Considering this 2013 XC90

[cobbmic]

Hey everyone,

I've never owned a Volvo before. I'm looking for a new (used) car. I found this 2013 XC90 in my price range.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventory ... =343800128

I have heard that Volvos are more expensive to maintain and repair, so I am worried about purchasing this and then having to sink $$ for major repairs.

I tried to get a pre-purchase inspection. The issue is that I can only take it within town to get one (dealership policy), but the places that'll do a pre-purchase inspection won't do them on European models. (The euro import focused mechanic does German cars and won't look at Volvos.)

The CarFax shows regular maintenance at a Volvo dealership, personal use only, and no accidents. I test drove it and it seems like a clean car. The test drive went well. It seemed slightly sluggish starting accelerating from around 15-30 mph. Not sure if that is a problem with the transmission, or just how it is geared. I am coming from a V8 so I might just be used to more power.

Also, probably not very helpful, but I did take a video of the engine while idling just to show a couple of mechanically-minded friends: https://share.icloud.com/photos/069l0Es ... NFkrJ4cY-w

Any advice? Would you be reluctant to purchase it without an inspection?

[matthew1]

No red flags that I can see. I'd look for flood damage https://www.progressive.com/answers/flo ... d%20places. and level and condition of fluids: transmission, engine oil, power steering, brake.

[chitownV]

I would also ask about oil consumption and if you have a warranty if you experience it. Volvo schedules the big maintenance for 150k miles, however, owners have found that is too late. Volvo/dealership also runs the oil change interval too long at 7,500 miles, when it should be closer to 5,000 miles with full synthetic. At 109k miles, you will have to do the maintenance of the major systems if you don't have a history of it being done yet. However, that is almost all vehicles over 100k miles, even if the factory/dealership recommendations are later.

If you can negotiate the price lower because of the maintenance you will have to do, then try it.

Here is a link for the maintenance, you will probably spend $1,500-$2,500 if you take it to a shop, much much much less if you can do it yourself. Cooling system, serpentine system, spark plugs, filters, all fluids (including specific transmission fluid), PCV, and most likely front suspension.
https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/the- ... st-7332383

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

[cobbmic]

Awesome! Thank you so much for this information. Y'all are awesome!