Guys,

I am about to buy an 08 XC90. I know that the car got good reviews but reading this forum has me a bit spooked. How reliable is the newer XC90's

I am looking at the cheaper loaded 3.2, a completely loaded V8 and the V8 sport. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Just to give some background.
I am switching from anE46 M3 (had to cancel the order for the new M3 sedan) because I have a 7 month old and am expecting twins this summer. Most of the driving will be short city and toll roads. I want a bit of flash in the looks, so suggestions about accessories would be welcome.

Also any aftermarket performance options?

Thanks,

InJapan
03 M3 Cab
07 E350 Avanteguard S
93 RX-7

 

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it helpful.

If you're in Japan, I would also consider Toyota & Nissan as alternatives because there is a huge gap in price, unlike in the States:

U.S MSRP: 　　　　　　　　　JAPANESE MSRP:
XC90 3.2: $36,210 (ï¿¥3,859,719). XC90 3.2 SE AWD: $63,335 (ï¿¥6,750,000)
XC90 V8 AWD: $48,505 (ï¿¥5,170,276). XC90 3.2 Sport: $68,027 (ï¿¥7,250,000)
XC90 V8 Sport: $49,870 (ï¿¥5,315,775). XC90 V8 TE AWD: $83,039 (ï¿¥8,850,000)

These comparisons may not mean much to you as you're living in Japan, but these figures show how much tax they (Japanese gov is it?) impose on imported vehicles. As far as the safety goes, yes I would probably go for the Volvo as long as I can afford one. Other mfgs are catching up but Volvo still seems ahead. But expect some electrical/electronic nuisances such as constant Check Engine Light, ABS & TRAC warnings, etc...

http://www.volvocars.co.jp/models/xc...Variant/#item3
http://www.volvocars.us/models/xc90/which/Compare.htm

Should you decide to go foran XC90, I would go with the V8 model (not sure about the '08 models, but the previous models with I-6 (3.2) came with GM-built tranny that was known to fail at low mileage/kilometer). There were also recalls on tie-rod ball joint, check all recalls for the previous models at:

http://automallusa.net/2006/volvo/xc90/recalls.html
(Records on the '07 models were not available at the moment)

http://volvocars-jp.com/html/recall/
(If you cannot read Japanese, have your colleague/friends translate it for you)

I'm not sure what aftermarket options are available in Japan, but you could perhaps get those fender mirrors. As to performance parts, you may want to look into VST, since they are mfged locally. Some Volvo dealers in Japan have VST parts displayed within the showroom.

If you do not receive many replies, try posting this in General Volvo Chat.

Best of luck in finding a decent SUV for your family.


JPN

 

Since the purpose of this forum is generally for Volvo owners to identify issues or concerns with their vehicles, you will typically read more bad than good things about these vehicles in this forum. That being said, I'm very happy with my 2006 XC90 V8 - currently with 34,000 miles. No regrets. My local dealer has taken care of any recalls and resolved any warranty issues (only minor stuff) in atimely fashion.Being a powerful V8 (311hp), you should obviously not expect as good fuel efficiency for city driving asfor smaller cars or engines. The V8 is also equipped with performance tires (235/60/18) soexpect to spend more money on tire wear. That being said, this is one of the safest vehicles you could own - yet sporty looking. We go skiing every weekend and drive overa 12,000 ft mountain pass - often in heavy snow or icy conditions and the XC90 handles very well. Regarding equipment, see my signature list below. Good luck from the Rocky Mountains,CO, USA

 

I knew I forgot to mention something.

I am in the US Navy and will be getting a US specs XC90 with a Japanese Navigation system.
Which also means military pricing at below US invoice and no Japanese taxes (OK.. I still have to pay the recycling fee and a reduce road tax).

I am still considering some of the Japanese car / SUV options but the 5% consumption tax and the 5% automobile tax for a locally bought car really adds to the price. The turbo MPV maybe an option.

Thanks for the info on the I-6 tranny.Also who is VST? Never mind, I found their website.

 

Good deal, and thanks for serving the nation.

Are you based in Yokosuka, or Atsugi? Do you live in Negishi complex? Well it may be a classified info so never mind. There is a nice park right by the Negishi complex and I used to go there for a walk. Haven't been to Yokosuka for a long time. Yokohama, my home town, is not too far from Atsugi and there is a lot to do there (currently stuck in Narita since I work for Minneapolis-based airline). One of my good friends also serves in the Navy (Never Again Volunteer Yourself; quoted frommy aviation school instructor). He is an avionics specialist. See if you come across an avionics guy who would recognise my name (click on my profile to see my first name).

Good luck in finding a decent vehicle.


