Need Advice from Volvo Experts

lov4volvo · 2014-07-13T12:34:36+00:00

Auto transmission is troublesome in that age range. @jonbot tells us that an update can keep that under control though, is that correct Jon? Also avoid anyt...

Ex850R

I have a contact at the auction , will see what i can do.....
Have you called mark at Berry'S yet? 0434 897 144.
He is on the forum but very busy buying n selling cars , he knows whats around the whole of the west coast i imagine...

Ex850R

Mmm , didn't see what it went for but yeah , the value was 6.5 but as they told you start at $5k , go up from there , it was/is a very nice car I am told. If it didn't sell the price may come down next auction , they get D5s , xc70s , v70s all the time , buy from auction is pretty well cheaper than Amy private sale and the risks are known as to problems ( ask here ) so better paying less of course.

Tzantushka

lov4volvo;24991 wrote Living in Sydney, I am assuming a stationwagon might be a little long for parking spots.

I do have another question if you dont mind answering and its to do with the badges and years. for instance a badge will have MY03 or MY06 or MY11 etc. What does that actually mean. And also I am being told to avoid 2006 or 2005 models because they are deemed too old. What are your thoughts on that. I would hope the car would last me for at least 7-10 years. Am I being optimistic....

Congrats on the bub!

Parking is fine - especially parallel parking if you have the reverse sensors.
The XC70 wagons up to 2007 aren't too long - about 4.7m - slightly shorter than the current model Holden Commodore.
The turning circle can make the Volvo feel bigger than it is.

MY means Model Year.
Manufacturers like to talk in this language as they often change specifications, configurations and trim levels.

You also need to know that a MY2010 car can actually be manufactured in 2009.
That's important because the industry values cars based on the car's manufactured date - not the model year.
[Assuming two cars in equal condition...] A MY2010 manufactured in 2009 would be worth less than a MY2010 manufactured in 2010.

Hope this helps...

Nosi

re some comments above. Why avoid the 3.2 naturally aspirated six ?
I have one of these in my xc90, and have had no issues whatsoever in just under 100000km.
it is an easy maintenance FORD engine, made in England. It has enough power for the job ( variable valve timing ), uses little fuel, considering the weight it pulls. 9 we get around 14L/100 in town and 9L/100 on the hiway.
It has a smooth 6 speed tranny stuck to it, and it extremely comfortable.
I don't think there is a better 7 seat 'bus' on the market, new or second hand.
'avoid it like the plague' is bit over the top.
I can understand the reality of avoiding the 4 speed GM transmission of the 2.9 T6. perhaps there is a confusion happening ?
please enlighten me, as I an seriously interested in what the problem is.

Philia_Bear

Nosi;25104 wrotere some comments above. Why avoid the 3.2 naturally aspirated six ?
I have one of these in my xc90, and have had no issues whatsoever in just under 100000km.
it is an easy maintenance FORD engine, made in England. It has enough power for the job ( variable valve timing ), uses little fuel, considering the weight it pulls. 9 we get around 14L/100 in town and 9L/100 on the hiway.
It has a smooth 6 speed tranny stuck to it, and it extremely comfortable.
I don't think there is a better 7 seat 'bus' on the market, new or second hand.
'avoid it like the plague' is bit over the top.
I can understand the reality of avoiding the 4 speed GM transmission of the 2.9 T6. perhaps there is a confusion happening ?
please enlighten me, as I an seriously interested in what the problem is.

Shortlist
The timing gear likes eating itself
Its underpowered and yet often uses more fuel then the V8
Nearly ALL of them have oil consumption issues requiring overfilling when NEW just to make the oil change intervals
Compared to the D5... its slower, uses more fuel, and has higher maintenance costs

The issues with the original T6 motor was the Trans, the engine was fine
The issues with the later I6/T6 cars is the engine, the TF6 speed is fine

The D5 is fine as long as you change the oil when you should
The v8 is fine as long as you don't wash the engine bay every day

If its a work provided car or someone else is paying... I could care less which one I got
If I'm paying my hard earned cash for it I'm getting a D5 or a V8

Nosi

thanks for the info.
I was thinking of listing a comparison between 3.2 six and d5 ( purchase price / power/ weight/ fuel etc) , but that might just seem to be wanting to argue. ( horses for courses I guess )
therefore it appears that the 'avoid' claim is based on a timing gear problem, and an oil consumption problem.
I had not previously heard of these, so I have been edumacated today.
if my xc90 lunches its engine, or starts using oil, I will post here.
for now, I am just happy that my 3.2 has plenty of power for me, low running costs, and fair fuel consumption for its weight and function.
I will be keeping it ...' for life'.
of course, I don't expect 240 style life expectancy !

lov4volvo

XC70 v70 s70
2008 17,000 v70.2 d5 v
2004 v50
2004 s80tsix 8000

Ex850R;25033 wroteMmm , didn't see what it went for but yeah , the value was 6.5 but as they told you start at $5k , go up from there , it was/is a very nice car I am told. If it didn't sell the price may come down next auction , they get D5s , xc70s , v70s all the time , buy from auction is pretty well cheaper than Amy private sale and the risks are known as to problems ( ask here ) so better paying less of course.

