Advice on buying a used XC90 model 2009-2014

[LoveClassicVolvo]

Hi All, it is great to know this forum, and thanks in advance for your advice. First I would like to share my research. I think doing the research first before asking for input is polite.

1, The reason for considering an XC90

I have a S60 and it drives great. Now perhaps we need a second car. Safety is the top priority, especially we have a plan for a cross country trip with close friends on the car. I have read the IIHS test data carefully to find XC90 exceptional. More importantly, Volvo always put the safety first, not just to get a good test score. In addition, there are more very aggressive drivers now.

2, The reason for considering the first generation

The first generation is at the same level regarding safety. The only noticeable differences are the new models have stronger cage during the side crash test and a better roof strength. However, the new models especially CPO ones can easily cost $45,000 CAD. Since I don't drive a lot, the better option is a 2009 - 2014 XC90 under $16,000 plus taxes. Even with some repairs, it still saves the wallet.

3, Here is what the research kicked in.

In general, the later models have fixed some issues like what T6 had. Our budget is enough for an 2010 - 2012 with potential repairs counted in, and it is a bit stretch for 2013-2014 if the mileage is the same, but still within the reach.

I also learned that 3.2L in 2010 has a piston issue, and V8 between 2008 to 2011 should run better. The belt change is a thing, and the big SUV entails a new brake more frequently.


Then the selections are refined to

1, V8, 2008 to 2011
2, AWD 3.2, 2011 - 2014
And
1, Clean the roof drain frequently
2, Watch for maintenance record in particlar the belt
3, AWD only

I will definitely test drive with a technician when I really see a nice XC90 advertisement.

Do I need to consider anything else?

Thanks!

[ggleavitt]

V8 is a wet motor if not resealed after 150k miles or so, will seep and leak and give you all sorts of concerns as you see them.. Stellar motor for this vehicle with belt driven front for accessories, runs hot under the hood so anything pliable gets hardened and eventually leaks over time (valve cover, timing cover, PCV hoses, PS pump seals, etc.). Counterbalance shaft in the center of this motor with a cast depression in the valley for the rear bearing (exposed). Early issue with standing water in the depression (eventual catastrophic failure when bearing binds and timing chain breaks) was mitigated by a hole drilled in the depression followed by a change in the rear bearing beginning in 2007 (I have a 2006 with the old bearing and a drilled hole).

3.2 I6 is a good motor (I own two V8s so somewhat biased), has a geared READ unit to drive the accessories so no belt. Reports of excessive oil consumption with a number of documents available on this subject. I believe this concern is predominantly noted with the earlier "S" variant of the motor and goes away more or less with the introduction of the "S5" motor in 2010 or 2011.

Your model year range for both powerplants is ideal, omits 05 to part of 07 valve body solenoid concern with TF-80 transmission.

Maybe after validating service and or general condition of the powertrain you can have a closer look at front suspension. After around 120k miles or so, the front-end needs a refresh. If you're testing the vehicle with a person who knows this model, they "should" be able to tell you where the vehicle is at as far as condition but unless work has already been done, the vehicle is probably going to need to some love up front.

Sunroof drains always need checked when taking ownership, another area to check is under the base of the windshield. You'll see two drains on either side of the windshield below the plastic screen. Shine a light down there and make sure your plenum drains are not clogged. If they are, you can get interior flooding from a hard rain under the intake air cowl on the passenger side.

Service records are always best, at least you know someone has been paying attention.

Good luck in your search.

[Krons]

A month ago I bought a 05 XC90 2.5T AWD for my kid. Good advice above on sunroof drains and cowl clogs. Easy to check A-pillars for any wetness...if wet/stained it is a negotiation point and easy fix.

I would not rule out the 2.5T. I'm a fan of that engine and find the power to be fully adequate. The T6 transmission stories scare me off, others can vouch for when they were fixed.

[ggleavitt]

Problem with the 2.5T is that it stops being produced in the US after MY06. MY05-11 is V8, otherwise your only "standard" choice starting MY07 is the 3.2 I6. I lament the fact that the 5 cylinder powerplant continued to be produced for the rest of the world until Swedish production stopped in 2014. Motor have also been offered in the XC90 Classic that manufactured by Geely in China. Sure Volvo had a good reason for offering this motor to everyone less North America but I've never heard it. I owned one ('05) for 15 years and while nothing close to a V8 for pure "pull", it's a reasonable motor and very reliable.

[Krons]

Oh, and on sunroof drains...after purchase I would absolutely pull the A-pillars (easy to do) and verify the hoses have not shrunk. Mine were hard as a rock and I'm certain Volvo either sized them just barely long enough or they shrank as they didn't fully engage the rubber boot at the bottom.

[xHeart]

All good points, Krons; we drive a 2013A 3.2 Premier and it runs quieter. Third row seats and it flattens to awesome space behind the front seats.

I love that the Service Schedule II is clearly spelled out in VIDA. It is an easier engine space to work on; and fewer items than 2.5. Here is my progress. viewtopic.php?t=90085.

[chitownV]

Well, there are more choices for the 3.2 and the most recent options in the 3.2. It's a solid powerplant and the main thing to look out for is the maintenance. It is much easier to work on compared to a 2.5t with camshaft seals, or V8 with alternator or balance shaft issues. Did I say the maintenance? The thing with the drivetrain (and other parts) in the 3.2 is it's the same as the V8, so the transmission, axles, even the radiator, is over specced for the 3.2, and as a Used vehicle you don't have to worry about the V8 torque and someone's happy right foot reducing drivetrain life.

I know that people like to see the dealership maintenance records, but that could be an issue since the dealership/Volvo does ~7k mile oil change intervals. If there are records for shorter oil changes with synthetic oil, then that's a great candidate. The issue isn't the piston, but those extended oil change intervals using non-synthetic oil. Extended oil change intervals are an industry-wide issue. If the serpentine belt/water pump/thermostat was already done, that's great too. Volvo specs 150k miles, but owners have found that is too long and it's better to do it closer to 100k miles. PCV job is easy peasy 10 minute job.

As ggleavitt iterated, the front suspension may need to be done. We see it worn as early as 80k miles so anywhere north of 100k miles, consider that. It's similar to the S60, but the XC90 can easily weigh 600lbs+ than an S60.

Here are two references for you to consider in the suspension and the 3.2. For the 3.2 thread, read at least the first few pages.

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/chit ... ts.590829/

https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/the- ... ls.599937/


If you want to learn about oil consumption due to poor oil change history, here you go. Again, good oil changes with a less than 7k miles interval and synthetic are the keys. I don't have an issue with oil consumption and many many others don't either, regardless of year 3.2. Unlike a 2.0 engine which saw issues at 30k miles (or earlier) and P3 T5 at 60k miles, the 3.2s with poor oil change history that see oil consumption don't normally see it until past 100k miles. Did I mention maintenance with good oil changes?
https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/3-2- ... st-8029921

[Krons]

Worth a review:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/which-xc90-to-buy/