So I'm helping my girlfriend buy a used car. She's very interested in the XC90. We're looking at a 2010 with the V8. I have some questions though, and figured an enthusiast forum like this would be the place to turn. I'm generally more of a MOPAR guy myself, but I know the reputation of Volvo is generally quite good. Here are some questions:

(1) How does the cost of ownership of a Volvo compare to (a) domestics and/or (b) brands like Toyota and Honda?

(2) How is this engine (B8444S) regarded? I know 2010 was one of, if not the, last model years for this engine. Was it discontinued for any reason? I could see that this all seemed to occur around the time of Volvo's divorce from Ford, so it may have been related to that.

(3) Speaking of Ford, is there any cross compatibility between XC90 parts from that era and Ford parts?

(4) Is the XC90 hard to work on? Her brother is a mechanic, so really I'm just asking so that I don't have to hear him bitch about it down the line.

(5) How does the V8 variant of the XC90 perform? I know it's not a performance car, per se, but when I step on it will it move? Or has the V8 been mushified and deadened such that it doesn't really act like a V8?

(6) How is Volvo's AWD in winter weather? Being a Swedish car, I'm sort of assuming that it will be great, which is a big benefit for my girlfriend.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice. I genuinely think this car is a great bargain, and I'm strongly encouraging my girlfriend to get it. Hopefully I'll come back this weekend with a successful purchase.

 

depends on your goal. If you want to compare an XC90 to a Toyota, keep in mind the Highlander may be the most reliable SUV (possibly car as well) ever made. I've owned a 2004 since new and at 200K+ miles it still runs flawlessly - worst repair in 16 years has been getting an engine seal fixed and replacing 4 brake calipers. Least reliable car I've ever owned - Jeep Grand Cherokee (don't ask why - wife's choice).

As to the Volvo - the V8 is very stout, has a timing chain so no worries about belts etc, but like all cars, there's quite a few sensors/switches in the engine management system that can go from time to time. Volvo is big on modular engines so they do evolve over time to bring in new technologies. I wouldn't expect a next gen engine to be less reliable but then again the 2012 S60s have oil consumption issues so google for tech bulletins on the year/model of interest. As to maintenance, will you be doing the work, or rely on a dealer? Do you have local Euro-car indys who work on Volvos (up here in New England, there's a lot of shops who will work on them - not sure if other locations are the same (I have 4 dealers within 25 miles) All car models have some proprietary tools and proprietary software so it really depends on what needs to be fixed whether its a difficult repair. SInce you are going pre-owned, the best advise is to buy a car that has a full maintenance history (say at a local dealer). Dealer service shows up on a Car-fax too.

As to the Ford compatibility - there is some cross polination for the Ford Euro cars and Volvo, but not with the big boxes.

As to all wheel drive, most of the street first AWD SUVs use a haldex type system which has a locking center differential that's controlled by the traction control computer. Dunno about the XC90 but our Highlander with a similar set up (ie front wheel drive for the most part except when wheel slippage is detected) is average at best - not on par with a Jeep with hard locks but you'll still go in the snow provided you use common sense - and of course run snows if you live in a cold climate (AWD helps you go but snow tires help you turn and stop.) I see nice SUVs backwards in the median all the time during a heavy snow because the driver thinks their truck is invincible...

 

What she is looking for is a reliable used car in the short term that doesn't require a ton of work and which can handle the snow. (We live in N. Ohio, so snow is a reality. Beyond this, she wants a little zip in the car, so I'm hoping the V8 has a little go for her to enjoy. Ultimately, shae wants to save up over a few years to buy something newer, and then keep this car as a winter/spare car, or maybe sell it if the value is right.

As far as work, her brother is a mechanic, so he should be able to do most maintenance stuff like brakes, etc. Obviously if there's more specialized work needed, we would go to a Volvo/European specialist, of which I believe we have some options locally, but I will research that.

I know it's tough to compete with options like the Highlander as far as reliability, but she's very fond of the more "luxury" options, and I saw the XC90 as something of a middle ground between more utilitarian options like the Highlander and true luxury options like an Audi Q5.

Thanks again for all the advice and tips!

She currently drives a Ford Fusion, which I've nicknamed the "bathtub" because it drives like one, and she handles that in the snow, so she has enough common sense not to just stomp the gas at a light with half a foot on the ground... or so I hope.

 

The V8 loves to leak oil. Plan on at least needing valve cover gaskets. Some leak from the timing chain cover, at which point you're probably better off letting it leak.

The alternator isba common failure and is expensive.

Make sure the drive belt idlers and tensioner have been replaced. They like to explode and can damage the timing cover.

 

Here's my advice:

Since the lady's brother is a mechanic and, from your post, may be relied on to conduct eventual repairs and/or maintenance, perhaps it would be best to have this person actively involved in the vehicle selection process. Also, the lady's finances should be taken into consideration. It's not just the cost of purchase, but also on-going maintenance and repairs, insurance and the cost of gas (is a V8 engine really needed?). If the lady plans to conduct extensive off-roading and/or pull a trailer, then possibly a V8 might be ideal. However, if the lady plans to use the vehicle only on paved services, and drive in a relaxed manner, is a V8 an absolute necessity?

 

IMO, she should consider a Subaru Outback. Buying one 5 years old with 50-60K miles should be less expensive to purchase than an XC90 and more economical to maintain. I purchased one (new) in 2010 and kept for 10 years (100K miles) (sold it to my neighbor for $7K when I purchased my new 2020 V90 Inscription). Never had a problem. Great in snow. In New England, where one of my sons lives, near a ski resort, it's very common to see Outbacks on the road. Historically, Subaru's boxer engines have been noted for potential head gasket failure, although my research indicates that this was more of a problem for models prior to 2010. She should ask her brother about Subaru reliability. I never had a problem, although it should be noted that Subaru recommends changing the timing belt around 115K miles (approx. $1500 job, along with replacing the water pump at that time).