XC90 years/types to avoid?

jbrew · Post by **jbrew** » 10 Oct 2009, 22:01

Getting ready to purchase my 7th volvo - branching out from my wagon to an XC90 and wondering if there are any particular years or engine types I should avoid? Thanks!

Post by **meine39** » 11 Oct 2009, 07:27

Consumer's lists the 6 cylinder XC90 on their 'Worst of the Worst' Used Cars to Avoid List, which they define as 'multiple model years with much worse than average reliability ratings'. Looks like black marks center around transmission and 'drive system' (presumably the all wheel drive hardware).

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 14 Oct 2009, 11:45

The 2003-2006 XC90 T6 is the one you want to stay away from. Any XC90 with the 5 cylinder is very good, whether it be a 2wd or awd. The 2007- XC90's with the 3.2 has been fine, no real problems yet. All the V8's have also been very strong.

Overall the biggest complaint is the brakes, they wear out fairly quickly.

Red October · Post by **Red October** » 16 Oct 2009, 15:05

Thanks, I was going to post this very question. My wife has her eye on an '06 2.5, and I am going to try to talk her into the '07 3.2... Plus, I just want the extra power..

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 19 Oct 2009, 09:33

If I was given a choice between the 3.2 and the 2.5t, I would take the turbo. In my opinion the 2.5t is going to feel stronger because of the extra low-end torque. It is also a very proven engine and trans combo. The condition of the vehicle plays a large role as well, but you know what your gonna get with the tried and true setup. Bigger engine does not always mean more power, especially when the smaller motor has a turbo. (They are both very nice cars

)