Wanting to buy an XC90?

[outrigger777]

The 2.5T on the XC90 is very underrated by many car enthusiasts because of it's HP. But the max torque comes in at a very low 1500 RPM--it is not sluggish off the line. In fact you could say it leaps forward from a dead stop. I read where someone called this engine a "a little bruiser", because of it's low end torque. And when I'm at the front at the light, I out-accelerate 98% of the cars around me. It has plenty of power for most people's needs. And you get a tried and true, indestructible, Volvo 5 cyl engine.

I agree it has a wide torque band which is something that paper specs and peak HP/Tq ratings don't account for.

Exactly. And the transmission interface works good for high speed acceleration too--with a lot of RPMs.

[boosted5cyl]

Exactly. And the transmission interface works good for high speed acceleration too--with a lot of RPMs.

Indeed, perhaps I shouldn't have driven a Porsche Cayenne Turbo before it haha. Again though Volvos 5cylinder turbos are fantastic engines. Compact, reliable, reasonably economical, good torque and a cooool sound!

[outrigger777]

Exactly. And the transmission interface works good for high speed acceleration too--with a lot of RPMs.

Indeed, perhaps I shouldn't have driven a Porsche Cayenne Turbo before it haha. Again though Volvos 5cylinder turbos are fantastic engines. Compact, reliable, reasonably economical, good torque and a cooool sound!

You obviously spoiled yourself for getting the 2.5T XC90.

[outrigger777]

Exactly. And the transmission interface works good for high speed acceleration too--with a lot of RPMs.

Indeed, perhaps I shouldn't have driven a Porsche Cayenne Turbo before it haha. Again though Volvos 5cylinder turbos are fantastic engines. Compact, reliable, reasonably economical, good torque and a cooool sound!

Got blocked in the left lane today by a Porsche Cayenne going 5 to 10 mph below the speed limit. Very frustrating. My 2.5T XC90 wanted to go a lot faster. Just shows most people don't need that amount of HP.

[amf8352]

I will agree, the 2.5T is an amazing bullet proof engine! Had it in my '04 S60 and am forever impressed. If you're looking for an XC90, the 2.5T with the 5-speed GearTronic may be sufficient, I would recommend the XC9 V8-Sport from 2007 onward. I purchased mine over a year ago CPO and have not had a single issue. The T6 is another great engine with the updated 6-Spd GearTronic tranny only, I believe model years 06-09? If the T6 has a 4-Spd auto tranny, stay away!

[d-roc]

Great and timely thread. I wrecked and totaled my '04 S60 two weeks ago. It was a great car. Had it since '06 and it will be missed. Now we are looking for an XC90. Thanks for all the previous posts confirming what I had heard and read about the 2.5T vs. the T6. We are specifically looking at the AWD and may have found an '04 with about 95k miles on it. Its a few more miles than I wanted but it seems like it has been well taken care of and serviced regularly through Volvo. The current owner had the 90k service done. Anything coming up I should be expecting? I know my S60 had about 120k miles on it and never really had any problems. Any further advice would be appreciated.

[outrigger777]

The T6 was only mated with the GM 4-speed transmission, MYs 2003-2005. Avoid this XC90. Good engine, but this 4 speed transmission just couldn't cut the mustard. The first XC90 6-speed transmission was with the V8, starting in MY2005, followed by the 3.2 (NA) MY2007.

[cbotd]

d-roc,

I have an 05 2.5t with 97k. Bought it a year ago with 82k. It was a single owner and well maintained. Here are the items I've tackled;

- Radio ICM went out. $1,000+ from dealer but can be purchased remanufactered for about $300 and install yourself in less than 30 minutes.
- Spark Plugs - Easy DIY project in the driveway and less than $50 in equipment.
- Cabin and air filters - Also easy DIY projects. Total for both filters is about $45
- Timing Belt and Water Pump are due at 120k but I did them early at 85k for peace of mind. $680 for both components, parts and labor.
- Rear brakes - $45 in parts. I did it myself in the driveway. it took time but no special knowledge per say.
- Had to adjust the shifter cable to allow for shifting out of P on cold days. A free fix but it took about 45 minutes to complete.
- Front Wheel bearing replaced - I had to do this at a shop while out of town and it was $750. This is a moderate to hard DIY project and the parts are about $300 if you want to save money.
- I just recently had a laundry list of items performed at 96k;
- Fuel pressure sensor - $260
- Throttle body cleaning - $305
- Inter cooler hose - $100
- Front Control Arms - $550

As a convenience and fun item I installed an iPod interface and aux input with USB. Cost was $300 and I installed it myself. Very nice upgrade over the CD changer for todays smart phones and MP3 connections.

So outside of religious oil changes and tire rotations there have been a few maintenance items (timing belt, brakes, plugs, etc) and a few gotcha items (fuel pressure sensor, ICM, the wheel bearing). All in all though the car is still in great shape and drives better than many new less expensive models I have rented. For a three row, AWD SUV it gets good mileage, has decent room and rides like a dream (comfortable and quiet).

[outrigger777]

Between the 3 Volvos I own, I have about one significant repair a year. And my 2006 AWD XC90 has the best reliability of the three.

[d-roc]

Thanks cbotd and outrigger777,

I kinda figured the timing belt and water pump would be coming up. I'll make sure to inspect the belt. The gal who owns it apparently bought an extended warranty when she bought it used that is still in place. In order to keep the warranty she had to service it regularly at the dealership so it looks like it should be up to date on plugs. I'll check the brakes as well and I planned on the cabin air filter as I doubt that has ever been changed. I love the idea about the ipod interface. At least my S60 had a tape deck too so I could use an auxiliary cassette with it. Well, I will probably pull the trigger tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up.