Hello Everybody.

Just joined this forum. After much consideration and test driving of the Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia, we opted to keep our 2006 XC90 T5 after realizing that Volvo was willing to negotiate their price way down. We were able to purchase the 06 with 24k miles for $16k.

The XC90 has had no real issues, beyond only doing about 14mpg and the center console lid completely breaking off (which we still need to take in the dealership - I thnk that's covered)

We are under warrantee until March 2010.

A few newbie type questions:

- Was 16k a good deal? (BTW, that included the last month and $500 return fee (so actually around 15k)
-We keep reading about transmission problems with 04 and 05 XC90s. Have the 06 Transmissions been as problematic?
- The radio has no Aux jack. Any mod that would add one to the existing radio? We have not tested, but presume the CD player does not play native MP3 eithers. Does anybody know if more recent models play mp3s on a CD? Any way mod this? If so, would you trust best buy to do this?
- We recently added a hitch. Any concerns with towing using the 5 cylinder XC90?
-Does Volvo offer a Late extended warrantee? If so, roughly what't the deal?
- Would you let Tire Kingdom service the oil and do regular maintenace on the XC90. I'm asking because have i have 3 free oil change coupons from them. Not sure if they will do everything the dealers was doing when they charged us $260 last time.

Thanks for any help or information!

JC

 

Hi I am looking to purchase my 05 who was your vehicle financed through? Us bank?

 

Sounds like you got a good deal, we paid $17900 in 2007 for our 2004t6 with 65000 miles on it. We tow a tent trailer with out t6, make sure you look after the tranney or it will leave you stranded. Other then the regular maintenace issues towing is not a problem unless you get close to capacity and need to add an electric brake control, then it becomes a pain to properly install as the dealer has to play with your computer, so I'm told by the dealer.

 

Congrats!! Great purchase.
I also bought out the lease on my '06 XC90 a few months ago.
You got a great deal. Mine had 32k miles, and I bought it out for $16.5. They threw in a $600 retail PermaPlate detail job (see other current thread about this glorified 'wax' detail)

I also considered the Pilot (have an Odyssey and love it), but to get a low milage car with a history that I know, for $16.5, it was kinda a no-brainer. I still have factory warranty till April 2010 or 50K miles.
I opted NOT to buy the extended warranty offered to me, cuz it's price was approx $2000 for a 6 yr warranty (ie only 2 add'l years beyond my free factory 4 yr warranty). Plus, with the extended warranty, every time I bring it in for warranty work, I must pay $100., regardless of how minor or major the problem. Their argument was that I could 'save' up to 5 problems before bringing it in for the same $100. fee.

One tip i've learned from these forums is not to let the service dept determine what to do when you bring it in for servicing. Don't just tell him it needs a 'tune up'. Check the owner's manual, to determine what the factory recommends at your current milage, and tell the service advisor exactly what type of 'service' your car needs.
On my last service, all I paid was $29 (on-line coupon for Volvo dealer oil change), plus free dealer 41 point inspection (eg fuel line inspection, brake inspection, fluid check, etc).
Lastly, change your own AIR FILTERS (engine and cabin). You can save over $50. by changing it yourself (4 screws).

As you alluded to the non-problematic trannies in our cars, I've had zero problems with mine.
My gripes: 16mpg, turning radius the size of a small county.

Enjoy the ride!