Up until 1999 model year I always bought and loved Volvos. Still have my yellow 95 850 T5R. About five years ago I was thinking about buying an XC90, but research steered me away from them unless I could afford the V8 which I couldn't. I ended up with an older GMC Envoy which I kept for a little over a year to tow my boat. Then I found a great deal on a 4Runner that I still have.

Now I'm at the point I'm either going to put some money into the 4Runner or buy something else. Again I'm thinking of the XC90 or the BMW X5. I remember to stay away from the T6 and the 2.5T, but are there other years or models to avoid? I saw a 2010 Red 3.2L R yesterday and really liked it, but they had it priced about $8K more than I was willing to spend.

Just trying to get a feel for whether to consider switching back to Volvo or not.

Thanks,
Jim

 

The 2.5T is fine. The new inline 6 has oil consumption issues on some, but it's hit or miss. Mostly the PZEV ones from the California market as far as I know.

 

I want something with a little more power than the 2.5T. The salesman told me they quit making the V8. If true, when did that happen?

 

Ah okay. Yes, the V8 is no longer made. I think the last year was 07 but I'm not 100% sure.

 

i would try a 3.2. it has decent power. it will cruise and pass at fast highway speeds with no issues.

 

Are there certain years to avoid? The 2010's look to be a little more than I want to spend, but if that is a year to look for I can search for a real good deal on one. I really liked that 2010 Red R I saw.

 

I think the V8 was made up until 2010.. I have an 07' XC90 V8 model. I did extensive research on which model to buy in the XC90 line. I drove numerous and they one that I came away with was the V8 model. The engine is sweet and lots of power. I also got it up to 26 MPG on the freeway with cruise control set at 75 MPH (no hills)...

The one thing that people didn't know that, the V8 engines were made by Yamaha. Yes, Yamaha.

Overall, I like the engine a lot..

Good luck!

Jay

 

I love my 2008 Volvo XC90 Sport. There are a few small things to be aware of but all and all it is an AWESOME vehicle!

 

Jim,

I'm a former 4runner owner over many years ('96 and '03 models, each driven over 200k miles), and I made the switch to Volvo in late '12 (purchased a new, 2013 XC90). Originally I planned to purchase another 4runner, but I simply couldn't stand the looks of the redesigned model from a few years prior (2010?). Also, given I spend a lot of time in my car, to the tune of 30-35k miles a year, I wanted an SUV that was more refined and as comfortable as a car, as opposed to the truck-like feel of the 4runner.

I just hit the 45k mark on my XC90, and so far its the best car/suv I've ever owned. In fact, my beloved 4runners simply don't hold a candle to this thing when it comes to looks and overall joy to drive (for ex., the cabin is insanely quiet, even at high speeds on the interstate). Now, I'm curious how the reliability holds up over time, but thus far I've had no problems at all. Speaking of reliability, Volvo has really improved in this area of late, and in fact I believe either CS or JD Power named Volvo as one of the top 10 reliable brands several months back.

I'd highly recommend the XC90 to anyone. What I love most about it is its classy enough to impress friends or clients (or to arrive in style at any social function), yet is still sporty enough to throw skis or kayaks on top, or mountain bikes on the back, for an afternoon of rugged fun outdoors. Very few other SUV's are versatile enough to do both as the XC can.

Best of luck.

 

If you wait and get the 2015, you can get Apple CarPlay.

 

I have a 2004 T-6 and have had no major engine or trans problems. Motor has 97K on it and it runs strong and smooth as the day I bought it.