XC70 2009 T6 vs 2008 3.2

[dowdell88]

Hey Everyone,

Long time lurker coming to you for some advice on my next Volvo.

My 2005 XC70 was totaled by a red light runner. I just received my check from insurance and with my budget I can spend $10,000 (US) on my next Volvo.
After an expansive search I have it narrowed down to 2 at a dealer an hour away.

Option 1: 2009 XC70 T6, 148k miles, asking $8,995

Option 2: 2008 XC70 3.2, 104k miles, asking $9,995

I called to set up a test drive of both options tomorrow.
Both have been for sale at this dealer for 9 months which makes me nervous. The T6 seems like it should be a good deal plus it has great service records.
What should I be looking for on each car at that age/mileage?

Thanks!

[dowdell88]

According to the Carfax, option 1 had its entire maintenance lifespan done at the original Volvo dealer that sold it.
It also shows that it had recommended maintenance service preformed at 142k miles as well as 147k miles 2 months before it was traded in.
This tells me that the 150k mileage service has most likely been done but makes me wonder even more why this great car has been available for 9 months?

[mrscullini]

i have both and '05 and '08 3.2. coming from your '05 with a turbo, the 3.2 will seem like a dog. i don't mind but my wife prefers the '05.

the big issue i'm battling now is that it appears i must replace a fuel pump at a cost of $1500. other than that, i'm happy thus far with the '08. i've got about 97k on the clock. $9995 seems high for the '08, but maybe not for upstate ny. with proper maintenance, i would expect you could get near 300k out of either. all things being equal, i'd probably lean towards the t6 and try and get them down on price.

[dowdell88]

I ended up checking out and driving the T6 for 80 minutes. I immediately saw that all rotors & pads we're rusted to death.

It looked like the car had been sitting in a pile of snow for months. The Tires had about 8 months of tread life but we're cracked all over.

The underside of the car was also very rusty. It drove perfectly and the T6 was very quick. However there was a loud click noise on every wheel rotation from the front wheels. Very noticeable when turning right on residential streets.
Add to that the rear fog lights & downhill assist didn't work, I offered him $8,500 for the the car including new rotors & pads. He said no so I left.

The 3.2 also had its share of problems but driving it made me realize I don't need the T6 from a performance stand point. I wouldn't need it with my driving style. So at least I learned something.

Currently focusing my search on 2009 3.2 XC70s.

[matthew1]

dowdell88, any updates on your search?