[Raff]

Hi Folks,

I am new to the forum and I am looking for some advice in purchasing a used 03-05 XC90 7 seater.

I wanted to compare the 2.9L T6 to the 2.5L. I have been searching reviews online and I am seeing that most of the major problems are coming from the 2.9L T6 with the transmission breaking down.
I was leaning towards the 2.5L since it has the 5 speed automatic rather than the 4 speed automatic that the T6 has. The gas mileage would be better on the 2.5L which is very attractive. I am also concern on the reliability, the XC90's that I have seen for sale has an average mileage of 75k-85k on the clock. Is there anything else I should look for a prepare myself to repair once I get an XC90.

If I may get some feedback and input on what some of you members have experienced with both models, that would be a great help in making my decision.

This vehicle would serve the purpose of a family hauler.

Thanks,

Raff

 

[ChicagoT5]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Raff)

After 53K miles, I am trading my 2.5T in on a V8 Sport. The only issue I have had with the 2.5T was a failed wheel bearing, which seems to affect all Volvo models. The 2.5T does a surprisingly good job of moving the XC90 around, and it works very well with the 5 speed tranny. Volvo did an excellent job when they designed this motor!

Good luck!

Modified by ChicagoT5 at 10:13 AM 6-6-2009

 

[Raff]

Hi ChicagoT5,

Thanks for the input. I will keep that in mind while looking around for an XC90.

 

[Raff]

So, my wife and I test drove an 04 2.5L today.
It felt like it was a bit top heavy when turning the steering wheel back and forth on a straight. It felt kind of soft as well. A bit under powered but, I am looking to use it more for family hauling and Costco runs.

 

[crash]

Re: (Raff)

From days of old, volvo offered Drive for Life Events where new owners get to try out what the xc90 can do on a controlled 'track'environmentm using volvo equipment.

the event partners two drivers to an xc90. So as a front passenger on one of the runs around course, it seemed like I could touch the pavement if I was stupid enough to stick my hand out.

The moose avoidance test for us course was designed at 40mph, we tried at 50 and it didn't flip. The instructors said volvo sales guys got to do it at 70mph.

The point is, the volvo will lean much further that you can think possible and not roll over.

btw, it was a lot fun drifting the xc90 around a turn.. ie, the T6 side ways drift coming out of the apex.

..I hope that helped.

 

[-ForceFed-]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Raff)

I would recommend steering clear of any 03-06 model XC90's. We are so backed up doing 4T65 transmissions that we are on a month backorder with volvo. I think we diag. 2 bad trannies a week, got one in my stall as we speak... grinding on deceleration, medal debris in the bottom of the pan http://********************/smile/emthdown.gif

Other issues were seeing now which is new is the bevel gear couplers in the 2.5L models shearing off including the bevel gear splines. Bevel gears cannot be rebuilt so are now replacing them with the coupler service kit.

All in all way too many trans, wheel bearing, chain wheel housing, and bevel gear issues to make it worth it.

So far the newer model XC90's seem to be holding up pretty well. Havent had to do much work with the 3.2L models or the V8 other than regular maintenance and the damn BLIS camera reduced performance messages.

 

[1sttimevolvo]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (ForceFed Motorsports)

If the 03-06 models are now starting to exhibit these problems, then wouldn't it be similar for the 07 and later models to begin exhibiting the same in a few years?

Did Volvo really make such significant changes to the bevel gear design that such won't happen in 2011 and on with the newer models?
If some of these problems are NOW becoming more prevelant, it's likely Volvo didn't make significant changes in newer models either.
So perhaps the advice oughta actually be steer clear until 2011.

 

[-ForceFed-]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (1sttimevolvo)

They ditched the ****ty GM trannies to we can only hope for the best. The yamaha V8's are pretty solid so far and the trans they are using now are completely different so hopefully wont have the same issues as the previous generation XC90's.

Wheel bearings though.... may just come with the territory.

