powertrain out and replacing with new will be more than $16,000. I don't think you can make an arguement for such a replacement based on resale values down the road.

Based on the repairs, I don't know how much "tearing down" the technician did. the fuel and water pump are external to the engine

[cmattj]

How disappointed you must be to have uncertainty in the service delivery. It is never the service departments position to tell you to get rid of something that they are handing you back saying it’s ready to go. ?!
How confusing this must be.
Machines break, as does a lot of moving parts. It’s when the same item resurfaces that we should worry. Not the ones that have been put behind us.
There is no inspection that can prevent “ what’s next” but as consumers we loose confidence with repeated issues.
If they handed you back a “tired and worn out engine” ? ( I missed that diagnosis)... then shame on that Dealer, and off to someone else to properly leak the cylinders and determine engine health. Who supports warranty repair through Volvo.
It appears just in they way it was delivered to you that this is your Deal killer. Unless someone can charm your confidence back then it’s time to cut your loss and sell it.

[BobRae99]

Myself I would sell or trade in no matter what. You got a piece that someone didn't take care of and is not Cobalt or Volvos fault. It's no parts that sucks. But I no other Manufacturers car and boat that are just as bad.

BB< I respectfully disagree with your advice. The OP is not reporting any running problems with the engine (internals) and outdrive other than the few things he reported - and for which he had to wait a long time for parts. There is someone else who has reported a problem with their ECM, so it not like the OP is the only one. Its easy to say "get rid of it", but the OP is bound to take a financial loss - especially when the purchaser asks to look at the service records.

If the engine had internal problmes (mains, con rods, rings, major fuel injection problems, I might start looking for another boat, but short of that if he can get warranty coverage, he'll go through some frustartaion, but should get through this rough patch. who knows, he could have bigger problems with his next boat.

[jhnmdahl]

I can't imagine the kinds of neglect it would take to make a 2016 R5 not worth fixing. If the boat's still under warranty and the dealer thinks it needs a ton of work, let them have at it over winter and do it all. Unfortunately, Volvo Penta sounds like the real owner of the problems (and their reputation is still better than Mercury) but parts aren't necessarily as easy to come by in high demand summer months as say a GM part would be.

I would also seek out a second opinion of a reputable Volvo shop before letting them start tearing into everything, but do it quick so any needed fix is a warranty issue and hopefully a winter one.

John

[Big Block Power]

Myself I would sell or trade in no matter what. You got a piece that someone didn't take care of and is not Cobalt or Volvos fault. It's no parts that sucks. But I no other Manufacturers car and boat that are just as bad.

BB< I respectfully disagree with your advice. The OP is not reporting any running problems with the engine (internals) and outdrive other than the few things he reported - and for which he had to wait a long time for parts. There is someone else who has reported a problem with their ECM, so it not like the OP is the only one. Its easy to say "get rid of it", but the OP is bound to take a financial loss - especially when the purchaser asks to look at the service records.

If the engine had internal problmes (mains, con rods, rings, major fuel injection problems, I might start looking for another boat, but short of that if he can get warranty coverage, he'll go through some frustartaion, but should get through this rough patch. who knows, he could have bigger problems with his next boat.

Bob
This is me and my opinion only. I don't deal with broken things or things that break all the time or things that are down. Nope won't. I had a Audi for 1 month after it cost me a grand. Nope gone. This thing is down the road motors if it was in my garage. I don't care if it's fixed like brand new for me.
I live in this business every day. I see things break, I see what people keep, I see what people fix, I see it all. Like Matt said it is never my spot to tell someone what they should fix and what they shouldn't fix. I just yell them what it needs.

[cmattj]

I just yell them what it needs.

Yes I agree.. I just whisper it kindly though. ( California... Human Kindness )

[Big Block Power]

I just yell them what it needs.

Yes I agree.. I just whisper it kindly though. ( California... Human Kindness )

I'm yelling more the older I get. Thanks Matt

[BobRae99]

Myself I would sell or trade in no matter what. You got a piece that someone didn't take care of and is not Cobalt or Volvos fault. It's no parts that sucks. But I no other Manufacturers car and boat that are just as bad.

BB< I respectfully disagree with your advice. The OP is not reporting any running problems with the engine (internals) and outdrive other than the few things he reported - and for which he had to wait a long time for parts. There is someone else who has reported a problem with their ECM, so it not like the OP is the only one. Its easy to say "get rid of it", but the OP is bound to take a financial loss - especially when the purchaser asks to look at the service records.

