Looking at 2003 volvo xc90

rayk1215 · Post by **rayk1215** » 28 Mar 2012, 08:30

I'm currently looking to purchase a 2003 xc90. The car has 250000 miles on it but is mechanically sound. There are a couple of issues however that I'm concerned with and need input. The first is that the car somehow got water in the passenger side doors. This water got in the car also and went under the front passenger seat where the module (?) that controls the radio and the ABS. (There is currently an Anti-Skid error message). Both can be repaired for around $1600. The seller is willing to fix the radio (with some price adjustment) but the mechanic said that it is ok to drive the car with the Anti-Skid message. Can someone please give me some guidance. **This would be my first Volvo**. Thanks

Post by **fazool** » 28 Mar 2012, 11:58

I am not an expert on XC90 models but :

The audio module is NOT under the passenger seat. There *is* an optional amplifier that goes there. If defective it can be easily bypassed by unplugging it from the back of your stereo head unit.

The brake control module is NOT under the passenger seat. It is by the firewall near the master cylinder.

This car sounds like its a flood damaged disaster and someone is completely lying to you about the extent of the damage.

Flood damage cars are some of the worst because their problems are widespread and you cant physically see the damage.

Flood damage cars are good for disassembling to salvage sheet metal parts from. Consider every single electrical component suspect (even if its working perfectly now). Every fabric cloth foam or otherwise-absorbant material is suspect as it will grow mold and rot.

The traction control module is acting up.

RUN AWAY from this. And on your way out, tell the seller they are a lying crook.

rayk1215 · Post by **rayk1215** » 28 Mar 2012, 12:50

Thanks for the info.....considering the price of Volvo parts would this be a good buy at thet right price for a 'parts' vehicle? Again, very new with the Volvo 0line

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 28 Mar 2012, 16:26

What is the asking price? How does it drive?

Xc90s are know to leak water inside from clogged sunroof drains as well as water getting in windshield cowl. Either way, I would remove the carpets and dry out any water from under there as well check the sunroof drains. There are write ups on how to clear the drains. Post back and Someone here can help you.

I would consider buying it if the price was super low and if you are willing to do most of work yourself.

rayk1215 · Post by **rayk1215** » 28 Mar 2012, 21:55

huzzsaba wrote:What is the asking price? How does it drive?

Xc90s are know to leak water inside from clogged sunroof drains as well as water getting in windshield cowl. Either way, I would remove the carpets and dry out any water from under there as well check the sunroof drains. There are write ups on how to clear the drains. Post back and Someone here can help you.

I would consider buying it if the price was super low and if you are willing to do most of work yourself.

Thanks for that info. I have seen a couple of post to that effect. Sellers are personal friends. This was the wife's car (traveling nurse) that she drove all over the region. Vehicle is a one owner and well maintained (service records are available). The wife recently bought another car and this car was displaced out of the garage....lots of rain last week (8-10 in). All of that being said, asking price 3500....KBB books it at retail/private seller excellent condition 6800 (yes, even with 250000 miles). http://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc90/2003-volv ... vate-party
Again, I totally new to the Volvo line and didn't realize their value retention. I will continue to look for posts concerning those drain. So is this a reasonable price?

Thanks

rayk1215 · Post by **rayk1215** » 28 Mar 2012, 22:02

BTW, test drove the vehicle for about 60 miles.....beautiful ride ....also had my brother ( a mechanic) to test drive it also....he was very impressed with the handling and how well maintained it was

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 28 Mar 2012, 22:55

Hi,

is this the T6 model or the 2.5T model. if it is the T6 model then you should be aware of the transmission troubles you might or mostprobably will face. I think the price is ver reasonable since it seems to not be a flood car but instead a clogged drain situation. In any case, i would get the carpets removed and dried since it seems the water did short out the electrical system and also the YAW sensor located under the passenger seat.

In short, if the maintenace and most importantly the timing belt was done recently, I think the price is okay but i would try to go lower if possible.

Good luck and let us know what happens

rayk1215 · Post by **rayk1215** » 29 Mar 2012, 07:49

huzzsaba wrote:Hi,

is this the T6 model or the 2.5T model. if it is the T6 model then you should be aware of the transmission troubles you might or mostprobably will face. I think the price is ver reasonable since it seems to not be a flood car but instead a clogged drain situation. In any case, i would get the carpets removed and dried since it seems the water did short out the electrical system and also the YAW sensor located under the passenger seat.

In short, if the maintenace and most importantly the timing belt was done recently, I think the price is okay but i would try to go lower if possible.

Good luck and let us know what happens

This is the T6 model. Again, car was very meticulously maintained. The actual selling price was 3000 as is. Working with the seller and splitting the cost of the repairs (radio, a brake light issue, carpet removal, drying, finding source of leak, etc..... ~$1000. Splitting this adds the extra $500.

Reasonable?

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 29 Mar 2012, 09:32

sounds good. Just keep some cash aside in case the transmission decides to go out. Just saying because it is a common failure item on the t6. Keep us posted!

Post by **matthew1** » 29 Mar 2012, 09:47

Two things raise flags for me about this buy.

Buying a car from a friend: not really a good idea. Purchases involving much less than $3.5k have ruined friendships.

XC90 T6: there are a few "rules of thumb" here at MVS, and one of them is don't buy a T6 XC90.