[SwedishDoomGoblin]

Wife and I are heavily considering retiring our trusty old XC70 this year and maybe stepping up to a current gen V90 or V60. Used of course. I'm still trying to figure out the differences between the T5/T6, and B5/B6. Anyway, I'm not gonna lie. A high strung 2.0L that's being force inducted every which way possible kind of spooks me, but I'm willing to give it a shot if they're actually proving to be good after all. Seems they've been out long enough, so what sayeth this crowd? They showing themselves to be pretty reliable? I'm spoiled by my bulletproof 3.2NA, and although it's slow and boring, it's still doing great. It's an '08 and we've owned it for nearly 11 years now. Cars these days are crazy expensive, so we're at least hoping to get comparable life out of our next ride, ya know?

Also, Volvo-wide, how are the electronics doing overall? Sensus issues aside. Haha. Kinks been pretty much worked out on these latest platforms?

 

[V50_M66]

They seem pretty solid. Avoid MY16 due to oil burning issues, and MY19+ gives you a faster infotainment screen so look out for one of those. My mom has been super happy with her V60CC, and it hasn't given her any problems yet, but she has only had it 2 years and 35k miles. When I drive it, I am impressed by how effortlessly comfortable and decently fast it is being just a T5. Very smooth power, and the transmission always does what you want, which is a big departure from the 6-speed auto of yore. The all-screen thing is annoying though, especially the climate control, which isn't really fully auto and requires three separate taps on the screen to drop 2 degrees. I'd familiarize yourself with them, make sure you like them (especially the screen situation), and then find a newer CPO if you can swing it and not have to worry.

Or, honestly, just keep your XC70. It has more cargo space than any of the new Volvos with the possible exception of the XC90, that 3.2L I6 is basically unkillable, and they seem to just go forever.

 

[Island_V70]

I have a V60 and a V70. The V70 carries two dogs in the back, the V60 carries one. Unless your V70 is on its last legs, you may just want to keep it.

 

[Wayne T5]

Wife and I are heavily considering retiring our trusty old XC70 this year and maybe stepping up to a current gen V90 or V60. Used of course. I'm still trying to figure out the differences between the T5/T6, and B5/B6. Anyway, I'm not gonna lie. A high strung 2.0L that's being force inducted every which way possible kind of spooks me, but I'm willing to give it a shot if they're actually proving to be good after all. Seems they've been out long enough, so what sayeth this crowd? They showing themselves to be pretty reliable? I'm spoiled by my bulletproof 3.2NA, and although it's slow and boring, it's still doing great. It's an '08 and we've owned it for nearly 11 years now. Cars these days are crazy expensive, so we're at least hoping to get comparable life out of our next ride, ya know?

Also, Volvo-wide, how are the electronics doing overall? Sensus issues aside. Haha. Kinks been pretty much worked out on these latest platforms?

I traded my '15 XC70 T6 eight months ago for a new V60CC and would never go back. For the smaller V60CC the T5/B5 is absolutely fine, acceleration is adequate, will be much faster than your '08. I had an XC90 B5 as a service loaner last week and for my limited hour round trip from the dealership and back it sounded louder and a little more taxed - no surprise.

I've made peace with the screen as I'm just not one to be adjusting climate settings all that much. Only thing I ever do is turn on the seat and wheel heaters from time to time.

At this point the bugs have been well worked out of this platform and it's just a really nice car - design, comfort, mpg, performance on any level (handling, acceleration, ride, headlights!) are really strong.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

If it fits your budget, get a CPO T6 AWD, 2019+. Check the In-service date as well. Cars of the same year can be a year different in age and corresponding warranty time.
My opinion, is buying a car that still has existing bumper-bumper coverage (even if it is almost expired, and you don't plan to continue it), shouldn't have any pre-existing conditions, or at least much, much less likely to.
Big difference between T5/T6 is more punch/response off the line, and a bit more top end power. I've only driven T6 and T8s, so can't really comment on T5, but I assume it is "quite adequate" for most people. Something like 5/6 the total power of the T6, hmm, works out amazingly well. T#x50hp... T5≈250hp T6≈300hp T8≈400hp, never really thought about that until now. There is a T4 in some markets, right? are they about 200hp?

