Hi guys,

Just thought i would say hello and see if i could extract some information from you all.

We're looking to buy an XC90 but we're not sure which year and which engine makes up the most reliable and best performing all over. We were initially looking at a 2007-2008 3.2 but have seen some nice earlier model 2.9tt, 2.5t and 4.4 V8. Which is the pick of the bunch? Which is the worst? Basically we want to know which is the best model and year.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks guys,

 

did i say something wrong?

 

Welcome to the Forum. You did not say anything wrong.

As for the XC90, I would stay away from the T6 and the earlier models. The best engines I have seen are the V8s and the T5 engines. The later model years are the better ones, especially after 2004.

 

Thanks for the info. So it looks like its either the V8 or the T5 in a 2005 onwards. What is the T5 like performance wise? The reason i ask is that we'll be using this car to do family holidays which will more than likely be quite a few people and luggage.

 

T5 is good, 3.2 is nice as well. Will handle luggage and stuff, would not tow.

V8's are good, need AWD? Tow?

 

Agreed and as said above. Little more blunt opinion--The T5 IS volvo. The 6 was a deviation. The 8 is not volvo but works well.

I love the T5 platform. It has been around a long time and has been an exceptional design.

 

We'd like AWD for our ventures into the snow and having power for towing would be a bonus. I've been looking around and there dont seem to be many V8's on the market, which is unfortunate.

The T5 sounds like its a good reliable option but i just worry that it will be a little sluggish with what we're proposing to do. Shame that the T6 wasnt more reliable.

 

any thoughts on this one?

Cars for Sale: 2005 Volvo XC90 AWD V8 7-Passenger in Frisco, TX 75034: Sport Utility Details - 297257033 - AutoTrader.com

 

The T5 puts out a lot of power and will be more then enough for luggage and passengers. Also, with a little bit of modding, it will put out as much HP as the V8 with more torque. Just something to keep in mind.

 

The unfortunate thing about the T5 is that most of them are 2WD. well the ones for sale at the moment that is.

 

Don't have the production stats but you could find them pretty easy. There are quite many T5 awd's out there, though--at least in the older years. My guess is fewer in that 2007 and up range as they had added T6 and 8's to lineup. Happy hunting!

 

I need to buy one before this weekend but im struggling to find one within about 300miles of Atlanta. If anyone knows of an XC90 2005 and newer thats AWD for around the 15k mark please let me know. I may have found one but its in Michigan. If i dont find one in the next day i'll probably take it and have to figure out how to get it home.

Thanks.

 

How's the hunt going? Has it worked out?

 

Yes, we purchased a loaded 2005 V8 late last week. So far its been great. i am glad i went with the V8. It has great performance.