Hi, looking to venture to my first VOLVO always heard good things but want some more info. please.
I have read most of the topics here relating to my question but looking for one last repsonse...
I am looking to buy a 2003-2006 XC90, will be staying away from the T6 since the trannys crap but what would be better or more reliable,
a 2.5T or V8?
Any year better than the others?
Is there really anything else that the XC90's have major problems with other than the trannys?
Anything else I should know about before I jump in?

Looking to downsize my Navigator...love the truck and features everything u can think of but a little big for the wife, when she borrows her dads car once and a while a small highlander she likes how it drives like a car and can whip around in it...so the Navi is too Truckish now after a year...so like to look into a VOLVO...gas mileage is not really a concern cause no matter what it is its better than the NAVI ..
So any help or suggestions would be great...thanks to all!!!

 

I just got myself a '07 V8 AWD and am thrilled with it. My previous car was a '03 Nissan Murano(great car).
This is our primary family car for the four of us. My kids are 13 and 11. The 11 year old love the 3rd row and sits back there away from her sister .
I use the car for work too and tow a cargo trailer (apprx. 2500 lbs) so I'm glad I went with the V8. The pick is great and the handling is very nice. It's a little more plush than the Murano (which now feels like a go-cart) but I can feel the extra weight of the XC90 and how stable it feels on the hwy.

The only down side I have found about this vehicle coming from my Murano is the lack of storage space up front. As a driver you want to have items very accessible but the XC90 does not have many areas to keep any loose change, cell phone, business cards or any other electronic chargers other than the armrest compartment. I do miss that. Anyhow; I will live with it and DO LOVE my XC90!

 

Check the rear wheel bearings. they tend to fail way too early. Mine is a 2005 with 51000 miles and both rear bearings are gone.

 

Have you taken any of them for a test drive? I have not driven the 2.5, but did drive several T6's, a couple 3.2's and V8's. I really like the feel of the T6's for some reason, but with the tranmission problems there is no way I would buy one. The 3.2 drives good, but seems to shift too often for me, but I've only driven two of them.

The V8 is the only one I would consider buying after I drove the first one. Kind of like when I drove my first 850 Turbo, there was no way I was buying a non-turbo. I have now owned four of them, well one was a V70 but basically the same car in 98.

I really really want a bright red XC90, charcoal interior and a V8. Just out of my price range right now. I do tow a 3500 lb boat though, which is why I will not get the 2.5.

 

I have the T5, it's ok, but I wish they didn't f-up the T6, it would have been a whole lot nicer.

I think the Yamaha V8 is overkill... The T5 already has too much power for a front wheel drive.

If you get the V8, definitely think about that kit from Germany to convert the Volvo to real 4wd.