Hi! I'm new to Volvos, but I've always loved the styling and we're now considering an XC90 I found locally. It's a one owner, clean history 2011 XC90 3.2 V6 FWD with 96k miles, dealer is asking $9200. Both the interior and exterior look nice. Supposedly they have paperwork showing the vehicle was recently inspected at a Volvo dealer and only needed an oil change, which they did and also have paperwork for. I'm waiting on the CarFax to verify details on ownership, location, maintenance etc.

I am not new to buying cars (I think this would be car #26 or 27 for us, lol), but I've never owned a Volvo. Seems like a decent price based on KBB. Any common issues I should look out for? Is the V6 powerful enough or should I look for a V8? We're not planning on towing anything, this would be almost exclusively for long distance road trips.

Any advice you have would be great! TIA.

 

We have an 2006 with the 2.5 V5 and it is fine for highway driving. Not a lot of pickup for acceleration but great for cruising so I think the 3.2 will be fine. If you never or rarely encounter snow the FWD is fine also - better mileage and less to go wrong. But if you live where there is snow there is nothing like AWD.

 

Hey there,

I have owned Volvos for years, and have had a XC90 since 2018. I have a 2010 XC90 3.2, bought with 84k miles and have 126k miles now. It has been nothing but a fantastic car!!! Mine is also AWD but FWD will be fine unless you live near snow then it may come in handy. Also, the 3.2 is a straight six engine, has plenty of power, the only downside is the fuel economy. The 3.2 likes fuel LOL. I get about 22 highway and 18 around town...but this isn't an issue for me I really love the car. I haven't done anything but routine maintenance (tie rods, tires, brakes, oil changes) and the car has been absolutely great. I would highly recommend it! I would just see if it has had frequent oil changes and if not already, do yourself a favor and flush the transmission fluid and you will be good to go for many years/miles. Good luck!!!

 

Oh, I should also mention, see if the Accessory belt (water pump/power steering/A/C) has ever been replaced. If not it is a good idea to do that as well as the belt failing at 100k is common. While you are in there definitely swap out the water pump and power steering pump too. Well worth it as they need to come off anyway to change the belt and then you have no worries. A little bit of a pain and about a 4 hour job but not too bad. Other than that I am not aware of any major issues with these....outside of some loud wheel bearings you may also need to replace around 100k. Good luck!