Questions regarding buying a used 2016+ Volvo XC90

[bryanbrown]

Hey y'all,

I'm currently looking into getting a used XC90 as a family car. I currently have only one car, a 2018 Mercedes C43 AMG. I bought it with the idea of having it be a fun luxury compact car that I can use as an early family car, but with my parents and my wife's parents wanting to visit the baby it's not quite cutting it. I have no plans to sell the car, so I decided to look into getting a used SUV. I initially looked at the German offerings but it looks like they were behind in the tech offerings up until 2019 or later, which are a little over my budget, which is around $40k give or take.

After looking on used car websites, I realized that the 2016+ XC90 seems to offer quite a lot of interior value (cooled seats, Apple CarPlay, remote start) at a decent performance for the T6 models, not to mention Volvo and safety. It has quickly become my number one option, but I don't know much about Volvo and the reliability history in recent years.

Is anyone able to give me any advice regarding my purchase? From what I've gathered so far, the 2016 model is not a good buy given the first year of the production run. It also looks like cooled seats are only available for the Inscription line, so I'm probably looking at T6 Inscriptions. Anything else I'm missing? I know a good independent mechanic that I'll be servicing with so that wouldn't be an issue, but if there's something else to consider before buying one I'd love to know. I don't have a clue about the driving dynamics, but I'm not too concerned about them as it would primarily be a family hauler. Any information on suspension quality would be welcome. I wouldn't mind getting a 6-seater but it's not absolutely necessary as I wouldn't be seating more than 5 passengers including the baby.

Thanks in advance.

[Krons]

Volvo had some oil burning issues in 2015-16 timeframe, do some googling and you should be able to find details on when they were resolved.

[matthew1]

If you want cutting edge infotainment, get one with Android. If you want reliability, get one with Sensus. I've read of dissatisfaction with frequent over the air updates/glitches with Android (AAOS). https://www.volvocarsrichmond.com/volvo ... review.htm

I don't know the switch over model year, but it's around 2020 or 2021.

Have it checked out by your mechanic https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/houst ... a-problem/

[scot850]

The engines had a bit if a rough start out, but the service manager I know at one of the local dealers says they are no worse than any other car. The 4 cylinder engine itself is based on a diesel block so is tough. It is the other stuff around the engine you have to be careful with.

I would look for a service history, even with an independent, and then if you have a decent dealer in your area have them inspect it. The outlay is worth it.

Neil.