Should I buy 2021 XC90 T6??

Swedishdriver · Apr 25, 2023

Presented with the opportunity to take over the lease and buy back a 2021 XC90 momentum T6 from an acquaintance. The vehicle buy has low mileage right now (about 14,000) and will be a 41k buyback in December.

List of all repairs and mechanical issues:
-Rear passenger door was repainted and the outer skin replaced.
-Start stop system had a couple of faults but has since been reprogrammed and new battery installed.
-Backup camera was replaced bc it failed. -Auto-hold hill brake feature was sticking and reprogrammed.

Neither my wife or I have ever owned a Volvo but we recently had our first child and plan for more and have only read amazing things about their safety.

I’m interested to hear about their reliability and cost of repair. For such a low mileage vehicle I’m hoping this would be further down the road but any and all opinions, personal experiences, etc with the 2021 XC90, the T6 or Volvo in general are more than welcome.

Old Reliable · Apr 25, 2023

If the repair was done right I wouldn't sweat it too much but it might mean that the car is worth less in the future if it was reported to the carfax. Something to think about. But cars are damaged all the time before they even get to the dealers lot. It's very common and when it happens it will often not be reported. It's just apart of everyday life. Cars get in minor hits all the time.

If it were my money I would personally go with the wagon, but that's my personal opinion. Overall I am very impressed with Volvo dependability. It's the safe choice dependability wise too. Volvo is a brand someone buys if they don't want any problems in their life. The car almost has to be dependable because if it breaks down in a place like Sweden you can freeze to death and die, so it has to do with safety too. That is why they are so reliable and tough.

Now despite how dependable these cars are there are still spots to check just like any car. Make sure the A/C is working fine. Check by the alternator to check for any A/C line leaks. Evaporators cores have gone out on these cars but it seems to be relatively rare.

You may want to switch to a different brake pad if you notice pulsation early on. It can be a common problem where the pad material can build up on the rotor and cause the car to act weird.

Supercharger seals can go but that is typically way down the road and I don't believe they are very hard to do and it's also pretty rare.

Overall, if you like the car I think you would be taking more of a chance not buying it to be honest with you. I believe it's one of the most reliable cars you can buy. It's not the only one for sure. There are many others, too many to list. However, it is the car you buy if you just want to take it easy and play it safe or if you want to stay out of the shop. I would put this vehicle in the same category as a Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Porsche 911, Honda, Corvette or a Cummins generator or engine. I however don't think they are as easy to work on as a Mercedes-Benz but the stuff I have done hasn't been bad, and Mercedes-Benz imo is also the benchmark anyway in terms of ease of maintenance, so if you are anywhere close that you are doing well. 👍 and these cars are not too far off. Mercedes Benz is like working on a old Chevrolet pick up truck or Camaro lol so that's not the most fair comparison if I'm honest. Volvo already does a 90 degree opening hood like Mercedes Benz so that is a great feature. They definitely seem to be trying.

And also when you buy parts, try to buy that part from an online seller like FCP Euro that offers some sort of warranty. Even a Porsche 911 or Toyota Camry can have a part go out on them early so it's always good to protect yourself. However I would not go crazy and buy some super expensive extended warranty. This a Volvo not a Bugatti Veyron lol. So I would be realistic. However this is your decision.

Stickygreen · Apr 25, 2023

Omg I wasn’t going to respond but please don’t listen to this guy if you value your money and sanity…

xc90 is a wonderful vehicle but general reliability is not one of its strengths. The powertrain itself is pretty solid, but there are many potential not-so-uncommon repairs that can get expensive. Xc90 is definitely among the safest vehicles in the world, and you will likely be happy with it IF…

-you buy an extended Volvo platinum warranty for the entire duration you plan on using the car (best deal from steingold with promo code)

-recommend buying prepaid maintenance …dealers are highly variable in what they charge for services and here in NorCal, the “charge” for my 40-60k services have already covered the cost of the prepaid maintenance up to 100k (also from steingold with promo code)

-hopefully you have a dealer close by, and preferably have other dealers within striking distance in case your closest dealer is incompetent, which unfortunately is somewhat common for Volvo.

now you could end up being one of the lucky few that have a trouble-free xc90. But I have never personally met anyone with one of these that either 1) didn’t wish they bought an extended warranty or 2) weren’t thrilled that they had bought an extended warranty

good luck in your decision…

Swedishdriver · Apr 25, 2023

Stickygreen said:
Omg I wasn’t going to respond but please don’t listen to this guy if you value your money and sanity…

xc90 is a wonderful vehicle but general reliability is not one of its strengths. The powertrain itself is pretty solid, but there are many potential not-so-uncommon repairs that can get expensive. Xc90 is definitely among the safest vehicles in the world, and you will likely be happy with it IF…

-you buy an extended Volvo platinum warranty for the entire duration you plan on using the car (best deal from steingold with promo code)

-recommend buying prepaid maintenance …dealers are highly variable in what they charge for services and here in NorCal, the “charge” for my 40-60k services have already covered the cost of the prepaid maintenance up to 100k (also from steingold with promo code)

-hopefully you have a dealer close by, and preferably have other dealers within striking distance in case your closest dealer is incompetent, which unfortunately is somewhat common for Volvo.

now you could end up being one of the lucky few that have a trouble-free xc90. But I have never personally met anyone with one of these that either 1) didn’t wish they bought an extended warranty or 2) weren’t thrilled that they had bought an extended warranty

good luck in your decision…

Thank you for this opinion! I believe that if I transfer the lease from my acquaintance to mtself that warranty and service every 10k, 20k, 30k miles does not transfer. If I am second owner would there be any limitations/restrictions you know of preventing me from getting the Volvo platinum warranty or preparing on the service?

