Was considering purchasing a 2005 XC90 T6 AWD, with 120k miles. Owner brought up the issue of the transmissions in this model and stated their particular car was not included in the batch(es) that have had issues - they had searched to ensure such when they purchased it used (7 years ago?). This prompted me to do further research and here I land seeing the hellamess that exists. However, it seemed the issue usually presented around 60k miles.

I saw a post in the forum where someone new to Volvos (as I am) had purchased the same exact car and noted a slight distance between pushing the gas and the car actually moving, but I couldn't determine if they found to have the great transmission issue. I wondered if this is something normal for the brand. Of note, my husband drove the car after me and said he didn't notice it.

I really want to believe the owners as I'm exhausted of our 45+ day search and they seemingly have taken good care of the vehicle with all service performed at a Volvo dealer.

So my questions are this:
1. Is the lag in response something normal, or a sign that this car has transmission issues.
2. Has it been determined that a specific batch of this vehicle evaded the issue, and how is this determined? (I do have the VIN number.)
3. As I see that Volvo has been responsive to replacing some of the transmissions in some of these vehicles, some not so much, what's the "trick" to making this happen should we purchase the car and it turns out to have transmission issues?

Many thanks in advance for you your knowledge and time.

 

There is no batch that is safe. And if you're not the original owner, Volvo isn't going to goodwill a trans. I haven't seen them goodwill one at the dealer I work at in quite a while.

I would not recommend buying a T6 XC90.

 

That's exactly what I needed to know.
Oh well. Guess I can't join the "Volvo owners club."

 

I should say the delay you feel might just be normal turbo lag. The trans could be fine. It may have even been replaced already. Still not sure I'd buy a T6 over the 2.5T.

 

Dealer records showed it hadn't been replaced yet.
Anyone who wants an 05 XC90 T6 can expect one to show up in Northern Va/DC resale market in the next week. (I think Car Max bought it from them for just under $4k.)
Blue with tan leather. All sorts of bells and whistles.