Most Popular Volvo Models
As Volvo’s truck range differs from country to country, it does not have any single truck model that can be considered its “best-selling” across the board. In Canada, the VNL range of long-haul trucks are the most popular, thanks in part to Canada’s booming long-haul transportation industry. The VNL 300 is probably the most commonly found on the roads, as its price and size make it the most versatile of the long-haul range. With aerodynamic design to increase fuel efficiency and advanced lighting for improved driver visibility, this is a great all-rounder.
Also popular is the VNR range for short-haul and regional-haul use. Volvo is widely respected for its enhanced safety measures, so the VNR and VNL trucks are particularly competitive in the on-highway market where safety is of paramount importance.
Where to Buy Volvo Trucks in Canada
Volvo has over 1800 dealers worldwide, so finding somewhere to purchase a Volvo truck is not difficult. If you’re searching for a new Volvo, an official dealership is the obvious place to start. These dealers carry the full line of Volvo trucks available in Canada, as well as parts, customizations and specialized service plans. You can find your nearest Volvo dealer here.
Other dealerships may also stock Volvo trucks, especially in the pre-owned category. It is worth checking the truck dealers near you to see what they have in stock. You can also search using online marketplaces, which have recently become much more popular for truck sales. These sites allow you to investigate different model types, in both the new and used markets, to find the best deal for you.
What to Consider When Buying a Volvo Truck
Financing Options
When purchasing a new truck, financing is one of the most important factors to take into account. Few people (or businesses) can afford to buy a new truck outright! It’s important to understand your financial situation and possible loan options, before you shop, as these factors may be the determining factor in what you can realistically purchase. Dealerships may offer to connect you with loan providers, but you can also look online to find a lender with competitive rates. Eligibility requirements vary by lender, so check you qualify before beginning any application paperwork. You can save time by applying for pre-approval online, before you even go to a dealer.
New vs. Used
The depth of Volvo’s history means that there are plenty of used trucks available to buy in Canada, but before you leap on an attractive deal, remember that used vehicles require more ongoing maintenance than new ones. This can mean higher-than-expected operational costs that impact your profitability. You will also miss out on the opportunity to customize your vehicle, or choose important factors such as the engine. However, the rise in online marketplaces for truck buyers does mean that you have the ability to search both new and used options, and if you are looking for a common model, you may be able to save money by opting for a pre-owned vehicle.
Truck Capabilities
Lastly, you should consider exactly what you need your new truck for. Volvo’s different ranges have quite different capabilities, so don’t assume they are all interchangeable. A great deal on the used market may tempt you towards a particular vehicle, but make sure that you are clear about the tasks you need completed, and narrow your search down to just those models that serve your purpose.
Special Features of Volvo Trucks
It’s hard to talk about Volvo trucks without mentioning their impressive focus on safety and reliability. Volvo has spent almost a century understanding and developing state-of-the-art safety measures and designing their trucks – from the largest components down to the smallest – to be dependable over the long term. Some of the features that you can expect from a Volvo truck include:
- Volvo Enhanced Stability Technology, which offers continual real-time monitoring of operating parameters to detect imminent safety risks
- Volvo I-Shift Transmission, which removes the necessity for drivers to change gears and allows increased focus on the road
- Adaptive Loading technology, which stabilizes the trailer during loading and unloading and provides enhanced traction automatically on steep grades or in bad conditions
- Adaptive cruise control
- In-cab safety hatch
- Front under-run protection system
- Active driver assist technology
- Innovative lighting to enhance visibility
Volvo FAQs
How much does a Volvo truck cost?
The cost of a Volvo truck depends on a few factors, such as type, model number, upgrades, engine, and so on. A new VNL starts from around $160,000, but this can escalate quickly if you opt for higher end models or extra features. Used Volvo trucks are commonplace, and deals can be had for as low as $15,000 for old models. The average price for a five year old long-haul truck is $50,000.
How can I get financing for a Volvo truck?
There are a few different options for obtaining financing for a Volvo truck; one is through the dealership you’re purchasing from. Dealers usually work with local banks or credit unions to help you find financing. These lenders may not always have the most competitive rates though. Luckily, you can also search online for financing, and this often provides access to the most competitive loan terms.
What engines do Volvo trucks use?
Volvos offer a few different engines, mostly from their own range: the D11, D13, and D13TC. They also offer the Cummins X15 in some of their North American vehicles.
Where can I get my Volvo truck serviced?
The primary place to get your Volvo serviced is at your local authorized Volvo dealership. They will have Volvo experts on hand, as well as the full range of possible parts. They also offer Volvo Service Planning, which means tailored service schedules that correlate with your vehicle’s typical use. Other dealers and part suppliers may also offer service options, but you might need to do some research beforehand to check they are experienced with Volvos and have ready access to the appropriate parts.
Why are Volvo trucks so popular?
Volvo trucks are popular across the world largely because of their focus on safety. Few brands have managed to corner the market in this area quite like Volvo, and this makes them very popular both with large businesses who need to ensure their fleet remains on the road, and with owner-operators who are worried about reliability.
What are the operational costs for a Volvo truck?
The operational costs for a Volvo truck are much in line with the rest of the market. The range is between $150,000 and $190,000 annually. The expenses are as follows, shown as a share of per mile operating costs:
Vehicle-based expenses:
- 24% – Fuel Costs
- 15% – Truck/Trailer Lease or Purchase Payments
- 9% – Repair & Maintenance
- 5% – Truck Insurance Premiums
- 2% – Tires
- 2% – Tolls
- 1% – Permits and Licenses
Driver-based expenses:
- 33% – Driver Wages
- 10% – Driver Benefits
Useful Volvo Resources
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