Everything I read about the 2003 XC90 T6 tells me not to buy it due to transmission and other issues, but I wanted to reach out to you folks who have first hand experience.

I test drove the car last night. It has 102,000 miles. The transmission has been rebuilt and the timing belt replaced. The car is very clean and rides nicely. Appears to have been well maintained.

The price is right @ $8900. Am I making a big mistake?

Many thanks for your input!

 

I think so... 1st year for this model, keep that in mind.

Rebuilt trans? not replaced? This may be a positive or negative thing seeing as this is a great transmission, but not when Volvo got a hold of the valve body and put them in these cars. I replaced a trans. at 18k, car looked brand new.

 

How handy are you? Do you work on your own cars? Do you take your cars to the dealer? Or an independent shop?

If you answered: Not very, No, Yes, No, then yes, it is a mistake. The car is costly to repair at the dealer, and at that mileage things will begin to fail/need replacing. It is good that the timing belt has been replaced (recommended @ 105K).

The transmission is a crap shoot. You could be good for 100,000 miles, 10,000 miles, or a couple of miles. Key here is changing the transmission fluid often (yearly? - back to, are you handy to save money) and watch for signs of trouble (harsh shifts, slipping).

Check the prices of 2.5T's in your area to compare...if the T6 you are looking at is more or equal, forget it. If it is priced $2 grand less, go for it - but know you need a savings account to cover a possible trans failure again.

 

Definitely check that the transmission fluid (see yellow dipstick) is pink. If it is solid brown then I would avoid the car. My 2004 T6 has remained 100% reliable for 100K miles without doing anything beyond the recommended service. Given that, I would make sure that you get all of the receipts since new and make sure they show that the required maintenance has been done when expected.

 

i bought a 03 t6 about 6 weeks ago with 145k on it. on its second trans 67k and 139k. i have put 2000 miles on it and loving every minute. granted i paid a little over $5k for it. if i get 50k out of the car and sell it them for $2k i think i made out LOL.

$9000 for the car you are looking at, PASS

There are a few local to me still for sale with 110k 04 Xenons, 3rd row, and nav going for $9000, there is a 04 with 100k new trans going for $10k

these have been around for 2+ months

at auction they going for $5500-7000 with this mileage

good luck