Well, after seemingly endless hours of researching the XC90 on the web, this weekend I finally started checking out a few local pre-owned XC90s and took one out for a test drive yesterday afternoon. The model I took out was a 2006 2.5T AWD with approximately 26K miles.

Overall, I was really impressed with my first experience behind the wheel of an XC90. While some of the SUVs I've checked out recently have more of a sedan-style seating feel to them (well, at least to someone who's been driving an Explorer for many years), I really liked the elevation and feel of the XC90's driver's seat. A fold-up armrest on the right side of the seat would have been nice, but that aside, I really liked the ergonomics and layout of the climate and radio controls, and the size and design of the center console.

Despite reports I've read of the 2.5T being somewhat underpowered, I found it to have more than enough pick up and acceleration, and accelerating onto an on ramp on the highway and passing cars on the road was no problem.

My major concern, however, was that this particular XC90 had a noticable "vibration" or "shaking" at around 40 MPH on city roads, and a similar vibration at around 65 - 70 MPH on the highway. It's almost as if the vehicle was shaking, or vibrating side to side rapidly. This brings up a question. Is this a known phenomenon for XC90s, or is this likely a problem with the particular XC90 that I took out yesterday? The dealer evidently put on new brakes and new tires prior to putting it out for sale, so needless to say, I found that a little concerning, especially since they claim to have conducted a "(however many) number of points" inspection. I asked the sales guy about this but didn't hassle him about it, as this was not a Volvo dealership, so I'm guessing that his guess would have been as good as mine.

Also, I noticed that a warning appeared in the message center - something like "Brake Assist Service Required". What kind of trouble does/could this warning message indicate?

As I mentioned, I'm really impressed with the XC90 and hope to find a pre-owned model that's right for me. I really liked the vehicle I took out yesterday, but the vibrating and warning message are a little concerning. That said, any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

If the vibration is that noticeable I would really bring it to their attention even if they are not a Volvo dealership, not just with the saleman. What kind of tires did they install? Maybe a cheap option, From what I have read the XC90 needs better tires. Did the tires get balanced? Something they can re-check. I am not familiar with the AWD models, there may be issues there as well. You may want to test drive another similar model and see how they compare.

Also I to have the 2.5 model FWD, do not expect wonderful milage, we get mid teens all around. I still like the vehicle very much, that is about the only drawback that i have.

 

Have your tires balanced again and have the suspension checked. Stay away from the T6. Bad engine/transmission.
06 or later year best also in V8. The 2.5T is good. The V8 is a whole new ball game. You'll give up a few MPG and the power is worth it.

 

Hi cuocco,

Wondering a bit about your last comment "You'll give up a few MPG and the power is worth it." I’ve been paying close attention to this subject on this forum for the past many months as it’s a personal curiosity of mine.

Virtually all posters responding to this subject tend to report low to mid teens mileage at best with theT6 and 2.5T. At the same time, the V-8 is getting higher mileage, high teens city and low 20's highway. Our '05 AWD V-8 for example gets upwards of 22 mpg when I take it on the open road (and I cruise at around 80 mph), and my wife constantly gets an average 20.5to 20.8 in combined city/highway driving 75 miles daily to and from work.Other V-8 owners have reported similar good results.

I'm curious if you’re experiencing something other with V-8 mileage, or if the comment of giving up the mileage with a V-8 is based on the traditional idea that abigger engine naturally will have worse mileage? I think the trans gearing may have something to do with this idiosyncrasy, as the V-8 does have a six speed trans and that may play into the equation? Not looking to stir up a hornets nest, just curious, thanks!