Best year/model 2004 - 2007 XC90?

mayamae · Post by **mayamae** » 23 Oct 2013, 14:08

I'm in a spot and have to buy soon. I've been looking at used XC90 for a little over a year. I've read some ratings and reviews and find them - mixed. Also when looking at a dozen or so by owner ads, they mention "new transmissions". I've run my 2 Volvos (96 850 and old wagon) up to almost 200k miles and never had to replace transmissions or any thing major. Is there a problem with this model or particular years I should stay away from? I will only be using to tow a pop up once a year or so.
Thanks much - Maya

mayamae · Post by **mayamae** » 23 Oct 2013, 15:09

Or let me ask what model year did this problem w/ transmissions get resolved?

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Oct 2013, 16:17

Anything with a 4T65 transmission is to be avoided. (Often coupled to the 6 cylinder). The feedback I get is that the xc90 is underpowered with either motor. The front wheel drive xc90 still weighs 800 lbs more than the xc70 station wagon AWD. By 07 I think they stopped offering the 4t65 and substituted a TF80-SC . Which I "think" is commonly called a AW41 in the industry.

mayamae · Post by **mayamae** » 24 Oct 2013, 13:04

Thank you - That makes total sense. I will refine my search. I just need the space not the power anyway.

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 31 Oct 2013, 17:12

Anything with the 2.5t engine should be trouble free provided maintenance was kept up. With a good tune up using original parts, and proper gas, it will not feel to be underpowered.

mayamae · Post by **mayamae** » 04 Nov 2013, 17:03

Thank you my search is on. Another question though, my father thinks newer Volvos may not be as long lived as my past ones. I was hoping to get to at least 200K miles w/ good maintenance. Can that still be expected?

Post by **matthew1** » 04 Nov 2013, 17:10

Mayamae, MVS Contributor Stone36 has an inline-5 XC90 and has written about the power.

Read his XC90 posts for more. He's written a fair bit about owning it.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 07 Nov 2013, 08:22

The 2.5T has enough low down torque from 1500 to get the rolling bank safe that is the XC90 moving reasonably well. What it lacks is mid to top end, once the wind is against it at higher freeway speeds 80+ you have to be willing to work the motor when passing and so on.

If you are concerned about transmission, the answer is simple, skip the T6 model. The T6 motor puts out more torque than that transmission was really intended to handle. Its essentially the same tranny found in an '01 Implala. Couple the big torque with the extra weight of the XC90 and the transmission gets a real workout. Having said that, IF you can find a good example with a documented and verifiable transmission replacement, I wouldn't discount it it the right price.

As for old vs newer Volvos and reliability, you could debate it either way and never really come to a conclusion. The early P2 platform stuff can be a headache ('99 S80) but by '04 they had a lot of the electrical and electronic niggles worked out.

RedGeminiPA · Post by **RedGeminiPA** » 17 Nov 2013, 08:34

My first post, and this is a good topic.

I picked up my first Volvo yesterday. It's an '04 XC90 2.5T AWD (154k miles) with Climate, Premium and Versatility Packages and Bi-Xenon headlights (those headlights are pretty amusing, though not the greatest in function). I think it has the Security Package, but I'm not sure how to check for sure. I'm also not sure how to check to see exactly which sound system it has.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2004/vol ... s_options/

When I first spotted it for sale at a local small used car dealership, I immediately started doing research.

I have no idea what its history is, but the dealer did have to tackle the leaking sunroof issue before I purchased it. I witnessed them thoroughly drying out the carpets and sealing the drain tubes, so I'm not concerned at the moment. I will, however, be working to modify the drains in the near future to make sure the problem is resolved as best as possible. I did have it checked over by my mechanic/garage before placing a deposit on it last week. Tires and rear brakes were the only problems found.

They replaced the tires and rear brake pads and rotors, and had the state safety inspection done.

When I went to make the purchase yesterday, the battery was nearly dead and needed jumped. Now there's a warning to Service Security System. I read a tip I'll have to try. A new battery may be in order.

Shortlist of items I'll be doing:
Installing a GROM unit for Bluetooth
http://www.gromaudio.com/store/most_ada ... 02-06.html
Fixing the driver's side third row seat fold issue.
Possibly a new battery
Restitching the seam on the driver's seat (semi-common complaint I've read about) - leather is fine, thread missing.

Eventual fixes:
Passenger's side mirror outer housing is broken along the edge.
Driver's side lower taillight is cracked
Half the lights in the stereo are out - didn't research that one yet.
A new key/remote or two. Only one with it, and the spring is broke. I'll have to consult the dealer and local locksmiths about programming etc. before making any purchases.

I apologize for my ramblings, since they're not exactly thread related. I'm just feeling a little excitement over the purchase of my mini Swedish "Suburban".

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Nov 2013, 13:59

RedGeminiPA wrote:I apologize for my ramblings, since they're not exactly thread related.

Nonsense, you're not rambling, this is great stuff.

You seem like the type who is a natural at solving car problems, brand aside. Thanks for being a member.

RedGeminiPA wrote:A new key/remote or two. Only one with it, and the spring is broke

Switchblade key? Fixing your flip switchblade key pics and advice

Sorry, don't know about the rest. If you need things like a new mirror housing, taillights, etc., try my sponsors Southern Vo-Vo (yellow ad top of every MVS page) and Volvo Salvage (white sidebar ad on VRD pages).