The vehicle is in the Midwest and I would be picking it up, transfer the paperwork to my name and then drive it home back to the northeast. Plenty of Volvo dealers in my area. Because 2021 lease returns haven’t started rolling in yet our used market is mostly 2020s that have ~30k miles for ~43-48k. So seeing that this is a 21, more add on packages included into the momentum, captains chairs, only 14k miles and roughly a difference of 8-10k on buyout option compared to market value I’m tempted to say screw it, cross my fingers and hope for the best.

for reference we would be replacing a 2016 tiguan r line with fwd that personally I hate…So I am kind of a motivated buyer at this point

Wayne T5 · Apr 25, 2023

Swedishdriver said:
Thank you for this opinion! I believe that if I transfer the lease from my acquaintance to mtself that warranty and service every 10k, 20k, 30k miles does not transfer. If I am second owner would there be any limitations/restrictions you know of preventing me from getting the Volvo platinum warranty or preparing on the service?

If there are any unused initial services remaining (10k, 20k, 30k), they go with the car. Same with the original warranty.

Ultrarunner511 · Apr 25, 2023

If it’s under the factory warranty still, you can purchase an extended warranty. As Stickygreen said, I highly recommend it if you plan on keeping the car long term. The extended warranty on our 2017 has paid for itself 6 times. It was a no brainer for me to get the extended warranty on our 2021. VIP platinum is the only way to go IMO.

In terms of reliability, neither have failed to start. They’ve always reliably and safely transported us to our destinations. But expensive fixes like the AC evaporator can pretty much pay for the entire warranty.

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Old Reliable · Apr 25, 2023

Stickygreen said:
Omg I wasn’t going to respond but please don’t listen to this guy if you value your money and sanity…

Oh I don't think it was that bad of advice. Volvos are great cars. Every car can have problems even a Honda or Porsche 911. Toyotas at one point had some problems too. But those are my go to cars, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Porsche 911, Volvo, I also really like the Alfa Romeo 4C. That would be a wonderful and very reliable car as well. Many to choose from if OP wants more than just one. I would probably get a few if I were him. Especially those 80s-90s Volvos and Mercedes, those cars are sweet!

371083 · Apr 25, 2023

The buyout price seems a little bit high. I have the same vehicle and my buyout in the contract shows $36,000. Up to this point I was thinking about keeping it but recently experienced some ignition issues and other minor problems.

Old Reliable · Apr 25, 2023

Tank010 said:
The buyout price seems a little bit high. I have the same vehicle and my buyout in the contract shows $36,000. Up to this point I was thinking about keeping it but recently experienced some ignition issues and other minor problems.

I had this conversation one time with a tech who did work on my Mercedes and what he said was if a car is typically having problems like this early on that it isn't a very good sign in the long term. I know this is probably not what you want to hear and I am not saying that these problems can not be solved, but it's typically a pattern. Idk I would almost be inclined to look around for another nice one or see what you can find because even a Volvo or Toyota can have a weird problem and I don't know if you want to really take that chance.

Old Reliable · Apr 25, 2023

wrong thread my bad

thecanadaman · Apr 25, 2023

The replaced doorskin wouldn't shy me away from it, but I believe the buyout is too high. If you are in Canada and the PRESENT DAY payout is $41K that is OK ... but in the US, no freaking way.

Personally I think I would buy an extended warranty for it. Don't forget, I work at a Volvo dealer.

Trixstar · Apr 25, 2023

I think the XC90 is quite reliable. My 2018 needed a headlamp repair for water intrusion which I repaired myself for $10 and a few hours of time. The AC evaporator was also repaired to the tune of $4000. The CV axle shaft needs to be replaced, but its just a minor wobble I experience during acceleration and axle shafts going bad are quite rare. Overall, Im still happy with the car and foresee it lasting a long time mechanically speaking. Its currently at 130,000 kms and I plan to drive it to 220,000 kms

BenjaminD · Apr 25, 2023

They're good cars – for a family, I would say they're among the best. They require usual maintenance like any highly-engineered European vehicle – this is not some agricultural Toyota product that will run on WD-40 and 87 octane until it rusts out!

