Best year for XC90?

bobhouseholder · Post by **bobhouseholder** » 30 Aug 2016, 21:01

Hello,
I am looking to add to my two 2004 V70's with a XC90. What is the best or better years?
-Bob

Post by **cn90** » 03 Sep 2016, 14:18

I went through the same thing a few years ago, it is an issue of:

1. I6, I5 and V8 engines
2. Transmission
3. Navigation (not a huge issue for me).

After the research, settled for 2005 XC90 2.5T with 80K miles on the clock.

bobhouseholder · Post by **bobhouseholder** » 24 Sep 2016, 07:35

Appreciate the advice!

Post by **oragex** » 24 Sep 2016, 12:34

On top of it, if the owner has replaced the suspension parts with original Volvo parts, it's a good indicator the car has been properly taken care of. Do not touch on 2003- 2005 T6 3.2 models.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 27 Sep 2016, 10:16

I agree to stay away from the early T6 models, but they had the 2.9l 6 cylinder (not 3.2). This is primarily due to transmission issues.

The 2.5l turbo is generally pretty solid, and many consider it the best one.

The V8 is good also. The major flaw is that if you have a 2005, and you wash the engine with water, you can get water into the balance shaft, and destroy the balance shaft bearing. (This was fixed in ~2006 - see engine serial number for exact yes/no.)

People are also pretty happy with the 3.2l 6 cylinder non turbo.

They do go through front suspension bushings, so having had them replaced is normal and a good thing. OEM Volvo parts seem to be better here.

Roger