I am going to buy a XC90 in a month or so and am looking for some advice.
I currently drive a 03 Saab 9-5 Areo Wagon. It's my 2nd SAAB and I love the car. But... It's time to get something different.
I have read about the T6 trans problems and the T5 timing belt problems.
I know what ever model I choose the timing belt is one thing that must be changed ASAP.
I am very mechanically inclined and am not afraid to tackle any job. (I did a full rebuild of my 04 9-5 2.3 alone with the turbo.) Link: Rebuild my 2.3T! B235L

I have a couple questions on what model I should get:

1; If a T6 trans has been rebuilt what is the failure rate?
2; Does the rebuild kit rectify the problems inherit with that trans?
3: Towing with a T6 trans. Rebuilt or not? (I haul about 3000lb max. A 26' sailboat on a single axle trailer. Both together weigh 2250 lb.)
4; Can the T5 handle towing the above? (I know the 4000lb limit but will it do it without killing the car?)
5; Suspension... Is it all rubber mounted like my SAAB? Am I going to have to replace rubber bushings on the whole thing if it has 200000km or more on it?
6; Rust? I have yet to see one of these cars with rust...? Are they galvanized like the SAAB? (I am yet to look under one.)

So I am ideally looking for XC90 that has any of the above problems.
I am thinking the best deal for me would be a 06 or newer T6 that needs a transmission. I can get one locally for $199 and have it rebuilt before it goes in. I can do the timing belt and hardware at that time.


Thanks in advance!
Marty

 

Comments inserted above.

 

Thanks for the feedback.
One question. What does the dealer do differently when they rebuild the trans in house that the trans shops don't do?
One car I'm looking at getting had the trans rebuilt by Mr Transmission in Ontario Canada. It has failed in 1 and 2nd now. (I think solenoid.)
What is it typically that fails in the transmissions? Clutch packs? Bearings? All that other stuff?
Thanks Marty

 

We don't rebuild them. We replace them with rebuilt units, replace the cooling system and update the software.

 

Who rebuilds them? (I'm assuming you are a Volvo Tec by your use of "we")
Would the trans failure problems be from over heating? ( I'm guessing the replacement cooling system is bigger?)
In my original post I mentioned timing belt problems with the T5. I should clarify. I have been reading here and just random Googled "xc98 ____ problems" And have found that the T6 and T5 have had problems with the tension pulley and other pulleys failing causing the timing to go out and bent valves. This kind of gets lumped under timing belt problems. (Maybe it should be a maintenance issue.)

 

Yes, I am a tech.

We replace them and send the old trans back to Volvo for rebuild.

The cooling system is the same, it gets replaced so that there is no contamination left from the old trans.

Timing belts or tensioner and idler pulley failures are almost always the owner neglecting to change them according to the maintenance schedule.

 

Do you know what is the most common thing that goes in the trans? I know you don't take them apart but what would you suspect to be the main failure point?
Not trying to put you on the spot with that question. You can PM me with a guess if you wish.
I'm just trying to narrow down the failure points so I can make an informed decision.
I don't want to get a used trans and send it for rebuild and find out that something crazy like the seats for the bearings have wore larger holes.
Thanks

 

I couldn't begin to guess

 

I got a 2004 XC90 with a rebuilt transmission. It's a T6.
Now the VOLVO learning begins.
Anyone want a 03 SAAB 9-5 AERO Wagon? I'll throw in a turbo rebuild kit. (Must be inserted ASAP!)