Considering an XC90

Tractoman · Post by **Tractoman** » 16 Apr 2011, 18:44

My wifes 850GLT is tired now and we are looking to upgrade. How are the XC90's? I know they (Volvos) all have their common issues which I have handled on the 850, but what is the take on the XC90? Common problems or gripes that you can share? What about mileage on these things? I am leaning toward the smaller engine but not if it underpowered for the weight of the car. Any tips on what to look for?
Thanks

MatDesign84 · Post by **MatDesign84** » 16 Apr 2011, 19:26

I know the XC70 is horrible up to 2004. Apparently the AWD just ruins the car. I understand that the AWD in the P1 and P2 cars wasn't very good. I do know however that the VW Toureg outperforms the Volvo XC90 in every single aspect. If you are looking for a used car, they VW is difficult to find.

The Blue Whale · Post by **The Blue Whale** » 16 Apr 2011, 20:21

We bought an 06 xc90 in November of last year.
We love it.
We stayed away from the AWD and got the FWD T5 version. Not underpowered at all.
We had to replace a rear wheel bearing but that seems to be a common problem.
From reading here, there seems to be an issue with the roof drain clogging up and leaking water into interior, but is an easy fix. That hasn't happened to us yet.
I think the T5 is the same motor in the 850s, so you should be familiar with it.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 17 Apr 2011, 00:57

Might take a look at Consumer Reports (on line or magazine/car report). Not too happy with V-8, which I understand is the Ford V-8 dressed up like a Volvo(they owned Volvo Cars til recently). I love both the T-6 and the T-5 engines, although it seems the T-5 might be a little shy on torque for this application/weight.

Excimer · Post by **Excimer** » 17 Apr 2011, 09:06

Have to chime in. A lot of MISinformation. Firstly, do you want/need an SUV? This is a yes/no question. Vehicles that are 2.5 tons and have three rows of seats are and should be in a different class than the 850 or the XC70. Understanding this and answering yes to the first question here is my take. First a little history, I like to drive. Have owned several AMG MB products including a G55 AMG Kompressor (big powerful truck) and a Porsche Cayenne GTS and an ML500. I have driven for test drives the Toureg, a Caddy SRX and Escalade. The I6 XC90 is a solid vehicle with the only downside being that the motor makes the 6 speed hunt more than it should for appropriate gears. This gives the 6 XC90 the feeling of being very busy trying to get around. The V8 is a Yamaha (not Ford) motor and is more relaxed and much smoother. Unfortunately Geely (the current owner of Volvo) has stopped putting the 8 into the S80 and the XC90 so if you want one you will have to do some hunting. I have a 2010 V8 and have changed the suspension to the IPD version which is firmer and flatter but no harsher. The AWD system with tires that are severe service (Nokian WR G2) is superb. Able to handle 18 inches of new snow with no problem (I was stuck on I90 this winter behind lesser able AWD vehicles and was able to go right around them). My IPD V8 Executive with every option and the IPD equipment was purchased and built for a total of 56.7K all in. 40 K less than the equivalently optioned Cayenne. It is quick, quiet, composed and capable. It is actually better in every way than my Cayenne which was a festival of CEL's and electronic problems. It will never be a competitor for my Kleemann AMG G55 which unfortunately ate its own drivetrain. But the G55 was a true truck and other than the driver no one liked being in it as it was loud and rough. I have 35K miles on the XC90. There have been no issues. None. In fact I would have to go back to my '88 Accord to remember a vehicle so trouble free. I still have a MB G500 SWB but my two kids, my wife and I all prefer the Volvo. The V8 gets 24.3 MPG at a steady 60-65 (think highway NY to FL) and gets 16 around NYC. I have just replaced my mother's 2000 ML 320 with a brand new XC90 V8 on Thursday and her first comment to me was why did my father buy another ML instead of the Volvo? It is quieter and better made. Finally, there is an R design XC90 which is a stiffer and better driving XC90 but it is ONLY available with the 6 (?????what are they thinking?????). I would recommend an XC90 to any one looking for an SUV.

