I have been searching high and low and it would seem the XC90 is what I need. I only have around $4500 can to spend which lands me in around a 2000-2005 model. I have heard bad rumors about the twin turbo T6, although that is what I would have automatically steered for as it sounds bad *** lol. I have heard the 2.5 T5? is reliable but seems harder to find here and then the best of the bunch which is nowhere to be seen is the V8 which would be great. I am willing to go for anything clean and reliable. I heard the T6 even throws replacement trannys to the trash so I want to stay away unless you guys know diferent. Please I need to know best year and best model for safe fun family car. Also do these tend to rust much? ty for any help, I need something asap as our landrover just got totalled. thanks guys!

 

You won't find a V8 for that price. The 2.5T is the most reliable. But again, for that price, you get what you pay for. Which may be a formerly neglected, high mileage XC90.

 

ES6T is right on...listen to this guy, I feel like he solves over half the issues on here for people.

I have a '05 FWD 2.5T currently with 248K miles. It's pretty much the bare bones entry model in the XC90 world. But I don't have to deal with the AWD issues some do and my version is probably the most reliable of the bunch from '05. Volvo has been using the 2.5T for a long time in a lot of their vehicles. The T6 will eat trannys. The V8 will eat gas. The 2.5T isn't going to set any land speed records but that's not really the idea of the XC90 anyway. Maybe look for a FWD 2.5T, get it checked by a shop that knows Volvos before pulling the trigger. Don't discount high mileage cars, just approach them cautiously and realistically. I bought mine with 200K miles on it and it's been a good driver so far.

 

2.5T FWD should be the way to go but at 4500 you might be looking at some in dire need of maintenance like timing belt, pvc system replacement, shocks... or really at some high milage vehicles. If u can do the work yourself they are a great deal for a 7 seater. Just remember there is a reason why the resale of this vehicles is low and thats because people ditch them when they due for those EXPENSIVE Volvo maintenance repairs. So make sure u pick one out with good maintenance history if u ain't that handy.