early XC90s built better then P2 cars?

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 02 Mar 2012, 20:20

This question is really for those who have owned both an XC90 and a P2 S60/V70/XC70...

We've found our 2001 V70 T5 and 2003 XC70 to be some of the most high maintenance cars we have ever owned. I do 90% of my own wrenching and tend to buy 4-7 year old eurocars. One can argue that I'm either buying them right before they need most of their maintenance or right after. Lots of luck with other euro cars over the last 20+ years (Porsche, Saabs, Vw, BMWs) but this time around we dove in head first with two Volvos...it's been a bumpy 3 years to say the least...

Anyways, I'm kicking around a few used SUV (other will rename anoymous) and 03-04 XC90 (AWD) with the 5cyl engine are one of those I'm considering, we know about the T6 tranny issues. I've spoke with several 5cyl owners who are very happy with their rides.

This time around I'm looking for those who have owned or do own both and want to share their experience.

Have you found the XC90 to be more reliable or less prone to premature and bizarre failures? or about the same?

Hoping to not insite any debates about Volvo quality. One would usually think someone as concerned as me would avoid Volvo but understand different models have different design philosophies too. I've got a Vida Dice and know the 5cyl engine well and combined with low resale prices on XC90 (compared to other euro SUVs) I think I should give Volvos a fair shake.

With that said I'm not looking for input from those who have not owned or wrenched on P2 cars. I'm sure most of you are happy with your XC90s!

Thanks.
Shawn

adki110 · Post by **adki110** » 04 Mar 2012, 15:37

I own both an XC90 and an S60 both are 2006 models with the 2.5T engine. The S60 is my work car with 133,000 miles, the XC90 with 52,000 miles is the family taxi/cargo van. Overall both have preformed well. My only dislikes are the rate that both use tires, the XC90 at 25,000 miles and the S60 at 40 to 45,000 miles. Also the suspensions seem a little weak, both have had a front end part replaced. Other than that just normal maintence for both.

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 04 Mar 2012, 20:12

Thanks for comments this was the kind of input I was hoping for. I'm quite sure the later model P2 are a major improvement over our issue riddled 2001 & 2003 and I suspect that the XC90 has the same weak front end that ours are plagued with. But since I know how to deal with common front end premature failures, I'm not to concerned.

I'm still interested in any other inputs...especially with module failures, fit/finish and squeak/rattles.

outrigger777 · Post by **outrigger777** » 04 Mar 2012, 21:00

I've owned an 2006 2.5T AWD XC90 with 72,000miles for 30 mos. now, and I love it. The only repair costs I've had is with bearings. R front bearing and both rear bearings. Total costs c. $1300. ($43/mo for repairs)-Highly acceptable! My mechanic said the early XC90 rear bearings originally had defective seals, but usually went bad within the warranty period (50,000miles), and were replaced for free. Mine lasted 72,000miles--lucky me. Just learned that the that XC90s built before July 2006 had weak spline sleeves which led a to a lot of people driving FWD XC90s when they thought they had AWD. They found out when they got stuck in snow or mud. My XC90 was built in Sept 2005 so I have the weak spline sleeve. Just took my XC90 to a snow covered field, and with my daughter videoing me, did some fun activation of my AWD, proving mine is not broken yet. I have read a suggestion that if you have one of the pre-July 2006 XC90s you should replace the spline sleeve with the new and improved one--about $400. Probably most are still working, but if they fail, there are no noticeable symptoms. To sum up, I think the car is great with just minor problems, and I LOVE driving it. Also, it's my impression from on-line user-reviews that from 2006 onward people are very happy with their XC90s. A lot of people are furious with Volvo for their XC90s between 2003 and 2005--mostly T6 problems of course.

As for other P2 platform cars, my mechanic says not to buy used Volvos made between 1999 and 2002, when Volvo quality took a dive after the Ford purchase. He especially hates the ETM problems in this period. My daughters 2002 v70 has been a pretty good car though--only suspension and front end repairs.

Hope this helps.