 

[crash]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (ForceFed Motorsports)

how long are the 'rebuilt' trannies supposed to last based on rebuilt specs?

would appreciate your opinion on this.

thanks.

 

[Pinstripe]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (ForceFed Motorsports)

Quote, originally posted by ForceFed Motorsports »

I would recommend steering clear of any 03-06 model XC90's. We are so backed up doing 4T65 transmissions that we are on a month backorder with volvo.

Those are only on the T6 models, not the 2.5...

 

[-ForceFed-]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Pinstripe)

Quote, originally posted by Pinstripe »

Those are only on the T6 models, not the 2.5...

I am aware of this. The bevel gear issues we are having is with the 2.5 engines though. Sorry for the confusion.

Unfortunately GM isnt changing anything with the remanufactured trannies thats the problem. We basically just get back a new trans of what we had which is why so many are having multiple tranny failures. Really a sensitive subject for volvo thus why they are covering so many under good will warranty.

 

[Volvoneophyte]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (ForceFed Motorsports)

Forcefeds comments are right on and he obviously knows from a deep level of experience what he's talking about. These are the reasons I sold my XC-90 last year. This was my first, and last Volvo. It's unfortunate because it was my wifes car and she really liked its features. But, the failures were unbelievable. Engine mount, wheel bearings, transmission, turbo controller, rear parking brake, 2 sets of tires all in the first 52K miles. Volvo did cover the tranny with good will but I knew it was only a matter of time before it failed again without warning and I didn't relish waiting to hear the next time if they'd cover the $4k+ repair again. I went to the dealer to see what they'd give me for it and they sheepishly declined to even give me a number because they didn't want it. I took a bath but sold it privately.

Do yourself a favor, look elsewhere. A MDX is a good option and highly rated in this month's Consumer Reports.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[-ForceFed-]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Volvoneophyte)

Its sad to say but a lot of XC90 owners sound just like you, loved the car but couldnt stomach having to continue to dish out money on big repairs that volvo couldnt correct. Going with those GM trans was an epic fail on volvos part which sucks.

 

[1sttimevolvo]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Volvoneophyte)

Quote, originally posted by Volvoneophyte »

Forcefeds comments are right on and he obviously knows from a deep level of experience what he's talking about. These are the reasons I sold my XC-90 last year. This was my first, and last Volvo. It's unfortunate because it was my wifes car and she really liked its features. But, the failures were unbelievable. Engine mount, wheel bearings, transmission, turbo controller, rear parking brake, 2 sets of tires all in the first 52K miles. Volvo did cover the tranny with good will but I knew it was only a matter of time before it failed again without warning and I didn't relish waiting to hear the next time if they'd cover the $4k+ repair again. I went to the dealer to see what they'd give me for it and they sheepishly declined to even give me a number because they didn't want it. I took a bath but sold it privately.

That was likely a T6?

 

[Volvoneophyte]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (1sttimevolvo)

Yes, unfortunately it was as you can see in my signature.

 

[dmd]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (Volvoneophyte)

The T6 was a big mistake. All of the others are pretty solid, the 2.5T even more so.

All of the other issues are "normal" for the xc90. Soft SUV tires will wear, I am looking at more
at a "truck" based SUV tire for better wear. Ride may have to come second to wear. Not enough
rain/snow in TX for bearings to be an issue.

 

[crash]

Re: Looking into a XC90 (dmd)

will agree on truck-based on SUV tires and all other issues. Need harder compound tires with high load ratings. ...wheel bearing issue, suspension mount issues, worn out bushings, ...those come with heavy cars, imho.

will not agree on T6 being a mistake. It's a very reliable and torque-ie engine with a tranny that might need to be rebuilt every 4-5 years.

The tranny on ours failed sometime after an emergency braking event. The powerful brake assist does its job but seems to break the tranny.

Our T6 is 5 years old and it performs like it did the day we bought it. it still pulls hard especially when I floor it at 70mph. I would reserve the 'mistake' word for something else.