My wife has been looking for a newer vehicle to replace her ES300 Lexus sedan. For some reason, she has looked at SUVs. We considered a new Saturn VUE. But now we are considering a Volvo XC90. We have had 4 Volvo sedans in the past, and loved them all. Our old friend Volvo used car dealer has currently an 04 and an 05 off Volvo lease. Both are approximately 32k miles. The 05 has 3rd row seating that would be seldom used these days. It has the parking assist sensors and is still under factory warantee. My wife likes the 05's color better. The 04 actually has 700 less miles and is $2,000 less. It's interior is less worn.

Both look very good and we will take the one we want to our Volvo dealer mechanic for his inspection. Do any of you have an opinion? I have been reading here about transmission problems. How can one tell which is in these vehicles?

I am leaning toward the 05 just for the warantee and then extend that one with Volvo VIP. What do you think? Or could I get the 04 inpected and get the Volvo VIP?
Thanks in advance

 

The engine/transmission ought to be considered. I've owned a 2003 T6, a 2006 V8 and a 2007 V8. The 07' is the best by far. The T6 is a gas hog and has transmission shifting problems. The V8 makes all the difference. Smooth power band and quick response. All the power you'll ever need and better gas milage. I'd stay away from the T6.

 

I appreciate the info. Both of these have the 5 cylinder engine. My three long-term advisors on all things Volvo (2 mechanics and the used Volvo dealer) have independently raved about the engine's dependability and performance. That is all the dealer buys and sells. They have also told me to avoid the T6.

Thanks again

 

I would opt for the 05 for resale value. 32K is fairly low milage. Our 06 2.5 has 32K and still seems new.
Do not expect wonderful milage, we get mid-teens in town and maybe 20 on the hwy. We are still overall happy with the vehicle.
Extended warranties are debatable; some love the piece of mind, others say pay youself that money for possible repairs. Research extended companies well, they are quite lucrative for a reason. I would see which ones your intended service center recommends, they know which ones that are reasonable to work with.

I have also heard good things about the Vue

 

I can't really speak to the engines, other than to say the T6 got awful mileage during the cold months, but is getting 17.5 in the city and 21 on the highway during the warmer months. If you have a choice between just two rows of seating vs. three, go with the two. I have 3rd row seating and not only is there no leg room in the 3rd row, there is very little in the 2nd. I bought my car used, but didn't really consider the seats until some friends sat in the backseat.

 

rcpatterson - Which did you buy? I have an 04 and it has been zero trouble. Nothing at all, except wear out the first set of tires by 35k. Now have about 55k miles and going strong.

 

I agree with the T5 2005 choice with a third row option. You never know when you need another row for friends, or in a pinch. It has come in handy. We are very pleased with our purchase. We are averaging 21 mpg all purpose driving.

 

I actually just found my self in the same predicament choosing between and 04 and 05 and went with the 05 because it had about a year longer left on the certified warranty. I also found that "most" people would prefer the 3rd row even if they don't use it that much so that may come into play when reselling.

 

I had an 05' XC 2.5 i kept it for 31,000 miles with no problems except it felt like it had no power at all.