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

Thanks for all the insights, everyone!

They seem pretty solid. Avoid MY16 due to oil burning issues, and MY19+ gives you a faster infotainment screen so look out for one of those. ...
Or, honestly, just keep your XC70. It has more cargo space than any of the new Volvos with the possible exception of the XC90, that 3.2L I6 is basically unkillable, and they seem to just go forever.

Cool. Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking '17+ for sure. Will avoid '16 thanks to everything I've heard around here. And I hear ya on my XC. I really did want to keep it until at LEAST 300K, which it will easily do, but the infotainment unit hasn't worked in years and the A/C is shot which has been misery in South Texas summers. Personally, I'd like to just tackle these issues, but I've already wasted a ton of time on figuring out the radio issues (which is annoying cuz we can't see what HVAC is doing, just have to blind guess) and the A/C is going to cost a fortune to fix. Wife's just over it. I'm happy though. I feel like we have extracted a LOT of value out of this car. It really has been superb overall. What a high quality, well built interior.
Edit: Forgot to mention my perpetually on CEL which has been on for about the last 120K miles or so. Haha. Most likely bad cats which between fixing that, the radio, and the A/C far exceeds the value of the car. Still runs great though, so whatever. Like I said though, wife's ready for something newer.

I have a V60 and a V70. The V70 carries two dogs in the back, the V60 carries one. Unless your V70 is on its last legs, you may just want to keep it.

No doubt. It's disappointing how much room is lost with the sloping (but great looking) rear end of the newer ones. I shall always mix the boxier Volvos of yore. My XC70 has been an absolute work horse. Wish they still made anything quite like it. At least when it comes to interior dimensions.

I traded my '15 XC70 T6 eight months ago for a new V60CC and would never go back. For the smaller V60CC the T5/B5 is absolutely fine, acceleration is adequate, will be much faster than your '08. I had an XC90 B5 as a service loaner last week and for my limited hour round trip from the dealership and back it sounded louder and a little more taxed - no surprise.

Nice to know! Maybe the swap won't be so bad after all. And I agree about the XC90. I've sat inside them at the dealer and I am super not interested in them. Hard pass. Same with any of their "SUVs". A shame that represents the majority of their current lineup, but that's pretty much every manufacturer these days. ....sigh.... oh well.

If it fits your budget, get a CPO T6 AWD, 2019+. Check the In-service date as well. Cars of the same year can be a year different in age and corresponding warranty time. My opinion, is buying a car that still has existing bumper-bumper coverage (even if it is almost expired, and you don't plan to continue it), shouldn't have any pre-existing conditions, or at least much, much less likely to.

Agreed. I feel much more confident about a CPO. Hoping I can swing a 10 yr/Unlimited mile upgrade. Might be worth it on these since we tend to love our vehicles long time.

Big difference between T5/T6 is more punch/response off the line, and a bit more top end power. I've only driven T6 and T8s, so can't really comment on T5, but I assume it is "quite adequate" for most people. Something like 5/6 the total power of the T6, hmm, works out amazingly well. T#x50hp... T5≈250hp T6≈300hp T8≈400hp, never really thought about that until now. There is a T4 in some markets, right? are they about 200hp?

Ha! Good catch on the math! Easy to remember. Yeah, you might've convinced me. I've always been bored with the 3.2NA from day 1. If I'm spending a pile of $$$ anyway, I don't want to be disappointed again for the next 10+ years of ownership. Think I'll shoot for T6/T8. AWD is an absolute requirement for us as well. We travel cross country usually a couple times a year to Montana and the stellar AWD on our XC is what's made travel a dream. ESPECIALLY since we often have our skis loaded up in the roof box and will take the mountainy backroads all the way up or back, hitting up ski areas along the way from New Mexico, through Colorado and Utah, Idaho or Wyoming, and finally Montana. FWD is a non-starter for us for sure.

 

[V50_M66]

Thanks for all the insights, everyone!


