Never owned a Volvo, looking to buy '05-08 that will likely have higher mileage (80k+). Would like to know what to look out for, common issues/repairs to anticipate. Should I seek AWD or FWD (are there transmission issues with AWD and not FWD?). Any thoughts, wisdom, suggestion are appreciated. Thanks!

 

Seems if you dig into it, the fwd is the rumored to be the a well matched engine/transmission. (2.5t) I don't know how to validate that, except that there are alot of videos with the 6 cyl/8 cyl engines, and how to replace angle whatchmacalites, and other things.

personal experience with my car, I bought it at 160k, and found out it had a timing belt. (other two don't (i am pretty sure)) and mine had not been done prior to 120k as per owners manual recommendation.

The Turbo system has a bigger than normal PVC system. due to being a turbo. worse case scenario is that the pvc system is plugged up, and creates a vacuum, or was it over-pressurizing the crankcase internally. either way the 3 other typical o-rings (2 cam shaft, transmission output (main seal) don't appreciate it much, and will allow oil to run down to the ground. the mail seal will. The other two will mess up the space with the timing belt housing.
My suspicions are my car was owned by a mom, and she only drove the car a mile to the school, and back home again. which seems to have the lack of oil fluid moving, which will then dehydrate and then turn to a fossilize dryed out liquid. (out of terms for that currently) Then the turbo if its not exercised, the oil in the pressure to turbo tube, will gel up.

Which frankly I think all the above can happen to any liked equipped vehicle. This is my first turbo, so I had a education along the way. Now I am up to learning about the Fuel pump driver (control unit).

The more important question to ask, is does it leak? does it have a sunroof? I have replaced both of drainage elbows, and secured it with hose clamps. The drainage elbows were created with inferior process, which allowed it to deteriate, and allow water into the space generally under the passengers seat, which houses the eq for the stereo, and the sideways motion detector which you can replace for only $350 bucks, (i think) So who drives the car just to listen to the radio??? or 6 pack CD player? or wants to drive sideways?
Good luck
Tobie

 

I can chime in on how my 2005 2.5t FWD is doing. Overall it's been pretty great. I got it with 200K miles and it now has 268K miles. As far as repairs I've had to do the timing belt, fuel pump control module, front strut mounts, passenger engine mount, and PCV system. Also a few normal wear things like tires and brakes as you'd expect.

The 2.5t engine/transmission combo is very stable. The T6 models have a pretty bad transmission history. It's not so much IF, but WHEN it will fail. The V8 models are somewhere in between.

As mentioned the angle gear which gets power to the rear wheels can be an issue in the AWD models. Mine is FWD so I haven't had to deal with that. However I think it's a costly repair. As far as capability in the snow the FWD does just fine. AWD is great but even in Michigan I only run into a few instances where I really miss having power to all 4 wheels.

Mine has no sunroof, but the leak issue is a big one so I'll second that.

Current issues is a loud idler pulley or maybe power steering pump. I also have an oil leak that is annoying and might not be work messing with. One of the strut mounts is bad again but I might have messed up the install.

However overall I've been pretty impressed with how this car has held up especially approaching 300K miles.

 

FWIW, I just purchased a 2005 2.5T AWD within the last three weeks with 113K miles as a second/winter vehicle. Excellent condition, well maintained, lots of service records, etc.

So far, I love it. Timing belt was already replaced, but I have had to replace a mid-pipe muffler and the power steering lines. I, too, thought it may have been leaking oil as I first noticed the leak in the rain, but the leak has subsided since repairing the power steering lines. She runs nice and quiet & purrs like a kitten except for some intermittent jostling noise coming from engine bay (AC compressor) and I also have the "Alarm System Service Required" message on the dashboard. From what I understand, it's the siren that has failed and that could be due to its battery; however from what I am reading when that happens usually the sunroof goes with it and my sunroof still works fine, so, I'm not exactly sure but we'll see. Regardless, at least the culprit has been identified and I've got my starting point.

Those are the two outstanding repairs that remain.

 

Forgot to add pic:

 

Curious how Dudemaine identified his XC90 needed power steering lines? was it the oil-like leak seen in the rain or were there power steering problems. I ask since I just replaced a PS Pump in my 2005 XC90 4.4 and still have cold start steering problems. Wondering if the lines themselves might be the problem. Once warmed up the steering is fine.

 

Yes, it was the oil-like leak seen in the rain. The reservoir was obviously dry as well, but I don't recall it being difficult to turn the wheel. Regardless, the reservoir and lines were replaced and have been problem-free ever since.