Buying a used xc90. Are there model years to avoid?

The Blue Whale · Post by **The Blue Whale** » 25 Nov 2010, 07:56

Looking at an 05 and 06.

Post by **jblackburn** » 25 Nov 2010, 08:03

It's not so much problems by year with these, as problems by engine.

AVOID THE T6 ENGINE. They eat transmissions for dinner. The 2.5T and V8 both hold up very well; owners of both seem to be pretty happy with their XC90's. In newer models, the 3.2 I6 is a good engine as well.

outrigger777 · Post by **outrigger777** » 25 Nov 2010, 16:08

The T6 was only put in '03, '04, and '05 models. If you buy an xc90 from one from these years get the 2.5T. I've had two mechanics opine that the 2.5T was the best of all the engines put in the xc90. From '07 onward your choices are the 3.2 I6 and the v8, which was also available in '06. Both seem to be good engines--with no particular transmission problems like the T6. People who have bought the 3.2 I6 seem to say it has plenty of power, but if you need to tow get the v8.

The Blue Whale · Post by **The Blue Whale** » 28 Nov 2010, 10:05

After years of v70s I just purchased an 06 xc90.
Went with FWD and T5 engine. ( I don't go off the road much)

I suspect since it is the T5 engine, the timing belt would need changing at the same interval as my v70 with the same motor?

outrigger777 · Post by **outrigger777** » 28 Nov 2010, 13:10

I couldn't find the recommended interval in the '06 xc90 manual, but the '05 manual says the timing belt and belt pretensioner should be changed every 120,000 miles. Sounds kinda long to me. My '06 xc90 has 58,000 miles on it and I'm planning on changing it at 70,000 miles, just to be on the safe side.

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Nov 2010, 15:35

I would do 100-105K or so intervals. I'm not sure what tensioner the T5 engine in the XC90 uses, but the mechanical (105K) tensioners in 98+ S70/V70 models have been known to let go before. I'm sure they have improved that design if they're saying the belt can go 120.

I have a mechanical one in mine, and I still keep to the 70K interval for the earlier cars.

Wolverine Fan · Post by **Wolverine Fan** » 06 Dec 2010, 15:46

Not sure about other model years, but I have a 2006 with 62,000 miles and in the past 2 months, I've replaced the right rear wheel bearing, then the left rear went out, broke and somehow fused on to the axle. Now I need to have the wheel bearing, axle, caliper mounts and possibly caliper replaced at a total of $1600..........Ugh!!!

Really odd since this is the 2nd Volvo I've owned, the first was a 94 850 that I put well over 200,000 miles on until my son wrecked it so we bought the XC90 thinking it would have the same reliability and were surprised to hear that wheel bearing failures were a common issue. I've filed a formal complaint with Volvo's North American office but they were non-committal as far as any future actions by Volvo to rectify.

At this point I'm very disappointed in this vehicle............

The Blue Whale · Post by **The Blue Whale** » 06 Dec 2010, 16:07

Thanks for the info.
and
Go Dawgs!
sorry, couldn't help myself when I saw your username.

the1stkim · Post by **the1stkim** » 09 Dec 2010, 13:46

I have an 06 v8 awd. At 52k the alternator went out. At 60k the nav dvd drive went out. At 66k 2 days ago the serp or accessory bet slipped off in the driveway. After inspection I found the idler roller's bearings falling out and the whole assembly just came off. Also found that I have an asin tranny that you cant even check the fluid on. The dvd drive for the nav cost 1100 bucks. The alternator cost 1500 bucks. They say b/c its a high quality bosche unit. Though it only lasted 50k miles. If I were to buy a used one it would def still be under warranty, and I would get an extended warranty! And AAA. Since I hit 50K I have spent more time on the side of the road than a street sign. I love the truck though! And up to the 50k mark it was wonderfull.

9394volvo850s · Post by **9394volvo850s** » 26 Jan 2011, 22:32

06 XC90 and newer have less issues. the 2.5T gets T belts at the 105K service.