Hello. I am a new member to the forums and I have decided to join in because I am interested in the xc90.

There are a few used ones I came across and they all run for about the same prices-- average of about $31k (2003-2005 models). One in particular is a 2003 2.5 FWD with a price of $26k, but has an odometer reading of 48k miles. What problems/troubles/concerns should I expect in an xc90 with that many miles on it? Im hoping the previous owner had taken care of all the major kinks by now... assuming that he/she regularly maintained and "baby-ed" the vehicle. There is another 2004 2.5AWD thats priced at $33k with about 30k miles on it. Obviously i'd test drive it to "feel" which is better running... but between the two (judging by price and mileage, alone) which would you choose?

Seems like the biggest problem is the alignment and tirewear. Any other recurring problems I need to know about?

The xc90 will be replacing (if i choose to) my 2002 ford explorer v8 4.6L. My main reason for the change is safety-- but I am surely spoiled with the space (easily fits 2 childseats in the backseat with extra room for a third passenger [hopefully the xc90 will be similar or better]) and power/performance I'm getting from the v8 in my explorer (i'd really hate to have a slow throttle response in the volvo).

All your help is appreciated.

 

2003 was the 1st production year -usually those cars had more problems. But for 33K You may try to get 2006 year model FWD 2.5 -they (2.5) should be getting cheaper now since new 6 cyl. is coming out.

 

If all you need is a FWD vehicle, I'd suggest buying a 2005 XC90 2.5T FWD with low miles. 2005 was the last year they came with a maintenance plan (good to 36,000 miles). New they were in the 30's, so I don't think you'll have a hard time finding one in the low 30's. As for problems, the 2.5T and V8 motors haven't been "problem engines." The T-6 was known to have some problems, but mainly from 1999-2002, the XC90 came out in '03. As for the power, the T5 won't feel as quick as the Explorer's V8, but it does get descent fuel economy and does have a lot of low end torque. So for city driving, it will feel about the same. The T-5 comes with a 5 speed auto, so the extra gear really helps with both economy on the highway as well as around town sprints. For vehicles over 45K, I'd look out for brake ware, and insure all schedule maintenance have been done. Some of the older models had problems with light bulbs burning out, but otherwise, they're great cars.

Good Luck!

 

Hello:

I have a 2005 XC90 T5 AWD. I guess I am one of the lucky ones in that as I have read the XC90 Forums over the past 6 months or so, I have not encountered anything remotely close to some of the problems others have encountered. My only problem was with teh emergency/parking brake and after Volvo installed a completely new system, it works perfectly. I did receive a recall from Volvo regarding the tie rod ends and perhaps that will also help those with premature tire wear.

My driving is in the mountains and in the city and the T5 AWD has performed perfectly. I am very satisfied with my vehicle and I had very high expectations and quite honestly they were all met. I'll probably grow old with this vehicle!

Best of Luck with your purchase

Jonathan in Steamboat Springs Colorado