Purchasing a Used XC90

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 05 Jul 2018, 14:49

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a used XC90, ranging from model years 2011-2014.

What are your thoughts on reliability? I have read some reviews, such as http://www.jdpower.com/cars/Volvo/XC90/2011 that seem to suggest poor reliability, but wanted to know your experiences.

Thanks for your help!

Post by **ggleavitt** » 06 Jul 2018, 07:19

Last of the series, last of the line, by the time you get to this MY range it's as reliable as it's ever going to get. A plus for the latter years is that there are a number upgraded versions of the XC90 available, such as the Executive (more luxurious) and R-Design (more active handling). Only the normally aspirated 3.2 I6 is offered by then in the US, drive one at speed, get a feel for the powerplant in this car if you have not done so.

The XC90 may have a slighly higher suspension maintenance cost than some other cars of this class, in part due to the design. Higher and heavier XC90 SUV body built on the P2 passenger car platform. Works great but has a tendency to stress the front end as far as repetitive motion parts (LCA, spring seat, end links as examples).

To a degree which makes the maintenance cost high and reliability poor? In my opinion no, but you should be aware of this inevitable maintenance area in advance. If you own an XC90, sometime after around 100k you'll want to be thinking about the front end. The clunks and rattles will tell you if you're not proactive enough.

But that's pretty much it in my personal opinion by the time you get to 2011 and beyond.

Good luck in your search.

edit- typo(s)

Post by **oragex** » 06 Jul 2018, 09:35

Very good answer above. I'd like to add a few things. You don't mention a mileage, but you may find some on sale at the dealership have around 100k miles, as mentioned above, that's when the car starts needing some wear repairs which are not cheap but worth fixing. For these parts, most of us just buy them online on sites such as Fcp, Ipd, Eeuroparts where you can find either genuine or aftermarket parts - I'd recommend spending on genuine. Then bring them to a local garage that frequently works on Volvo - careful here as many will say they know.

An XC90 is generally rather expensive to own, quite more than the smaller S60 or even XC70. Generally speaking after 2011 these don't have major issues, but still require money on the side. What is the most important is to look for a car with a single owner and several maintenance work done at the main dealer.

One issue with the 3.2 engine was the R.E.A.D assembly. I'm not aware if it was fixed in the later years, but rather expect it to fail, here's some information

https://www.scottsautomotivemd.com/volv ... ory-drive/

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-xc9 ... 2-a-71741/

I'm also not aware if the later years has issue with the PCV design. Worth gathering information and even replacing the PCV before the 100k mark. By the past these systems had always failed around that mark.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 06 Jul 2018, 11:26

3.2 I6 had a number of reported issues in the earlier years, can see this document as one reference- http://www.pennantmotors.com/personal/s ... -05-15.pdf

PCV on this particular engine is a straight forward, it's built into the valve cover. Don't hear too much about 3.2 "common" problems these days, it's the default engine across a number of P2 models after 2007 so in service numbers are not small by any stretch.

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 06 Jul 2018, 14:49

Thanks, everyone. I'm looking at a couple XC90s, both with around 45000 miles. One we are looking at is a pre-certified XC90. We currently have a 3.2 S80 2009 which has faired well so far...should I expect the same from the same engine in an XC90?

Ultimately, we are trying to decide between getting another Kia Sedona (which was totaled in a flood) or getting an XC90. We just don't want to end up with more repairs than we can afford.

Post by **June** » 06 Jul 2018, 15:34

My vote is for the XC90. JD powers is a joke in my opinion as well as Consumer Reports. I dont think Volvo greased the works good enough. It comes down to driving conditions and proper maintenance.

In my opinion the paramount thing to me is safety. One late night when a drunk hits you on the highway killing/maiming
You or your loved ones, would you rather say "I wish I had bought the Volvo!"? There is that famous photo of the Camero that hit the old lady in the XC90 head on killing all 4 in the Camero since half the car was gone and the elderly woman opened her door and lived. I have seen that photo on MVS and is the era of XC90 you are looking at. I doubt she would be alive had she been driving the KIA. Something to consider. June

Added the photos of that wreck. I personally have had two Volvo cars save me from serious injuries or death. 1998 S90 Executive and a 2002 S80 T6 Executive. I am thankful I could open the door both times and step out.

Post by **Rattnalle** » 06 Jul 2018, 15:48

ggleavitt wrote: ↑06 Jul 2018, 11:26 3.2 I6 had a number of reported issues in the earlier years, can see this document as one reference- http://www.pennantmotors.com/personal/s ... -05-15.pdf

PCV on this particular engine is a straight forward, it's built into the valve cover. Don't hear too much about 3.2 "common" problems these days, it's the default engine across a number of P2 models after 2007 so in service numbers are not small by any stretch.

In Volvos larger markets in Europe the 3.2 was barely sold at all. They were all diesels or V8s. People who wanted a sensible car bought the diesel and the people who wanted something fancy the V8.

wanderdüne · Post by **wanderdüne** » 06 Jul 2018, 15:49

If you don't work on your own cars, and are concerned with repair prices, I would suggest the 2015/up Sedona; older ones have weak roofs. Given what else is out there on the road, and what I can afford for the next 10-12 years or so; I won't send my wife and family out in anything except an XC90. Our '03 is safer than any other car 12 years newer. Any car can pass crash tests. XC90's are strong enough to pass in real life accidents. No joke.

I will add (unasked) that you could save yourself a ton of money buying an older example in great shape. Essentially the same vehicle from 2003-2014. nearly identical from 2007-2014.

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 06 Jul 2018, 16:21

I agree re: saving money buying a used Volvo. But will the lack of a warranty plus the vehicle being 6 years old already with 50,000 miles put us at a great disadvantage mechanically vs. new minivan with full warranty?

Post by **Rattnalle** » 06 Jul 2018, 16:29

How much do you value comfort? Minivans are practical but usually quite terrible to ride in. At least in every other seat than the drivers.

6 Years and 50k is barely broken in though unless it's been badly treated. If anything that's a bit too few miles which could mean lots of short trips. A few more miles but onger trips is easier on the car.