Cool. Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking '17+ for sure. Will avoid '16 thanks to everything I've heard around here. And I hear ya on my XC. I really did want to keep it until at LEAST 300K, which it will easily do, but the infotainment unit hasn't worked in years and the A/C is shot which has been misery in South Texas summers. Personally, I'd like to just tackle these issues, but I've already wasted a ton of time on figuring out the radio issues (which is annoying cuz we can't see what HVAC is doing, just have to blind guess) and the A/C is going to cost a fortune to fix. Wife's just over it. I'm happy though. I feel like we have extracted a LOT of value out of this car. It really has been superb overall. What a high quality, well built interior.


No doubt. It's disappointing how much room is lost with the sloping (but great looking) rear end of the newer ones. I shall always mix the boxier Volvos of yore. My XC70 has been an absolute work horse. Wish they still made anything quite like it. At least when it comes to interior dimensions.


Nice to know! Maybe the swap won't be so bad after all. And I agree about the XC90. I've sat inside them at the dealer and I am super not interested in them. Hard pass. Same with any of their "SUVs". A shame that represents the majority of their current lineup, but that's pretty much every manufacturer these days. ....sigh.... oh well.


Agreed. I feel much more confident about a CPO. Hoping I can swing a 10 yr/Unlimited mile upgrade. Might be worth it on these since we tend to love our vehicles long time.


Ha! Good catch on the math! Easy to remember. Yeah, you might've convinced me. I've always been bored with the 3.2NA from day 1. If I'm spending a pile of $$$ anyway, I don't want to be disappointed again for the next 10+ years of ownership. Think I'll shoot for T6/T8. AWD is an absolute requirement for us as well. We travel cross country usually a couple times a year to Montana and the stellar AWD on our XC is what's made travel a dream. ESPECIALLY since we often have our skis loaded up in the roof box and will take the mountainy backroads all the way up or back, hitting up ski areas along the way from New Mexico, through Colorado and Utah, Idaho or Wyoming, and finally Montana. FWD is a non-starter for us for sure.

How about getting a loaded 2015.5 T6 XC70? You get all the space, way more power, a familiar layout that works, and more features, for much less than an SPA V60 or V90.

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

How about getting a loaded 2015.5 T6 XC70? You get all the space, way more power, a familiar layout that works, and more features, for much less than an SPA V60 or V90.

We just might do that if we can encounter a prime, low mile example. You're right tho. It checks SO many boxes. Part of us simply kind of wants something different, though. Also kinda not feeling dropping a not insignificant amount of coin on an 8 year old vehicle that'll be coming up on some expected maintenance items. For our primarily family hauler that is (my C30's my floozy , hawt side piece). Torn. These P3 XC's are so solid.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

...
Agreed. I feel much more confident about a CPO. Hoping I can swing a 10 yr/Unlimited mile upgrade. Might be worth it on these since we tend to love our vehicles long time.
...

You don't have to buy the unlimited mile, you can get 100K mile as well and save a few bucks. Assuming you don't think you will keep it/drive it 100K miles. I know I never will, so I chose that instead of the unlimited.

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

You don't have to buy the unlimited mile, you can get 100K mile as well and save a few bucks. Assuming you don't think you will keep it/drive it 100K miles. I know I never will, so I chose that instead of the unlimited.

We currently have 218K and rising on our XC70. We tend to pack the miles on. Some years we as much as 30K. In cars past, I'd blow through around 50K/year.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

We currently have 218K and rising on our XC70. We tend to pack the miles on. Some years we as much as 30K. In cars past, I'd blow through around 50K/year.

Wow, well in that case... Unlimited is all about you then. Since lockdown, both me and my wife are full time WFH, I don't even have an office anymore to go to. We are doing about 8,000 miles a year total on all/both cars now. We used to do about 30,000 total on all cars combined each year (I typically had 3, 2 daily's, and a toy).

 

[Sumfuncomet]

Wife and I are heavily considering retiring our trusty old XC70 this year and maybe stepping up to a current gen V90 or V60. Used of course. I'm still trying to figure out the differences between the T5/T6, and B5/B6. Anyway, I'm not gonna lie. A high strung 2.0L that's being force inducted every which way possible kind of spooks me, but I'm willing to give it a shot if they're actually proving to be good after all. Seems they've been out long enough, so what sayeth this crowd? They showing themselves to be pretty reliable? I'm spoiled by my bulletproof 3.2NA, and although it's slow and boring, it's still doing great. It's an '08 and we've owned it for nearly 11 years now. Cars these days are crazy expensive, so we're at least hoping to get comparable life out of our next ride, ya know?

