[Adelo]

I am looking to buy a 2005 XC90 T5 FWD from a family owned dealer in NJ. The car has 75K miles. I had the dealer add a one yr basic warrenty on the car fro Mid-Atlantic Warrenty.

I am a little concerned about the high mileage. What issues do you typically see for this 2005 model at high mileage? Do I have my basics covered with this warrenty?

 

[gus_dog]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. Seeking owner's advice ... (Adelo)

We've got over 90k miles on our '03 2.5T FWD with no real issues that I can think of in the last 30k miles. I think the only thing I've had to replace was the ignition lock and some light bulbs. Our cd changer went out, but that can happen at any mileage. I'm getting ready to replace the timing belt, but you've got a little while. Higher mileage really doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

[dmd]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. Seeking owner's advice ... (Adelo)

It is the most solid engine trans yet. Enough power for anything we need. Not a race car, but what can
you expect from a 4000lb car. Get to 70 with ease getting on the freeway..

 

[1sttimevolvo]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. Seeking owner's advice ... (Adelo)

If you've access to the service records for the car and scheduled maintenance has been performed in a timely manner, there shouldn't be any engine or tranny problems.

Smaller issue of concern would be wheel bearings, as there was a rash of failures (we had left rear replaced under warranty at about 44k).

With the exception of a radio problem resolved in the first month after delivery and the wheel bearing (all early warranty items) we've not had a problem with ours and we're at nearly 103,000 miles. http://********************/smile/emcocktl.gif

 

[Synesis]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. See ... (1sttimevolvo)

Most folks think this is the most reliable configuration for the XC90. No potential angle gear issues from the AWD. Likely the best mileage as well. Pull the oil cap on any you look at and look to see evidence of how well the oil was changed, and check for sludge. Also, find the yellow handled dipstick for the trans and check to see if the fluid is dark or smells burnt. Most any of the XC have issues with bearings at unpredictable intervals, and many have issues with rubber parts in the suspension. Due to the weight, many go through tires and brakes fairly regularly.

But putting these potential concerns aside this is a very enjoyable vehicle, has great utility and packaging, is comfortable, and is a stellar road vehicle. Built like a bank vault, quiet, and some of the best seats in the industry.

I have a friend who regularly buys XC90's in this configuration with many happy customers. But he won't touch a T6. Most of the reliability issues associated with the XC90 are with the T6, and this is confirmed by searches here, and by specific notes to avoid the T6 by Consumer Reports.

 

[JimJa43]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. See ... (Synesis)

At present Volvo is owned by Ford. Everyone knows this. One of the admin things Ford does with Ford vehicles is keep a data base of significant service work on all it's vehicles sorted by VIN.

The question is, does Volvo not do this.

Check with any Volvo service center (VIN in hand) and ask them to run it against Volvo's data base. If they do this, there will be a record of any unresolved recalls or significant work for the past 12-18 months. Of course the work will have to have been done at a Volvo dealer for this to show up.

 

[Qbrozen]

Re: Little concerned to buy a 2005 XC90 2.5L FWD with 75K miles. See ... (JimJa43)

Not just significant work, but every little thing shows up on the dealer's computer (as long as done at volvo dealer). When we bought ours, we went to the dealer and they printed up an 8-page document of the vehicle's history. The previous owner took it to the dealer very very often with alot of silly complaints, none of which we have experienced.