Looking at XC-90's

Post by **aktie9** » 28 May 2011, 11:03

I'm looking at used XC-90's to replace my dearly departed 1995 850 T with. Is there anything out there to look at while looking at & test driving XC-90's?

I just read the ball joint recall page, so I will be on top of that when I look/purchase one. Volvo is a really great company, and I can see why folks keep coming back. I just received a recall notification the other day for my 1995 Volvo, which is incidentally 16 years old. It was for a heat shield for the gas tank. That is amazing to me that they care that long about me--it is my safety afterall, if something were to go wrong. This is why I've come to my senses & will be sticking with Volvo.

So anyways, if you know of anything on XC-90's to look for, avoid, whatnot--I'd appreciate it greatly. Years to avoid? I'm looking for used ones, since I'm a avid recycler, don't mind getting a deal, and have a BFF who is a mechanic.

Thank you! Heather

outrigger777 · Post by **outrigger777** » 28 May 2011, 14:06

If you've read anything on this subject, you probably know not to buy an xc90 with the T6 engine--very bad GM transmission. But just in case you don't know, do not buy one with a T6 engine. It's rule #1 when buying an xc90. '03-'04 models seemed to have had some bugs to work out, even if they had the good 2.5T engine. The 2.5T comes from the venerable volvo 5 cylinder engine line, and has a very high reliability and longevity reputation. However, after '06, the 2.5T is not offered. Your choices are the 3.2 non-turbo 6 cylinder engine and the ford/yamaha V8. The 3.2 had some problems with seals in the '07 models, but this problem seems to be fixed. The v8 and 3.2 seem to be good engines, but they don't have the established track record that the 2.5T has. I have an '06 2.5T, that I've owned for a couple of years. It had 42,000 miles when I bought it, and I've put 21,000 miles on it. Have had to replace a right front bearing ($400), otherwise it's been a great car. IMHO the 2006 2.5T is the sweet spot for the xc90--bugs worked out from the earliest models, and the 2.5T is still available.

Post by **aktie9** » 29 May 2011, 14:33

Thank you for the quick reply! I've been reading about the T6's now, thanks to you. Too bad about that tranny/rad issue it looks like? I will keep my eyes looking for a 05-07 3.2T then. Or possibly the v-8. I'm looking for the kid-dog vehicle, not something that will be used every day. So I don't mind missing the gas savings--altho I wish there was an economical kid-dog car, and safety-reliability too.

xallenx · Post by **xallenx** » 01 Jun 2011, 19:48

+1 on the 06 2.5T. I just bought mine used on Ebay with 86K miles. It has 91K and no problems so far. Very reliable and the 2.5T motor is one of the best!! GOOD LUCK!

Post by **aktie9** » 02 Jun 2011, 14:33

Thanks! I'm still looking around. How was the eBay transaction? I always wondered how that went. Will have to look into it, I'm not finding anything in the 2006 year range around here. I'm in Volvo country,(Central Massachusetts) I assume most people here keep them for a long time.

xallenx · Post by **xallenx** » 02 Jun 2011, 20:10

To be honest with you, I got very lucky and was very fortunate to have purchased the car from a private seller. I was able to negotiate the price down to 12K and it had 86K miles on the xc90. I live in SC and the xc was in NC which made it easier for me to go and test drive the car. I had to change all four tires since the old ones were pretty bald. Keep us updated. You should check craigslist. Also, make sure to check the dipstick when the engine is running. If you see smoke, negotiate to lower the price because you will need to change the PCV system. Check this video: This was performed by a pre-purchased inspector which I specifically requested. The sales person said he didn't see smoke. But this was the proof.

Post by **gshadow325** » 04 Jun 2011, 06:02

Best way to buy a XC90, ask yourself what you need and what you want.

AWD?
5 or 7 passenger?
Heated seats?

Also is there a Volvo dealership near you to do the work? or Do you have a good Indy? or ADo you have a DIY person in your home?
To get 7 passengers IIRC you have to have AWD
7 passenger will get you rear AC and usually premium stereo
Heated Seats will get you a cold weather package and will add in heated mirrors that fold.

