Looking at an '04 2.5t awd

[incrementalg]

Hi all,
New here and reading like crazy to learn about the xc90. Even after all the reading...nothing helps quite like the opinion of experienced owners.

As the title states, I'm looking at an 04 in very good condition w 118k. It's a 2 owner with solid service history (longest oil change interval was about 7k). No documented timing belt job, so I'll assume it hasn't been done. Silver w blk leather, xenon, 3rd row. Very nice condition. No signs of leaks. Plugs look good. Brakes are new. Dealer is asking $8,795. Thoughts on the price? Seems in line given the mileage.
Any recommendations on what I should look for?

I'm a long time Audi and VW owner, so I'm no stranger to cars that require care. I'm looking to get it for my wife as a kid hauler and for her work commute.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[incrementalg]

Update: The dealer says they will have the timing belt job done as part of the deal. Not sure who or where, but it sounds promising.

I found another one w 128k miles in excellent condition. The dealer says timing belt was done by Volvo dealer at 105k. 3rd row green w tan interior. No xenon, but it has rear park sensors.

How much do you guys rely on the rear parking sensors? I can be spatially challenged sometimes, so I'm thinking this might be more important than xenons. My reason for wanting xenons is because my wife works late and doesn't have the greatest night vision.

If only I could find one that meets all the criteria!

[huzzsaba]

HI,

I know this reply is late. Hopefully you picked up something by now. Any one of the xc90s are good as long as they are 2.5t. a far as the timing belt goes, on the first one, make sure they replace the related pulleys and tensioner along with the water pump since its all there.

On the second one, make sure to verify that the belt was changed. look for the sticker or you can pop of the timing belt cover and physically check the belt. it should look new with no cracks.

I havent had trouble backing up my xc90. I found the rear view to be pretty clear and it is as easy to back these up as it is to back up any volvo wagon.

As far as headlights are concerned, i think it all depends on what type of roads you drive on. In the city, it shouldnt matter. On the highways where there is no light, xenons would probably be helpful, however, I have used GE nighthawks and OSRAM nightbreakers, both of which are bright long life halogen bulbs, and found them to light up the road well. I use my fog lights at night and they surprisingly light up the road better than any fog lights I have used. One thing to note, is that the headlight lens tend to get fogged up pretty quick and could use refinishing at least once a year in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

[jeff618]

As far as headlights are concerned, i think it all depends on what type of roads you drive on. In the city, it shouldnt matter. On the highways where there is no light, xenons would probably be helpful, however, I have used GE nighthawks and OSRAM nightbreakers, both of which are bright long life halogen bulbs, and found them to light up the road well.

Take a look at the solux upgrade replacement halogens too. Big difference from oe for me.

[cbotd]

Also a late reply here, so if you have purchased, maybe this will be peace of mind.

I was in a similar situation. Former Audi and Saab owner who needed a three row kid hauler. I also looked hard and long and found a one owner service verified vehicle with 84k miles on it Mine is an 05 2.5t with park senors, third row, AWD, entertainment center, but no HID headlamps.

Either of the vehicles you listed seem to be very nice choices and hopefully one was the right car for you. I have enjoyed mine greatly and in 10 months have put over 12k miles on it due to the great comfort and decent highway mileage ( I avg between 22-24 mpg on the highway). I do use the park assist (backup sensors) quite a bit and found them handy.

My list of pros;
Comfort
Mileage for a three row AWD vehicle
Room for three boys, wife, dog and gear when going to the country house
Relatively easy to work on yourself

My list of Cons;
Gas door spring is terrible and required me o use a rare earth magnet as a fix
Radio in my 05 is way outdated and VERY difficult to replace as it is all fiber optic and integrated
Seats wear easily

Repairs I've had to make;
Timing Belt and Water Pump (took it to a Volvo specialist in my area $650)
Spark Plugs (completed in my driveway. Parts were $35)
Rear brake pads (completed in my driveway. Parts were $40)
Wheel Bearing (Was out of town and had to take it to a shop. $700 later...)
Radio replacement due to ICM going faulty. ($1,000 plus at dealer. However, I got a re-manufactured unit of the web and did it myself. costs me $300)

All in all I have been extremely happy with my purchase and hope you will be too.