Hi...I have read so many bad reviews for this model. I realize that many times consumers are more likely to talk about their bad experiences rather than their positive experience. I am in love with this model and am planning on purchasing a used 2004 XC90 T6. It has 113250 miles on it and test drove very nicely. The dealer is asking 11995 for it and I think that is a fair price for the vehicle but I am concerned that a few thousand miles down the road I will end up with a transmission problem just because of all the reviews. Are there any precautions or things to look for in these models?

I do appreciate your responses.

Sincerely,

Eva

 

besides transmision. AWD sleeve/angle gear, front suspension, Haldex issues, Brake booster hissing, and the maintenence. Not more than anoy other vehicle. Its a used car. In my area 110-130k XC90's are going for $10-12k retail and 7-9k wholesale. Unfortunately, if the trans has never been replaced you maybe driving on borrowed time. These trannys are approaching the end of its duty cycle. Some have failed in the 60's some in the 140k range. Expect to spend $5k on a new tranny. Choice is yours Eva, everyone said i should not buy the one i am in currently. I did it anyways and in the last 5000 miles i have spent $2500 in upgrades, repairs and preventive maintenance. I love my xc90. I bought it with 143k and now its a few miles shy of 150k

 

btw- i'd try and get the car closer to the $10k range

 

My 2004 XC90 T6 has been a fantastic vehicle. Just put my first money into it - replaced the drive shaft due to rusting / noise at the carrier bearings. Not Volvo's fault - I blame way too much winter road salt over the last 7 years. Reliability has been perfect. Tranny fluid not flushed but still nice and pink. Plan to keep this thing forever.

 

he T6 is stronger, but 3.2 is no slouch either, and you;ll be fine, if you would not drive the relatively large SUV the same way a small sport coupe.

I will highly recommend 7 seats - you never know when you need them, but sure enough, you'll miss them if you would not have them.

 

Be very careful. I have owned my 2004 XC90 T6 now for 3 years and within the first two years, the extended warranty I purchased with the used car covered $9k in repairs. Now I am facing the transmission problem and am sick. Until the transmission problem, I have really enjoyed the vehicle just sick as I am facing a $6k bill for a new transmission. The car has 116k miles on it.

 

Just a heads up on the price...I just got a 2006 XC90 V8 from texas with every option. From the reading I've done and in talking with a few Volvo dealer (the following may start a debate) the 2006 V8 is the best choice in terms of reliability. FYI--The 05 V8 had balance shaft bearing failures, so stay away from those.

 

i hate it when people post a question and never come back with a update :/

 

We own a 2003 XC 90 T6 with 123000 miles and yesterday got the dreaded "urgent transmission" message. I am going to the dealer tomorrow and would welcome any info on how the dealers are treating this. The internet searches I have done are all over the place. Some people say the cost was covered entirely, to others in the middle, to others that got no relief. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Just a little glimmer of hope for all of those facing the dreaded 6 transmission repair bill, if you contact volvo directly they will cover the cost of the transmission replacement due to the fact that is is an obvious error in the design on their part. talk with your local dealer and get the info on how to go about it. you may have to be persistant as most dealers dont like to broadcast that volvo is doing this since they have to do the work for free basically. but vovlo is eating the cost of these trannies.

 

We have a 2004 Volvo XC90 T6 with 109k on it. When I went to go pick up my in-laws, the transmission decided to give out and we were stuck in the middle of no where. Forunately, I was able to find a telephone as our cellphones did not have any reception. Thank God for old technology.

Anyhow, I had the car towed back home ($1150 dollars out of my pocket but got it reimbursed later by my insurance) and the next week had it towed to the Volvo dealership whom I never dealt with before. To my surprise, the service department manager was extremely understanding and basically did all of the calling of whoever to get the car fixed on my behalf. He even gave us a rental car on the dealerships dime! It was a brand new 2011 V70!!! I was like "wow". Later when the mechanic diagnosed the problems with the car, the manager said the transmission had to be replaced as well the radiator, cooling lines and the water pump. And while you're at it, you may as well replace the timing belt and do the 120k maintenance. I said "okay" and asked him much this is going to cost me. He said $950.00 since the extended warranty company is going to pay for half and Volvo would cover the rest of the cost of transmission.

I guess what I am getting at is that I was extremely apprehensive on taking my Volvo dealership and getting the shaft. It has been the opposite of what I was expecting. I have recieved nothing but A-class service from this dealership.

All in all, there is hope out for those who are willing to provide it.