Hello!
jk30 here; I'm new to the board. I found this site while searching for info on the XC90. I posted a question on the XC90 disscusion board a few days ago & forgot to introduce myself here first. We're a military family currently stationed oversea's. The XC90 will be our first Volvo. I still have a few days to finalize the paper work... and I'm trying to make up my mind on the 2.5T or the V8. The board is a wealth of information!
jk30

 

Welcome!

Where are you stationed?
Will mpg have anything to do with your decision? I haven't kept up with the market outside the US but doesn't Volvo have some pretty killer diesel engines?

If mpg is not a factor, I'd want the v8 :-)

 

If you are just going to be using it as a travel vehicle then I would go with the 2.5T. If you are going to be pulling any type of trailer or other loads, I would go with the V8. You just can't beat the torque of a V8 when pulling.

 

Thanks for the welcome... we're stationed in Germany. I've seen the diesel here on the auto bahn, but military sales doesn't offer the XC90 in diesel w/US spec.

MPG isn't the factor on this one, its the $4k+ price difference & the fact that I'll never tow anything. I'll just haul the kids around & take the 90 on vacation trips. The V8 is so much engine that it seems like a waist to have & never use. My hubby is worried that the 2.5T is just to small of an engine to haul the overall weight of us & the SUV. (the weight of us will be no more than 600lbs & luggage)

We want this Volvo to last at least 8+ years. We could've bought a toyota or honda for this but what fun is that??? I bought this one for saftey & comfort. Plus, I've seen many Volvo owners with cars that are 10+ that look & run great! If the 2.5T was a V6, it would be a 'no worry' choice.... but with this much $$ I want all the real world owner advice & input I can find!

 

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I drive 30,00 miles a year on business & you couldn't GIVE me a petrol car for day-to-day motoring.

You are clearly cost conscious, so unless you want to do crazy speeds on the autobahn, a diesel should meet your motoring needs, both in terms of initial outlay versus the V8 and day-to-day running costs. In Europe, depreciation on diesels is less than on petrol engined cars. Diesel is far less volatile than petrol, so engine fires & fires following accidents are far less likely in diesels too.

Before you commit to buying, why not take a test drive? You'd be surprised how much more torque a diesel motor produces, compared to the equivalent petrol unit.

I keep the T4 for pleasure days on fast winding roads, but I get over 50% more mpg out of my company diesel.

Hope your choice is right for you.

BB
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I agree Black Beauty T4, on the diesels! They are great for many reasons!
We will only be in Germany for a 3yr tour & we're at the half way mark on our time here. Since Volvo doesn't offer the XC90 in a diesel engine @ the military sales; its not an option for us. On the economy; only Euro specs are offered. Not to mention the exchange rate... ouch!

Thanks for the info!

 

Ah, when you said you wanted 8+ reliable years from the car, I thought that time would all be in Europe.

BB
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I just wish that Military Sales would offer the diesel in the XC90! They probally will a couple of years after we leave~ HA!
We have purchased the V8. Since this SUV will be one that we keep for many years... hopefully 8+ years; that we never wanted to say "I wish I had gotten the bigger motor". SO the V8 it is!! Thanks for all the advice and information!!