MatDesign84 · Post by **MatDesign84** » 17 Apr 2011, 18:32

Excimer wrote:Have to chime in. A lot of MISinformation. Firstly, do you want/need an SUV? This is a yes/no question. Vehicles that are 2.5 tons and have three rows of seats are and should be in a different class than the 850 or the XC70. Understanding this and answering yes to the first question here is my take. First a little history, I like to drive. Have owned several AMG MB products including a G55 AMG Kompressor (big powerful truck) and a Porsche Cayenne GTS and an ML500. I have driven for test drives the Toureg, a Caddy SRX and Escalade. The I6 XC90 is a solid vehicle with the only downside being that the motor makes the 6 speed hunt more than it should for appropriate gears. This gives the 6 XC90 the feeling of being very busy trying to get around. The V8 is a Yamaha (not Ford) motor and is more relaxed and much smoother. Unfortunately Geely (the current owner of Volvo) has stopped putting the 8 into the S80 and the XC90 so if you want one you will have to do some hunting. I have a 2010 V8 and have changed the suspension to the IPD version which is firmer and flatter but no harsher. The AWD system with tires that are severe service (Nokian WR G2) is superb. Able to handle 18 inches of new snow with no problem (I was stuck on I90 this winter behind lesser able AWD vehicles and was able to go right around them). My IPD V8 Executive with every option and the IPD equipment was purchased and built for a total of 56.7K all in. 40 K less than the equivalently optioned Cayenne. It is quick, quiet, composed and capable. It is actually better in every way than my Cayenne which was a festival of CEL's and electronic problems. It will never be a competitor for my Kleemann AMG G55 which unfortunately ate its own drivetrain. But the G55 was a true truck and other than the driver no one liked being in it as it was loud and rough. I have 35K miles on the XC90. There have been no issues. None. In fact I would have to go back to my '88 Accord to remember a vehicle so trouble free. I still have a MB G500 SWB but my two kids, my wife and I all prefer the Volvo. The V8 gets 24.3 MPG at a steady 60-65 (think highway NY to FL) and gets 16 around NYC. I have just replaced my mother's 2000 ML 320 with a brand new XC90 V8 on Thursday and her first comment to me was why did my father buy another ML instead of the Volvo? It is quieter and better made. Finally, there is an R design XC90 which is a stiffer and better driving XC90 but it is ONLY available with the 6 (?????what are they thinking?????). I would recommend an XC90 to any one looking for an SUV.

24 MPG in a V8 XC90?!? You kidding? Is that normal? This is better than my 850 GLT by 1MPG.

Is there really a FWD XC90 and/or XC60? What model would I be looking for?

brandlj · Post by **brandlj** » 17 Apr 2011, 19:10

I have a 2010 XC90 with the 3.2 I-6 and FWD only. My last trip on the Interstate to Tuscaloosa Alabama netted me 24.5 mpg at 70mph with the cruise on and the A/C on also. In town I average 19mpg. Not too bad for such a big vehicle.

MatDesign84 · Post by **MatDesign84** » 17 Apr 2011, 19:24

I was unaware that the XC SUV's were FWD or AWD I assumed they were all AWD. Can you tell by badges on the back of the car if it is a FWD version? In the AWD versions, can you turn off two wheels?

Excimer · Post by **Excimer** » 17 Apr 2011, 19:41

I get 23 to 24 on the highway routinely. On long trips with cruise control I can get in the mid 24 range. I am very impressed by this tranny/ V8 combination and the overall smoothness and economy.

Post by **gshadow325** » 17 Apr 2011, 19:56

I would say that the v8 would get mpgs than the 6. The six is under powered for such a large vehicle. My t6 gets 22mpg and 18 around town. My two friends with porsches bitch about the dealer all the time....its there quite often. things breaking more often on their cars than my 153k xc90