Hi guys,
I have been shopping for a used Mercedes ml series for a couple of months now.
I then noticed the Volvo XC90 series, I think they are pretty neat looking.
so, I started looking at the Volvo forums on the internet at what people have to say about their 2003-2005 XC90's, and it does not seem that good to me.
Seems like the transmissions can be a problem ???

anyway, I have owned half a dozen Volvo's and a dozen Mercedes over the years, but the Volvo's were all 1980's with 4 cylinders..pretty bullet proof cars...
So, anyone have any experience with XC90s' costing in the 3500-5500 dollar range ?

thanks,
Kevin Rea
Lancaster, Calif.

 

Stay away from the T6, as you probably have already read.

 

I have a 2004 XC90 w/the T6 engine . I love this vehicle and have owned it for about 4 mos.
This is not a perfect automobile by no means . Fuel pump replacement . The transaxle/rear axle differential is leaking ATF , t-belt / water pump will need replacing as normal maint. along with other quirks .
I work on things for a living so I can do this as a hobby and not as a money pit .
If you want a M/B , go get it . They are reliable cars .

 

The Volvo XC90, stick to 2.5T and 3.2 engines and you will be fine.
If you don't care about AWD, then FWD alone is good.


Mercedes ML, search:
- Front diff bearing issues! ---> $4000 job.
- Also search balancer shaft issues! ---> another $4000 job.

Then you will be glad you have a Volvo.

Been there done that.

 

As a dealer the Mercedes is a much better vehicle hands down. However I do sell both.

 

Then you should be aware of:

- Differential bearing issue (traced to defective bearing from ? Poland etc.)

- Balancer Shaft issue, necessitating removing the whole engine to fix this

- The demise of R-350, which should have been a successful vehicle, but it was not.

I looked at Mercedes but I ended up with Volvo, and 2 BMWs.

 

Good for you!

Never encountered any of the tall tales that you refer to. However, anything is possible.

A comet might hit your car, too.