JPN

 

I rode the USS Midway to Japan in 1973 as an officer in VF-151 (F4s). Used to fly out of Atsugi and Misawa. At one time I held the record driving from Yokosuka to Atsugi (officer club to officer club), a distance of 14 miles if I remember. 54 minutes in a Honda 600 at 11:00PM. For those reading this, distances are measured in time since it takes forever to go anywhere. Also took a motorcycle trip the length of Japan - twice.

I don't need to tell you the speeds in Japan. It's painful. As in very painful. Knew a school teacher that owned a Fairlady (240Z) w/a 5-speed. In four years it never got out of second gear. Highest speed limit in the country is the expressway on the north side of Tokyo - 110k. Personally, there is no way I'd buy anything to drive in Japan as large as an XC90. You'll be coming back to the U.S. and can order the car for delivery in the U.S. upon your return and still get the good pricing. Besides, since the Japanese auto tax system is upside down, with taxes that go up as the car gets older (because of the Status of Forces Agreement this does not apply to U.S. Military) not down, there are excellent used cars for a song and of course these can be sold to your relief upon his/her arrival with not much loss in cash.

Additionally the nearest dealer has to be in Tokyo and if you wanted warranty work, well, I don't know how that would play with a Japanese dealer (try to get warranty work on a foreign spec vehicle in the U.S.). And driving in Tokyo period, let alone a large vehicle such as an XC, and trying to get somewhere... notgonnahappen.com So you'll be driving a vehicle you can't, or have a lot of difficulty in getting factory service/warranty work and when you return to the U.S. the warranty will be almost over (or over). My advice is don't do it.

BTW, there is a very nice park just south of Yokosuka. An old WWII coastal defense site. Great place for family picnics. Go all the way south from Yoko and take the ferry over to Chiba. It's a nice ride and on the other side is a tram with a beautiful view from the top. Chiba is very nice. Greeen and very pleasant. The ocean side is actually suitable for swimming - cold tho. In Tokyo Bay you'd decay before they'd pull you out. My wife will be spending two weeks in Yoko next month (like every year) training some staffs.

 

I'm in Yokosuka with extended orders... likely 5 years + the 3 years I have spent here already... long story.
Although the used cars are cheap... I would rather buy something nice.
Traffic within Yokosuka and trips to Yokohama and Tokyo on Sundaysare fairly painless.... until you get the ETC road toll bill.
I would rather buy something smaller but I really don't want to destroy my back moving THREE infant seats around.
The Military sales Volvo guys have a nice deal with the Japanese dealers... I think they both get a cut of the profits. The car is delivered completely spec'ed and emissions tested for a US specs car driving in Japan. No hassles only $400 extra for J spec headlights. It is completely covered 5yrs / 50K miles by the Japanese dealers. There is one in Yokohama which is about 15 miles from my house.
As a reference, my M3 is US specs... it took 33 days of paperwork, trips to the tax, testing, licencing offices and $4000 to be able to drive it in Japan. My wife's E350 J spec took minimal pain but $6000 in consumption and automobile taxes since it was bought new from a Japanese dealer.
For Japan, the military salesVolvo is a very good option.

Atsugi to/ fromYokosuka is still painful to drive... there must be a hundred signals in that 14 miles. Drove it three times, I never want to do it again.
The water is not that bad... it's better than any of the great lakes. I live 3 miles from Kamakura / Zushi... nothing better than the water with Mt Fuji in the background on a clear day.

My big concerns are how reliable the XC90 is and is it a good daily driver for 2 adults and three infants. Save me from buying a minivan....

 

I was born in Japan in 1973 asa mundane average baby (wasn't the "boy who survived"). Used to get out of the house or get kicked out of the house. At one time I held the record walking between 8 train stations (train station to train station), a distance of 8 miles if I remember. 3 hours in a pair of generic shoes at 0:00AM. For those reading this, distances are measured in time since it takes forever to go anywhere except the peeing stall. Also took a plane trip half the length of Japan - once.

I don't need to tell you the speeds in Japan. There aren't any. As in non-existent. Knew a school teacher that owned a Toyota Mark-II w/a 5-speed. In four years it never got out of second gear because the rest of the gears broke. Highest limit in the country is the expressway on the north side of Tokyo - 110k. Personally, there is no way I'd buy anything to drive in Japan as large as a Civic 2dr or a bicycle. You'll be coming back to the U.S. and can order the car for delivery in the U.S. upon your return (I want to return too) and still get the good pricing. Besides, since the Japanese auto (or ANY) tax system is completely shot, with taxes that go up as you get older (because of the Greedy Japanese Government no tax relief exists) not down, there are excellent used cars for a dime and of course these can be sold to your grief upon his/her arrival with not much loss in their part.

