Moving from V70 tp XC90 - Advice requested

Bobhall · Post by **Bobhall** » 08 Aug 2019, 08:03

My 2007 V70 has given me 12 years, 82,000 miles of service with no repair issues beyond a battery replacement. I could drive it to the end of my days. But I feel it is time to treat myself to some luxury, and I like the look of the XC90.

Can anyone offer me some big picture advice about the XC90, please, before I go to the dealer.

Which are the best models, which to be avoided? Are there significant repair issues? I like the hybrid idea, and would like to hear from anyone who has one. My budget is up to $65k or so.

Would appreciate advice from this very knowledgeable forum.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Aug 2019, 08:16

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Close friend is currently in the market for an SUV and has the Subaru Outback in mind. Before this we discuss whether I should purchase a Volvo XC90 or VW Atlas. Long story short he has friends with both.

The friend with the XC90 did not like his purchase whereas the Atlas owner really liked his. I purchased the Atlas as it has more room for my elderly folks and real adult size room in the 3rd row. Do I like my purchase? No! I think the Subaru Ascent drove more car like and was smoother on the road.

Since there are few complaints at this time on the XC90 I would read the Technical Service Bulletin to see what the techs are dealing with.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Volvo/XC90/2019/tsbs/

Post by **E Showell** » 08 Aug 2019, 10:30

Buy stock in an oil company if you are considering an XC90.

Post by **matthew1** » 08 Aug 2019, 11:22

June has some good observations on the SPA XC90.

Transmission Temp Hot Message 2007 C70

XC90 (2016 Or Later) Buying Advice

Post by **June** » 08 Aug 2019, 12:05

I've driven all the XC90 drivetraines but the T8 as service loaners ranging from a couple of days to over a month. I had the 2018 T6 over a month.

Personally I like the T5 front wheel drive the best as far as driving. Gets more mpg over the all wheel drive models and has easier acceleration for daily driving, is quieter and smoother above 70mph. Also 2019 and up the engine autostart stays off once turned off. 18 back autostart must be turned off at every drive if it bothers you. I HATE AUTOSTART!

2019 XC90; So to get a T5 FWD the base Momentum package or the R package is the choices. If you go for the Momentum, leather is optional otherwise pleather is standard so be sure the car has leather if it matters to you. Also the package that gives you the stereo upgrade gives you the better dash cluster. Those are important in my opinion.

I would have a 19 XC90 now if the Incription package was available in T5 FWD. Personally I want the $3,200 optional Premium sound system, 22 inch optional wheels, and the Napa leather all not available on the Momentum package. Now for the 2020 XC90 has a front grille update and the Inscription gets extra treatment to the front end that I think looks even better. So I'm waiting on the electric model to avoid the AWD and still get the Inscription packageI want.

I absolutely love the XC90 and enjoyed each I've driven. I looked at the Subaru Ascent and liked it, but it is only available with a Nissan sourced CVT transmission known to have high failure rates. The Ascent and only the Ascent is the closest to Volvo crash tests which impressed me enough to look. I could have a Ascent with the optional equipment i want for $45K. That Nissan CVT would never survive me which means I would be trapped trading at the end of the warranty. The XC90 has a Toyota sourced Asian 8 speed automatic transmission known for reliable service. Your V70 has a Asian automatic transmission by the way still trouble free at 12 years.

Do in depth research on non Volvo vehicles especially comparing crash tests to Volvo. Particular look at the small overlap crash test. Volvo always stands out better than the rest. The Ascent is the first to emulate Volvo characteristics in this crash test. When looking at the small overlap test notice the Volvo continues a forward motion and the front wheel breaks away. Where as others bounce off the barrier which is not good. That bounce is impact to the occupants body notice the Volvo does not bounce off the barrier and the wheel is not jammed into the footwell. All Volvo models react the same in this test making them safer in my opinion. We only get this one body and accidents happen! So definitely look at YouTube for crash tests of potential vehicles you are considering. June

Post by **June** » 08 Aug 2019, 13:32

Added this video on 2017 XC90 2019 is the same.

This video shows real life XC90 small overlap wreck. Notice the owner is fine of the XC90 while the other car's owner is being cut out of their car likely injured. Personally two Volvos saved me from death or serious injury. A 1998 S90 and a 2002 S80. So safety is one of the top things I look at. June

Post by **matthew1** » 08 Aug 2019, 15:07

June, see this topic viewtopic.php?f=4&t=90615 for help/troubleshooting YouTube videos in MVS Forums posts.

Sorry for the thread hijack, Bob.

YouTube troubleshooting posts cleaned up and moved out of here to that ^ topic.

Post by **June** » 09 Aug 2019, 19:23

I am curious how your car shopping is going? Sooner or later I'll compromise and order a XC90. Your post has had me thinking about it again. I'm ready for a new car. I'll keep my old one! From my long post above I know I sound fussy, but I have lived without certain options like the Premium sound and year after year I regret accepting a car without it. I didn't order the 04 like I did on previous purchases.

I ran across this page from the 1998/99 Volvo brochure and I miss the commitment Volvo used to have to give the customer the car they want equipped specifically as ordered. June

Post by **SuperHerman** » 09 Aug 2019, 20:48

We owned a 2001 and 2002 XC70. We own a 2004 and 2016 XC90.

The new XC90 is superior in every way to the 2004. The 2016 XC90 is a much bigger vehicle than the XC70. It drives better and is more sure footed, but again it is a bigger vehicle and an SUV.

The new XC90 is a big rig - It is about the same size as my old Range Rover L322.

Personally I felt the RR, twelve years older than the 2016 XC90, provided a superior ride.

The 2016 has a beautiful interior and is well put together. It works well in the snow and the safety features are top notch.

The touch panel interface is distracting and not very good. It requires way too much looking and touching to get anything done, which is dangerous when driving. The Navigation is horrible and cannot find many things, even with the most current updates. My wife has to resort to her iPhone many times.

Those are my opinions, and shared by my daughters. My wife, who owns the car, loves it.

My biggest gripe with the new XC90 is it is always needing a software update. Sure they are free, but the local dealer, leaves me feeling greasy. Gas mileage averages around 21 mpg and it requires premium.

Post by **oragex** » 10 Aug 2019, 02:32

Most display interface designers still didn't got the idea that this is not a tablet that one is browsing while lying in bed: a car screen interface should have few large and spaced buttons and a very straight forward operation. I feel these displays with absence of physical knobs for radio and climate control are mostly meant for voice control. Same goes for any other similar car (Tesla 3 stands out with tiny hard to reach screen buttons)