Interested in XC90. Advice??
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Interested in XC90. Advice??
I've had my 94 850 sedan for over two years now and have grown quite attached to it. I've become good friends with a Volvo certified master mechanic who has helped me make it into a really great car (for what it is). I'm interested in an XC90 for my wife. Can't afford quite new, but we've seen a few 2008's that would fit our budget. My friend/mechanic advises me to stay away from the earlier models but says the newer 3.2 six cylender and the V8 models are good vehicles. Any advice from owners about problems or issues to look out for? Thanks!
2007 S60R Magic Blue/
2005 S60 2.5 AWD Silver/Black
2001 C70 Coupe HPT black/black 149000 miles
2000 C70 Coupe HPT 132000 miles...SOLD
1994 850 sedan n/a 230000 miles...SOLD
2003 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab
1993 Corvette 40th Anniv Convertible
1960 Corvette
2005 S60 2.5 AWD Silver/Black
2001 C70 Coupe HPT black/black 149000 miles
2000 C70 Coupe HPT 132000 miles...SOLD
1994 850 sedan n/a 230000 miles...SOLD
2003 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab
1993 Corvette 40th Anniv Convertible
1960 Corvette
2.5T, 3.2 I6, 4.4 V8 are the okay model for petrol - They used the Aisin gearbox.
When Ford took over in between, they switch it to the problematic GM 4 speed gearbox.
Diesel D5 - not sure what gearbox they are in although I am sure the newer ones is on Aisin.
Another bit related to the above (but I can't verify other than from my trusted Mechanic) was that it started with timing chain before moving to timing belt. Now it is back to timing chain.
When Ford took over in between, they switch it to the problematic GM 4 speed gearbox.
Diesel D5 - not sure what gearbox they are in although I am sure the newer ones is on Aisin.
Another bit related to the above (but I can't verify other than from my trusted Mechanic) was that it started with timing chain before moving to timing belt. Now it is back to timing chain.
If you can afford a 2008 then you should have some options, as stated above (and more simply) don't buy a T6. Those were the 6 cyl turbo from 2003-2005, 2006 was a 5 or 8 and in 2007 the 3.2 6-cyl became available.
A lot of people say the 2.5 is underpowered but I haven't felt that way. I don't tow anything, but I have had it loaded with 5 adults 2 kids and a roof box for 1200 miles, it didn't seem underpowered and I also didn't complain that I averaged a bit over 23 MPG.
Back in New England (I'm from CT) you have a lot to choose from, and there is nothing wrong with finding a good deal on an 06 or 07 from a private party assuming you know the history and how it was taken care of. There were relatively few changes between 06-08. I have a 94 850 as well and that is why I went with the 2.5, except for the turbo, if you can do it on the 850 you can do it on the XC90. If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. Good Luck!
A lot of people say the 2.5 is underpowered but I haven't felt that way. I don't tow anything, but I have had it loaded with 5 adults 2 kids and a roof box for 1200 miles, it didn't seem underpowered and I also didn't complain that I averaged a bit over 23 MPG.
Back in New England (I'm from CT) you have a lot to choose from, and there is nothing wrong with finding a good deal on an 06 or 07 from a private party assuming you know the history and how it was taken care of. There were relatively few changes between 06-08. I have a 94 850 as well and that is why I went with the 2.5, except for the turbo, if you can do it on the 850 you can do it on the XC90. If you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. Good Luck!
05 V70R TiKap (so happy) 91K
05 XC90 2.5T FWD TiBlak 97K
94 850 wagon 2.4 (N/A) 155K (Sold running like a champ)
05 XC90 2.5T FWD TiBlak 97K
94 850 wagon 2.4 (N/A) 155K (Sold running like a champ)
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