Additionally the nearest dealer has to be in Guam and if you wanted warranty work, well, good luck shipping it. And driving in Tokyo does not exist, it's faster to take a walk (seriously) because the traffic wouldn't move a footfor an hour, and to get somewhere...forgetitandmoveon.com. So you'll be driving a vehicle you can't, or have a lot of difficulty in getting any service/warranty and when you return to the U.S. the car will be almost over (or over). My advice is don't do it.

BTW, there is a very nice pork just south of Yokosuka, or just about anywhere from Yokosuka. An old WWII coastal defense site. Great place for family picnics & marriage argument. Go all the way south from Yoko (a woman?) and take the ferry over to Chiba (hey, that's where I'm stuck at[8D]!). It's a nice ride as long as the ship doesn't sink and on the other side is a tram with a beautiful view from the top (no wonder people want to jump off of it[8D]). Chiba is very, well, very well. Green and well, green. The ocean side was actually suitable for swimming - cold tho. In Tokyo Bay you'd melt before you know it; somebody must have tried Techron into the Bay. I have spent 11 months already since I was forced out of the U.S. and am already getting SICK & INSANE OF IT DAMN IT (like every year)!!!

Well, Sir, no offense, I was both amused & surprised how well you know about Japan. However, I'd like to say that things have changedsince '73 about this much, so you can drive just about any car except maybe a Hummer and there are more dealers than used to be. But the speed limits & traffic jams have not changed for the last 30 years or so. And those questionable taxes people pay without a doubt or complaint.

Anyway, I hope you had had some good memories when you were stationed in Japan.


JPN

 

Guys,

It really is not that bad in Japan. Stick to the toll roads / expressways.Install an electronic toll card / reader (ETC) and a good navigation system. Go up to Tokyo only on the weekends. It is very tolerable. Much better than the traffic in Atlanta and definately much better than D.C. It takes me 30 mins to downtown Yokohama and 1.5 hours to downtown Tokyo. I routinely do 110-120 pluskph on the expressway, only one of the 20 or so speed cameras is actually working. Just watch out for the unmarked policewhite toyota sedans.

When I see those guerrilla videos of Enzo`s doing 200 mph... I recognize most of the expressways that it was filmed on.

It`s the parking that maybe a bit difficult. Although I have no trouble with the E class. Some of the older department stores have tiny parking spots and really tight turns.

Well, although I could probably do better if I was in the states... the XC90 maybe the best option.

Now I have to decide between the V8 with all the packages or the V8 Sport with everything but the technology package. The HID lights makes the Japanese road conversion more expensive.
What are some good options... I am looking at the front bar, side bar, mudflaps, sun shades, rubber trunk mats.

 

Hi InJapan,

Thanks also from me for your service toour country. Good luck with the upcoming twins; you'll have your hands full with three little ones, that's for sure!

My wife and I own a '05 XC90. It came with the 4.4L V-8 and most factory options except the Nav and DVD which I didn't really care about anyway.

Our experience with it has been very very good. Any recall issues were taken care of by our dealer, and otherwise has been troublefree.

While others have complained about the mileage, our experience has been quite the opposite. The XC-90 is my wife's daily driver, she drives 70 miles round trip to work, in both city and highway conditions each way. We average (yes, I said AVERAGE) 19.8 to 20.0 miles per gallon. Considering the size and weight of the XC-90, and the power that the 4.4L produces, I think this is quite good. I have had it reach 22 mpg on one occasion while driving out of state.

Another frequent complaint on this forum seems to be tire wear, which I don't understand. Wecurrently have 55,000mileson the factory tires and the wear barsare still not showing. I keep the tires inflated to 38-40 psi and thetires get rotated every 7,500 miles by the dealer. During our last service visit we were told to start keeping an eye on them, but they're still doing fine.

Specifically the tires on ourXC-90 are the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, in size 235/60R-18.I've read a lot of complaints on Michelins and on Michelin Pilots on this board and other places, but in doing some basic checking there are well over a dozen types of Michelin Pilot tires to choose from, so maybe those poor experiences are with something other than the HX MXM4. Our experience has been excellent.

Note here that the 18" wheels are an option, the standard (in '05 anyway) was 17" tires and wheels. The tires handle well in mud and snow (we live on a dirt road, and do get a lot of mud...), and they are very quiet on the freeway. I usually do the long haul driving, and cruising at 80-85 mph I am still amazed at how quiet the tires are. When it comes time to replace them I will definitely get the same HX MXM4's.

