In the world of European vehicles, genuine almost always wins. Replacing failed components with aftermarket is often an endeavor in cost cutting, but if you know how to shop, it can be a great way to save money while meeting or exceeding the genuine specifications the manufacturer originally intended. Remember the '99-'00 Volvo ETM debacle? An aftermarket rebuilt ETM with contactless components will outlast the life of your car compared to the poor original design. Here's a few of my favorite aftermarket parts for the Volvo P80 platform that don't involve compromise.
Meyle HD Swaybar Links
With Genuine Volvo swaybar links running over $60, it's no secret that some will seek an aftermarket alternative for these aging vehicles. At only $20 a pop, the Meyle links served me well on my old Volvo 850 Turbo wagon, and that was even running thicker, high performance swaybars. Some have debated that these even exceed genuine quality, which makes it one of the few times I would actually prefer aftermarket over genuine.
Omega A/C Evaporator Core
One of the most popular searches for a '98 vintage Volvo in the summer usually relates to an improperly functioning A/C system. Forums get clogged with A/C posts, and the answer is almost always "Your evaporator is leaking." If you've been around awhile, you'll know that this involves full dashboard replacement and 8-12hrs of labor. The cost of the Genuine Volvo core is over $200, and this is a great place to save money on this horrendous job. At $52.95, the Omega Evaporator for S70/V70/C70 P80 vehicles has been keeping my Volvo frosty for years, just as well as the original one did 10+ years ago.
Meyle Brake Rotors
Rotors are a hot topic among enthusiasts. Does warping really exist? What's the best coating, paint or zinc? Regardless of the answer, a stout rotor that I've found solves the issues brought on by both topics is the Meyle 280mm front rotor for these little Volvos. The zinc coating looks awesome behind a set of open-holed wheels, eliminating the dirty, rusty rotor hat look that occurs after a few rainstorms on regular rotors. With properly torqued lugs and a set of premium brake pads, they won't vibrate after a few thousand miles either. I love using these rotors on the family's fleet, and don't feel like I'm cheaping out on quality despite the low cost of admission.
Genuine parts are typically a smart investment in a European car. I've learned this the hard way many times. A cheap sensor or plastic component can ruin your day if you put your trust in a low-quality knockoff. They're not all bad though, and when a Volvo starts sucking your wallet dry it's nice to know there are viable alternatives in the marketplace.
About the Author: Alex Fiehl
Alex is FCP's Blog Editor and an IT technician from Endwell, NY. He has over 8 years of experience working on a wide array of import makes, but lately is partial to Volvo . For some reason he just purchased a Volkswagen, and is excited to see what breaks first.
