Bought my first Volvo

[Billygoat21]

My company still had the owners old 2004 Volvo XC90 T6 with 120000 miles on it.

It needed tires, had a transmission cooler leak, clicking cv joint, climate fan didn't work, and interior floors were soaked from a water leak.

After researching this car I was a little nervous because of known issues with these vehicles.

It was always dealer serviced so they gave me some info on it.
Transmission was replaced at 60000
Timing belt at 114000
Angle gear was replaced with a used one at 117000
Fronts brakes were done then also.

I ended up buying it for $1000.

Bought a transmission cooler from a pic a part for $40.
Gutted the interior and dried everything out.
Fixed the climate fan by removing and lubing. (Water issue)
Fixed water issue. It was coming in from under the cowl then into the fan and floorboards.
Bought new tires
Still need to fix cv joint but it is not that bad.
Also has some other minor suspension noises I need to diagnose.

Hopefully it will be a decent vehicle. I needed something to take my kids camping in as our car was a little small for doing that.

Here are some pics.

[cuhfs]

Welcome and good luck with it!

[matthew1]

Yea, welcome to MVS. That's a very pretty XC90. That red looks great.

[June]

Welcome to the Volvo family! Now you can drive with peace of mind knowing you are driving the safest car brand on the road. I think the red is beautiful. I have driven T6 equipped Volvo cars for years and I can honestly say I love the engine in my car. I just won't trade her in because of the lack of the 2.9 twin charged T6 option. Mine is a 2004 and I had a 2002 before that. Oh my car is a S80 T6, but the engine is the same. One tip I can suggest is to always use full synthetic oil and use 10w30 in the summer. I think the owners manual says 5w40 or 10w30 must be used when the stable ambient temperature is above 87 degrees F otherwise 5w30 is recommended. These cars get really hot under the hood in the summer so I change my cars oil early by half of what Volvo calls for. Happy Volvoing , June

[oragex]

Gorgeous and very rare color. Be aware that the transmission can last anywhere from another 1 to 20000 miles with some luck. Some had it replaced 3 times. But for 1 grand who can complain? I'd drive it gently, especially when pulling from a stop.

[Billygoat21]

Thanks for the greetings and advice. I will definitely switch it to a synthetic oil. Based on the records it has never had it but the oil was changed often by the dealer.

I figure it was worth the chance based on the transmission being changed and based on the small investment of $ and time.

It's not a prize pig by any means and I still have a few bugs to work out but I think it will suit my needs well.

[Billygoat21]

What viscosity of synthetic do you run in yours June?

[June]

10w30 in the summer and 5w30 during the winter 3 months here. I have always used a 3k change schedule with synthetic and in both T6 cars the oil is really dark by then in this hot Florida climate. Oil is cheap to change so in my view why not keep it clean in a car I plan to own for many years, besides in my view it is part of being a good steward as after I trade a car in it is someone else's blessing. The owners manual states that 5w40 or 10w30 must be used when the stable ambient temperature exceeds 86° F or engine damage may occur shortening engine life. Otherwise 5w30 is recommended, also manual recommends synthetic be used in hotter climate application heavier weight requirement. That is near a direct quote from my 2004 owners manual and also stated in maintenance booklet as well for the T6 2.9 twin charged engine. I would use the 10w30 year round, but my mechanic feels the 5w30 is better during the few really cold freezing nights we get here in North Florida. I will say these engines are hard on oil probably from the heat of the two turbo chargers the oil runs through as well as the extreme under hood temperature in hot traffic driving. Always remember to let the engine idle at least one minute before shutting it off and up to five minutes if you have just been running high rpm with the turbos fully spooled up. If you shut off the engine while the turbos are spooled up you cut off the oil supply which lubricate them and damage will occur because they continue to spin at a higher rpm for a time after the engine rpm slows. I bought my first Volvo turbo in 1989 and to this day I have never had to ever replace one yet but I follow that shut off procedure. You should find that also in the manual. I figured I should mention that since this is your first Volvo turbo. I tack mine up quite regular as I like to use the manual shift mode expecially in heavy traffic or where I want to drive slow as I have a lead foot. June

[mrbrian200]

Two prettiest Volvo colors from that era in my opinion were this Ruby Red Metallic and what I have (Barents Blue Metallic). Clean and polished reflecting clear blue sky both of these color Volvos are jaw dropping crazy beautiful.

[traudesa]

Good on you for finding such a nice one for such a good price! I really want to own a car in that color at some point. Mine was a complete basket case and I spent twice as much on it, though I did get in dark blue, which was a nice change of pace for me. I got it about 7 months ago and I only just addressed all of the urgent issues as of yesterday so I can finally start driving it. The transmission may need to be rebuilt at some point as first gear feels like it may be slipping, but it has some new fluid so I'll ride it out for a while and see what happens.

I'd highly recommend that you make sure the PCV system doesn't need to be serviced as well; it's probably due if it hasn't been done already. Also, the four drivetrain fluids and AOC filter are a good idea as well.