There's always the possibility that you might encounter a few small problems as the vehicle ages, but the major mechanical systems of the vehicle are robust as long as you avoid a first-year model from 2016. These are long-lasting cars with high quality paint and trim, proven powertrains, and decent – if not brilliant – user technology. They are also unequivocally the safest things on the road. (Only the biggest and heaviest of Tesla or Mercedes products might come close in a crash.)

You get what you pay for, but don't overpay

Good luck to you!

leadfoot15 · Apr 25, 2023

Ultrarunner511 said:
If it’s under the factory warranty still, you can purchase an extended warranty. As Stickygreen said, I highly recommend it if you plan on keeping the car long term. The extended warranty on our 2017 has paid for itself 6 times. It was a no brainer for me to get the extended warranty on our 2021. VIP platinum is the only way to go IMO.

Would folks who have purchased VIP platinum be able to share how much I would expect to have to pay? Currently considering CPO 2020 T8 or 2021 Recharge with a year or two of factory warranty left, but being the primary family car and wanting it to be around for a while, def want to opt for the extended warranty...

SilverStreak177 · Apr 25, 2023

leadfoot15 said:
Would folks who have purchased VIP platinum be able to share how much I would expect to have to pay? Currently considering CPO 2020 T8 or 2021 Recharge with a year or two of factory warranty left, but being the primary family car and wanting it to be around for a while, def want to opt for the extended warranty...

Price depends on mileage

Ultrarunner511 · Apr 25, 2023

leadfoot15 said:
Would folks who have purchased VIP platinum be able to share how much I would expect to have to pay? Currently considering CPO 2020 T8 or 2021 Recharge with a year or two of factory warranty left, but being the primary family car and wanting it to be around for a while, def want to opt for the extended warranty...

We paid $3200 for the VIP platinum (6 year/120k mile) on the 2017. That was back in 2017 upon new car purchase. Over $20k has been paid out in services. The warranty just expired April 1st [emoji17].

I paid $4800 for the VIP platinum (10 year/150k mile) on the 2021. That was in early 2021 soon after the purchase. Have almost 42k miles on it so no extended warranty yet.

You’re gonna find that the price exponentially goes up over time. CPO is also a very good thing to have. Extend it to unlimited miles if offered! However, I’d recommend steering far away from the T8’s in all years.

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Swedishdriver · Apr 25, 2023

Tank010 said:
The buyout price seems a little bit high. I have the same vehicle and my buyout in the contract shows $36,000. Up to this point I was thinking about keeping it but recently experienced some ignition issues and other minor problems.

So turns out the current leaser isn’t sure what the end of lease buy out option is. Currently it’s at 43k with 6 months left. I would assume it falls around 40k if not a little under.

leadfoot15 · Apr 26, 2023

Ultrarunner511 said:
We paid $3200 for the VIP platinum (6 year/120k mile) on the 2017. That was back in 2017 upon new car purchase. Over $20k has been paid out in services. The warranty just expired April 1st [emoji17].

I paid $4800 for the VIP platinum (10 year/150k mile) on the 2021. That was in early 2021 soon after the purchase. Have almost 42k miles on it so no extended warranty yet.

You’re gonna find that the price exponentially goes up over time. CPO is also a very good thing to have. Extend it to unlimited miles if offered! However, I’d recommend steering far away from the T8’s in all years.

Thanks @Ultrarunner511 !! Really appreciate the info. I've gotten a sense that T8 has issues, but seems the worst of which are with the supercharger, so presumably this will be an issue with the T6 as well? T5 seems very underpowered, and we're looking for 6-seater (which is not an option for T5)... kinda stuck with the supercharger unless we buy a 2023 Recharge, which is out of our budget

Ultrarunner511 · Apr 26, 2023

leadfoot15 said:
Thanks @Ultrarunner511 !! Really appreciate the info. I've gotten a sense that T8 has issues, but seems the worst of which are with the supercharger, so presumably this will be an issue with the T6 as well? T5 seems very underpowered, and we're looking for 6-seater (which is not an option for T5)... kinda stuck with the supercharger unless we buy a 2023 Recharge, which is out of our budget

I’m unaware of any supercharger issues aside from the seal. The T8’s are plagued with problems with the electronic rear axle drive (ERAD). That will be a $5,000+ service if you are outside or warranty. That’s if the parts are available. Warranties are great but if your car is out of service for months, then it’s worth a lot less. Especially if loaners aren’t available.

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BenjaminD · Apr 27, 2023

ERADs have gotten better over the years, but I don't think they have ever been 100% bulletproof perfect. The supercharger seals aren't a huge issue. They have been replaced on some T6 engines, especially earlier ones, but you don't hear about it very often. The normal gasoline-engine cars are pretty rock solid.

Should I buy 2021 XC90 T6??

Swedishdriver

Old Reliable

Stickygreen

Swedishdriver

Wayne T5

Ultrarunner511

Old Reliable

371083

Old Reliable

Old Reliable

thecanadaman

Trixstar

BenjaminD

leadfoot15

SilverStreak177

Ultrarunner511

Swedishdriver

leadfoot15

Ultrarunner511

BenjaminD

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