I did indeed call Mark and he was most helpful and suggested I purchase a V50. Not a bad looking car, are they! In fact, I was on the phone and didn't have a pen on me and so I typed a few notes. It appears I typed it in the reply box to your message hence why there are random car and year models in the reply!

So now its a toss up between a xc90 and a v50. I guess its a matter of going on a test drive to see which suits me.

regarding the auction-i am nervous buying this way as I have no way of knowing the condition of the car, Speaking with the lady from the auction, she said they don't do inspections so the condition is not known....

lov4volvo

Tzantushka;25085 wrote
lov4volvo;24991 wrote Living in Sydney, I am assuming a stationwagon might be a little long for parking spots.

Congrats on the bub!

Parking is fine - especially parallel parking if you have the reverse sensors.
The XC70 wagons up to 2007 aren't too long - about 4.7m - slightly shorter than the current model Holden Commodore.
The turning circle can make the Volvo feel bigger than it is.

MY means Model Year.
Manufacturers like to talk in this language as they often change specifications, configurations and trim levels.

You also need to know that a MY2010 car can actually be manufactured in 2009.
That's important because the industry values cars based on the car's manufactured date - not the model year.
[Assuming two cars in equal condition...] A MY2010 manufactured in 2009 would be worth less than a MY2010 manufactured in 2010.

Hope this helps...

Thanks Trent! SO now you know why I want a Volvo. Safety for bub. Although I have been told that Subaru's are just as safe, I do like the look of the Volvo.

Snoopy suggested calling Mart at Berry and he thinks a V50 is ideal for me. He has two coming in next week or so. Although he is in Melbourne, I don't mind the extra effort as he seemed trustworthy and honest.

I guess it's a matter of test driving the XC90 versus the V50 and see which is a better feel. Btw Trent, I am told that cares in the 2005-6 range are deemed too old and best to avoid those. What are your thoughts? And also what are your thoughts on fhe V50's? Their look appeals to me, but that is all I know!

Ex850R

Most of the blokes on this forum know about Mark either through his posts here or in person and may have dealt with Berry Motor Group who he works for. You won't buy from a better bunch of blokes there.

egads (she/her)

Unless you need the extra size and softroader features, a v50 is a nicer place to be than an xc90 of the same era.

Tzantushka

lov4volvo;25120 wrote Guess it's a matter of test driving the XC90 versus the V50 and see which is a better feel. Btw Trent, I am told that cares in the 2005-6 range are deemed too old and best to avoid those. What are your thoughts? And also what are your thoughts on the V50's? Their look appeals to me, but that is all I know!

Yes, suggest you test drive both.
An efficient method would be to find a Volvo dealer who has both cars in stock.
This way you can have a direct comparison on the day.

With that sort of vintage, these cars are already 8-9 years old.
By that time they'll certainly have a few miles on the clock.
With the V50 - I would look at your MY 2008+ cars (if your budget allows)
This is the facelifted model with a few improvements.

Happy test-driving!

egads (she/her)

I thought the V50/S40 got the facelift earlier?

shayne72

the 3.2 six naturally aspirated 6 speed is bullet proof.

Avoid the diesel turbo like the plague and make sure you have your flue injections for any turbo xc90.
Unless you want to change the oil every thousand Ks and have to constantly change seals.

Vee_Que

Shaynes advice is the opposite of conventional wisdom. The six is complicated with a not great box, the diesel, gets good economy and is not a big deal to change oil every 8-10,000kms based on if you do city or highway driving. . And just put in good diesel from higher use service stations.

egads (she/her)

3.2 is pretty rubbish compare to v8 or d5.

shayne72

Depends on the year models we are talking about.

shayne72

So according to most reviews and the US news site the fact that they state that the 2008 3.2 aspirated is the most reliable XC90 model available with rock solid engine and transmission is total rubbish then...

morgan

Yes total rubbish

Chris

The V50 and XC90 are totally opposite in that the V50 is basically a small car and the XC is fairly big. So you need to work out what is right for you.

I bought a V50 because we are mostly 2 in the car, sometimes 3, rarely more. Our garage is not very deep or wide, and you have to turn fairly tight to enter. I spend too much time in car parks. My (very old) parents would struggle to get into an SUV. So for us an XC would be a pain, and the V50 just right, but your needs may be very different.

Volvos in my experience do cost more to maintain than the average Japanese car if you are not a DIY person, but staying away from dealers helps.

Vee_Que

shayne72;104730 wroteSo according to most reviews and the US news site the fact that they state that the 2008 3.2 aspirated is the most reliable XC90 model available with rock solid engine and transmission is total rubbish then...

The Americans don't use diesels either. .

« Previous Page Next Page »