Also, Volvo-wide, how are the electronics doing overall? Sensus issues aside. Haha. Kinks been pretty much worked out on these latest platforms?

I have a 2018 90CC T6. Get a well optioned car, B&W, luxury package. I would not consider a T5. I have had 4 XC70s, the last a 2014 Platinum, and this is my first SPA wagon. I had a 2017 S90 Inscription which was a wonderful car. It does many things well. Better mileage, better lux features. The V60 backseat is absurdly tiny….good for children, that’s it!

 

[Wayne T5]

The V60 backseat is absurdly tiny….good for children, that’s it!

It's actually larger than the XC70.

 

[Sumfuncomet]

It's actually larger than the XC70.

If I sit in V60 or V70, adjust my drivers seat to my position. No one ever complained about the XC70. I’ve driven my sisters V60 and no one wants to sit in the back of that. It’s smaller than a Mazda CX5…….no one likes it

 

[SwedishDoomGoblin]

I shall find out the truth of the legroom matter soon. I'm planning on A/B/C comparing my XC70 to a V60 and V90 next to each other at my local dealer. Busting out the tape measure too so I can feel out cargo space too.

As to leg room, the S90 is KING! This is me in the backseat of a new one at my dealers showroom floor. The driver seat was set to me (6') so this would be me sitting behind myself so to speak. WOW!!! All it needs is a chauffeur to go with it!

 

[Wayne T5]

If I sit in V60 or V70, adjust my drivers seat to my position. No one ever complained about the XC70. I’ve driven my sisters V60 and no one wants to sit in the back of that. It’s smaller than a Mazda CX5…….no one likes it

Ha ha, have you ever seen the backseat of a P3 V60 - now that's tiny. The SPA V60's backseat is cavernous by comparison.

 

[Wayne T5]

I shall find out the truth of the legroom matter soon. I'm planning on A/B/C comparing my XC70 to a V60 and V90 next to each other at my local dealer. Busting out the tape measure too so I can feel out cargo space too.

As to leg room, the S90 is KING! This is me in the backseat of a new one at my dealers showroom floor. The driver seat was set to me (6') so this would be me sitting behind myself so to speak. WOW!!! All it needs is a chauffeur to go with it!

View attachment 177645

View attachment 177644

The S90 sells well in China where owners have chauffeurs to drive them around. It's so large it looks a little ridiculous.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

I shall find out the truth of the legroom matter soon. I'm planning on A/B/C comparing my XC70 to a V60 and V90 next to each other at my local dealer. Busting out the tape measure too so I can feel out cargo space too.

As to leg room, the S90 is KING! This is me in the backseat of a new one at my dealers showroom floor. The driver seat was set to me (6') so this would be me sitting behind myself so to speak. WOW!!! All it needs is a chauffeur to go with it!

View attachment 177645

View attachment 177644

Yep, S90 ruined Volvo for me. I'd love a wagon, but even the V90 would be disappointing without that extra back seat room. Plus the cool rear passenger side seat functions with being able to control all the windows, and all the shades, and the seat in front of you!
(Also, what is with the blue tape on the door controls?)

 

[Island_V70]

If I sit in V60 or V70, adjust my drivers seat to my position. No one ever complained about the XC70. I’ve driven my sisters V60 and no one wants to sit in the back of that. It’s smaller than a Mazda CX5…….no one likes it

I'll have to check this out. I think our V60 is a little bit smaller in the back seats maybe, but still fine for adults. It is the storage area behind the seats that seems maybe half as big as a V70.

 

[Island_V70]

I shall find out the truth of the legroom matter soon. I'm planning on A/B/C comparing my XC70 to a V60 and V90 next to each other at my local dealer. Busting out the tape measure too so I can feel out cargo space too.

As to leg room, the S90 is KING! This is me in the backseat of a new one at my dealers showroom floor. The driver seat was set to me (6') so this would be me sitting behind myself so to speak. WOW!!! All it needs is a chauffeur to go with it!

View attachment 177645

View attachment 177644

Get a real big box that barely fits in the 70 and see if you can get it in any of the other cars.