The only gripe I have with theXC-90is not being able to take itto a quick-lube place nearby for routine oil changes. I need to get under it to figure out exactly what I need to do to do them myself, but haven't gotten around to that yet.I should, since I do all themaintenance on my yard toys, so I just need to progress to the Volvo! (Note the yard toys are serious toys, 22 hp John Deere diesel & an Exmark Zero turn mower with 72" deck, 28 hp fuel injected, plus a few other goodies)

Optionwise I'm not much help. I did order the winter floor mats for the front and rear seating areas online and was very pleased with them, they were genuine Volvo parts tho, so I expected as much. They were made in someplace like Albania if I remember the tag, which surprised me.

I also had the dealer install the optional mudflaps front and rear (ref. my earlier comment about living on a dirt road) right after we bought it. They work okay but not great. If you're not in road conditions where you don't think you'd need them, I'd pass on the mudflaps.

I did a LOT of comparison shopping when we bought our XC-90, everything from the BMW X-5 to the Trailblazer, Yukon Denali, Mercedes SUV (I forgot the model), VW Toarag, Nissan FX35and others. I don't think any of them compared to the XC-90 in terms of fit, finish, materials selection in the interior (this is very important to me), handling at city and highway speeds, and mileage. And we love the looks.

Safety is unmatched by any. Our insurance (full coverage with State Farm) is under $1,100 per year, much less than what we paid for identical coverage on our previous SUV, an Explorer Limited.


Good luck in your decision, and thanks again for your service to our country.

 

Thanks guys for the support. Although the guys in the sand and those floating around in the ocean have it pretty bad. It's pretty miserable out there.

One of the things I like about the XC90 is the safety aspect. The milage doesn't worry me too much... my M3 only get 12.5 mpg in the city... so the XC90 may even do better.

The oil change thing should be OK for me here also... I should be covered for the maintenance for 5 years here. Also there are no cheap oil change places in Japan... it's expensive or more expensive.

I've accepted the fact that tires will wear out, faster if it is a OEM tire. And that it will be expensive to replace. Once again it can't be more than the M3.

Military Sales has this Elegnace style package which includes a load carrier, mud flaps, front bumper bar and running boards at a discount. I think I will definately get the cargo mat for occasional trips with the dogs.

Does anyone have any experience with the sun shades? I want to keep the light out of the babies faces.
Any comments on the 3 rd row seating... I plan to put atleast one of the kids back there. Is the ISOFIX latches also in the 3rd row?

 

Hi again. We got the Volvo aluminum running boards with rubber step pad (option)and our kids love them since it makes it easier for them to climb in/out. In addition to the tinted window we did get the sun shades for the backdoors as well as cargo area which helps keep it cooler for our baby and dog. These are easy to fit and remove and we love them. BTW, the XC90 comes with a practical and easy to mount and remove cargo area guard to keep our cargo and dog safely separated from the back seats. There are even latches to snap them in behind the front seats if you decide to lay 2nd and 3rd row seats down for cargo. Regarding ISO fix, these are only located in the 2nd row for the left and right seat. There are also tethering anchors on the back of the 2nd row. The 2nd row seats can be adjusted individually fore/aft. In general, it is not recommended to have infants in 3rd row. We hardly ever use 3rd row anyway since that is our dog's place.Best thing to do is to bring 2 infant seats +a child seat to the show room or have thedealer bring a demo vehicle to your house - like we did toload the XC90up with all our stuff in different configurations before you decide. We carry a lot of ski and camping gear + our dog,so we ended up getting both a roof rack and a trailer hitch mounted rack for extra cargo capacity. Still wouldn't trade for a suburban. Word of advice with kids & dogs is to get the trailer hitch! Our next vehicle will most likely also be a Volvo, perhaps even the smaller XC60 due out in Europe later this year. On a final note, if you like to drive sporty (M3 style), you will for sure wear your OEM tires in about 20K miles. For replacement I strongly recommend the Goodyear EdgeResponse in stead of the Michelin Pilots (235/60/18). Again, good luck with your decisions.

 

I will have to go back to the dealer with my child seats and a measuring tape. I looked at the Volvo info more and you are right, children are not recommended in the 3rd row.
That means I may not need the 3rd row.
My dealer came back with an offer to cut another $1600 off of the 3.2, basically all of the cost for converting it for use in Japan. Dam# he is making this hard for me.
Thanks for the info on the sun shades... I will definately get them. Can you see through the shades when they are in place?

 

Yes. I can see through the shades. Go Volvo. you won't regret

 

JPN -it was T-6 2.9L that came with 4-speed GM transmission, they stop producing that XC90 in 2005.

New 3.2L I-6 comes with japanese-built 6-speed aisin-warner unit...

 

I see, thanks for the update. Are the V8s still Yamaha?


JPN