When the miles hit the magical 100k price starts dropping. The over 100k cars usually have stuff failing or near the point of failing thus the trade in or the reason for sale most of the time. I would not buy solely off of price. I would look at that private seller asking above the average price. That seller might have a stack of reciepts and warranties still in effect. You never know. Those little things matter in the long run. I bought my T6, yes a T6, because it got a trans done 6-7000 miles before i bought the car. He also had tons of reciepts for work he has done. He was originally asking $9500 for a 143k 2003. sight unseen thru some talking he was down to $7800, after seeing the car. I ended getting it for $5800 plus tax and tags from a private seller. turns out he needed $5500 cash to give to the dealership to finish the deal on his new subaru that i dropped him off at! T6's should not be written off 100%, can be considered if, key word is IF the trans has been done recently with documents to prove it AND who did it. Volvo dealership did it, then i would consider it, AAMCO or a corner trans shop....IDK about that. Go with your gut feeling and see where it takes you. Sorry for the long post but i have been there and done that. It seems like the natural progression of the "Volvo for Life" owner....850>850 wagon>s70>v70>xc90 LOL

Good Luck, you should post up what you find and see what current owners respond back with. Dont rush into it, there are alot to choose from!

Post by **aktie9** » 04 Jun 2011, 10:12

TY Xallenx, that's a good video to keep handy & in mind when looking at them. I see you have a 95 850 (that's the year I have) is non-turbo better for longevity vs the turbos? Mine was a turbo. From what we can glean it's engine block has cracked due to overheating the engine, when the coolant hoses went initially. I have so many new parts into that car, it's so sad seeing it sit in the driveway.

OK Thank you gshadow325. I won't be put off on the T6's so much. This vehicle here: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/2417924166.html I just inquired on. It is pretty perfect for what I'm looking for. Altho I could take or keep the DVD, only cause we had a dual one in the volvo & It lasted a couple years & now is dead. I am looking for the 3rd row seating. That is something I wanted in the 850 turbo, since it's always nice having the extra seats for extra kids, plus we're thinking about having another kid & already have two kids, plus two dogs.

Hubby can do most of the fixes we've come across on the 850, (850's engine block cracked, overheated) he just doesn't get excited to do an engine--altho he's willing, I'm the one who is more put off by it (altho the experience would be great to have) I'm really wanting a newer car, with more room. If I can find a shell.. 850/ V70--that has an engine & the 3rd row seating--well I have parts from the 850 that could go into it, in the future--I'm not opposed to that, at all. I'd almost rather save the money & get a fun convertible for the weekends/driving singly.. It's a hard decision, that's what it is! We also have a friend who is a ASE mechanic with all the gadgets that can do the bigger fixes or work with hubby & I.

Good to hear that your T6 is doing good. I had a 93 9000 CS. It took 3 transmissions also to get it all set. My sister had it then, and mistakenly? traded it in for a 97' 9000 CSE and had to put a tranny into that car, as well. Sadly that car was killed by a Jeep, but saved her in the process. Cars.. are so frustrating! Altho last I heard, her tranny/engine is still going from that 93 9000 CS in another 9000.

Thanks again, Heather

outrigger777 · Post by **outrigger777** » 04 Jun 2011, 14:53

Have to disagree with gshadow. My Volvo mechanic recently told me a story about one of his friends--ok I know when it got to me it was a third hand story--who bought a T6. It was a great price and the tranny had just been redone. He advised his friend not to buy it, but to no avail. His friend bought it anyway, and guess what--the transmission when out after a few thousand miles. I know, I've read stories on other blogs about people who have had no problems with their T6 trannies, but the stories about failures between 20,000 and 50,000 miles are legion. A car is big investment, and buying into a known problem is not a good move IMHO. You may luck out--but then again you might not-- and transmissions are expensive items to roll the dice on.

Post by **gshadow325** » 04 Jun 2011, 15:34

heather,

use this site to seach for your

http://www.searchtempest.com awesome craigslist search engine

quick check
03 xc90 2.5l awd 3rd row 128k $10k
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/ctd/2414819390.html
04 t6 68k 3rd row $12k, this is a gamble, low miles might not have trans done yet
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ctd/2412715911.html

this one asking $10.5k would be nice deal at $8500-9000
http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/ctd/2410600171.html