XC90 purchasing tips

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 13 Apr 2017, 06:51

Hi folks - I'm a long time Volvo owner but have so far confined that to older 740/850/S70 models. I am tired of the crap performance and build quality of my Dodge minivan and am thinking about upgrading to an XC90. I have three kids and need the extra row of seats so the XC90 is the only real Volvo option out there. As I'm new to these vehicles any tips on purchasing a used one? I'm totally happy with almost all maintenance and repair (done in my driveway) short of pulling an engine. Thanks for any input.

Post by **cuhfs** » 13 Apr 2017, 10:37

Should be able to find some common issues searching MVS. Transmission is one common item to be aware of.

Post by **scot850** » 13 Apr 2017, 11:22

There are a variety of engines from 2002/3 on to 2014/5 (?) the last years.

Early cars had a 2.9l 6 cylinder twin-turbo engine which from what I have read is prone to issues, but not read any info defining what those are. In 2004-06 a 2.5T engine option came available and to me the best of the engines. Problems are similar to the other 5 cylinder engines. Only issue I have found is the difficulty of finding non-interstellar mileages on these out west here. In 2005-11 there then became a V8 engine option. Engine is said to be good for the most part but more expensive to maintain and is not great on gas mileage.

In 2006/7 a 6 cylinder 3.2l engine replaced the 2.5T. Engine is supposed to be an improvement but is a disappointment as it needs to be rev's as the torque comes in higher than the 2.5T and is not great on gas. Talking to Volvo sales guys they tell me that it was not Volvo's finest hour. Only advantage they have is the 2009- are said to be the best made XC90's with less of the issues of prop-shaft bearing failures and rear wheel bearing failures.

Beyond that I have not owned one but am in the process of looking at purchasing one in the next few months and selling the V70's to move into newer car territory as I get older and wider!

I have often said that I would never buy one but as life changes, our need changes. If I want to continue owning Volvos after over 40+ years this is where I will need to look. Unfortunately in North America we never got the best option of the diesel engines. Whether you like him or not, Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame, loves the XC90 and he and his wife have owned 3 at the last count.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_XC90

Good hunting!

Neil.

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 13 Apr 2017, 12:24

Thanks for the info Neil ... If I do end up taking the plunge I think it would be for one of the earlier T5 models as I am quite familiar with those engines and all their glorious faults.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Apr 2017, 12:37

Using MVS's Powersearch https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/powersearch, here are posts in both Volvo XC90 and Buyer's Guide categories.

I'd buy a 2.5T if I was good with a long search for a good sample because they're long out of production. If not, a V8 or 3.2. Never a T6.

Post by **oragex** » 13 Apr 2017, 13:00

yep, the transmission on a T6 lasts between 50 and 80k miles, perhaps less for a rebuild one. Even when the car is being driven by granny. But you may get a deal for one whose owner just had the transmission replaced for the 2nd time and it's getting rid of it.

other than that, I'd have a look on this forum for issues posted by owners. check out also http://volvoforums.org.uk/ and http://volvoforums.com/forum/ . You'll get the right idea because many people will say it's a perfect car, which it's not always the case. The awd is very commonly worn at the collar gear and not easy to fix. The DEM module on the AWD also lets water inside and corrodes, costs a fortune to replace and can't be replaced with a used unit. All in all, it's not a hard car to work on, and tons of used parts available off Ebay.

Post by **cn90** » 13 Apr 2017, 20:11

Less headache if you buy the 2.5T. I posted a similar thread a few years ago:

viewtopic.php?t=63988