Hi all! New member here. I've been looking at the XC90 for the longest time. This would be my first luxury brand purchase. I have owned cars (mostly Japanese) and laboriously kept the maintenance schedule thus, cars last a long time with me. I keep them until they die. I currently drive a 12 year old Honda Accord (bought new). Still runs as good as the day it rolled out of the dealership lot.

I am aware of the tranny issues on the XC90 model and thus, narrowed my search to 2008 and newer. I saw this XC90 2008 with 70k miles at a reasonable price sold by a Volvo dealer. Carfax looks clean and I am thinking of doing a test drive and having it inspected at another Volvo dealer.

Since the XC90 I am looking at is technically a 6 year old vehicle, what are the potential mechanical and electrical problems I would be facing down the road? Any particular items I should be looking out for when test driving and having it checked out by a mechanic?

I would like to hear the experiences of current and previous owners or those who have heard of issues on this vehicle.

Thanks much.

PS. The same Volvo dealer has a 2012 XC90 with 68k miles but, $10k more expensive. Should I bite the bullet on the 2008 or get the more expensive 2012?

Thanks again,

A potential Volvo car enthusiast

 

Stick to 3.2 engine.

Relevant thread:
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...c.php?p=330895

I wrote some DIYs (spark plugs, fluid chnages, fuel filter etc.) that you may want to consider doing yourself to save money...

 

Thanks cn90.

Yes, the 2008 is a 3.2 engine. Same with the more expensive 2012.

 

- 2008 3.2 is a good year.
- Yes, get an independent inspection, it will cost you some $100 or so.
- Again, learn how to do basic repairs: spark plugs, fuel filter etc. etc. You will save a lot of money in the future.
- No need to spend an additional $10K to get a newer model.

- Once you get the car, clean the chassis if the car has been exposed to salt used in the winter. Just get a garden hose and clean the underneath.

 

Just wanted to give an update: got the '08 XC90! Didn't realize it was loaded with options. A nice bonus.

 

I will dispute that. I will stick to the V8 motor. No turbo please!! I believe the V8 model has the best overall repair records. The V8 engine is sweet and no non-sense!!