If the engine had internal problmes (mains, con rods, rings, major fuel injection problems, I might start looking for another boat, but short of that if he can get warranty coverage, he'll go through some frustartaion, but should get through this rough patch. who knows, he could have bigger problems with his next boat.

Bob
This is me and my opinion only. I don't deal with broken things or things that break all the time or things that are down. Nope won't. I had a Audi for 1 month after it cost me a grand. Nope gone. This thing is down the road motors if it was in my garage. I don't care if it's fixed like brand new for me.
I live in this business every day. I see things break, I see what people keep, I see what people fix, I see it all. Like Matt said it is never my spot to tell someone what they should fix and what they shouldn't fix. I just yell them what it needs.

I have a hard time to believe that your boat hasn't broken in 16 years!

[tgrace98]

BB< I respectfully disagree with your advice. The OP is not reporting any running problems with the engine (internals) and outdrive other than the few things he reported - and for which he had to wait a long time for parts. There is someone else who has reported a problem with their ECM, so it not like the OP is the only one. Its easy to say "get rid of it", but the OP is bound to take a financial loss - especially when the purchaser asks to look at the service records.

If the engine had internal problmes (mains, con rods, rings, major fuel injection problems, I might start looking for another boat, but short of that if he can get warranty coverage, he'll go through some frustartaion, but should get through this rough patch. who knows, he could have bigger problems with his next boat.

Bob
This is me and my opinion only. I don't deal with broken things or things that break all the time or things that are down. Nope won't. I had a Audi for 1 month after it cost me a grand. Nope gone. This thing is down the road motors if it was in my garage. I don't care if it's fixed like brand new for me.
I live in this business every day. I see things break, I see what people keep, I see what people fix, I see it all. Like Matt said it is never my spot to tell someone what they should fix and what they shouldn't fix. I just yell them what it needs.

I have a hard time to believe that your boat hasn't broken in 16 years!

It would have to leave the garage to break

[Big Block Power]

BB< I respectfully disagree with your advice. The OP is not reporting any running problems with the engine (internals) and outdrive other than the few things he reported - and for which he had to wait a long time for parts. There is someone else who has reported a problem with their ECM, so it not like the OP is the only one. Its easy to say "get rid of it", but the OP is bound to take a financial loss - especially when the purchaser asks to look at the service records.

If the engine had internal problmes (mains, con rods, rings, major fuel injection problems, I might start looking for another boat, but short of that if he can get warranty coverage, he'll go through some frustartaion, but should get through this rough patch. who knows, he could have bigger problems with his next boat.

Bob
This is me and my opinion only. I don't deal with broken things or things that break all the time or things that are down. Nope won't. I had a Audi for 1 month after it cost me a grand. Nope gone. This thing is down the road motors if it was in my garage. I don't care if it's fixed like brand new for me.
I live in this business every day. I see things break, I see what people keep, I see what people fix, I see it all. Like Matt said it is never my spot to tell someone what they should fix and what they shouldn't fix. I just yell them what it needs.

I have a hard time to believe that your boat hasn't broken in 16 years!

I've owned it for 3 summers and it has not missed a beat other then it would stall after a long run 3 times a year. I believe it's fixed this year. I would tell you if it was worse and it was a pain it would drive me nuts and it would be gone. And honestly I don't it has broken down in 16 years. If it gives me grief it's gone. But I really don't think it will. But I can also fix 90%of it myself. I was a gm tech and it's a gm powered boat. I think I got this one covered. Knock on wood every boat I've owned had been great. Yes a cable or something here and there but nothing earth shattering. I had a cobalt 200 for a month. I hated it and things it did. Bfun Co worker bought it my neighbors brother. He's owned it for 5 years no issues and he loves it. And as tgrace says it has to leave the garage. Thanks grace

[sailor55330]

This is a tough one for sure. As I read the OP's list of replacments, at this point it's bolt on parts, not engine guts as was pointed out, but I would look hard at the cooling system....if the impeller went bad and it was run hard, that could be trouble. I don't know which way I'd go. On a side note, I do believe that sometimes there are mechanical devices that are just less than the sum of their parts. I had a brand new SUV several years ago that went into the shop 11 times in the first 9 months for 11 different things. None of them were what you would call serious, but all of the gremlin nature and I did end up getting out of the vehicle at the first opportunity. I also had the most bizarre accident on the planet with that vehicle--it had to go. It was the 3rd blue exterior color vehicle I've owned and all three had issues. No more blue cars for me (No BBP, not all of them were Fords!). Blue cars are bad juju for me.