Need advice of getting a used XC90

Jay

Hello All.. I'm planning to get a 2008 petrol model XC90. Odo shows 149,000 km and 150,000 km seevice is done. Price is AUD13K. Is there anything in particular I should be concerned on this? Any feedback or suggestions are welcomed. (I've not driven a volvo before)

morgan

If it's a 3.2 don't buy it , buy a v8 or a d5

Jay

Thanks Morgan. Will check it out

pauljloz

T5 is also OK but these weren't imported after 2007-08.
If the service history doesn't indicate trans service / brake and coolant changes or missing services - have a Volvo specialist check it out or don't proceed.
Plan to spend some $ on maintenance - suspension in particular (find and drive a newer one for comparison).
If it pulls slightly when breaking - bushes need replacing.
With those km, it would want to be very tidy and have good service history.

Jay

pauljloz;117423 wroteT5 is also OK but these weren't imported after 2007-08.
If the service history doesn't indicate trans service / brake and coolant changes or missing services - have a Volvo specialist check it out or don't proceed.
Plan to spend some $ on maintenance - suspension in particular (find and drive a newer one for comparison).
If it pulls slightly when breaking - bushes need replacing.
With those km, it would want to be very tidy and have good service history.

Thanks for your suggestion Paul. It's a 2008, 3.2L model, I'm yet to test drive it. As per the owner, servicing history is up to date. 150,000 km major service was done last week. I'm now starting to worry abt the cost of servicing though.

Jay

morgan;117407 wroteIf it's a 3.2 don't buy it , buy a v8 or a d5

Apparently it is a 3.2L model. ☹️ By the way what's wrong with this model?

pauljloz

Blessed by Ford unreliability by some reports. Search the forums here for examples. By comparison 5 and 8 cyl models are very reliable when serviced. Wise to consider servicing in ownership budget not just purchase. Done properly servicing costs are bit higher (not higher than other euros) and contained somewhat by good independent volvo specialist. Servicing rewards with a better vehicle imo $ for $.

Jay

pauljloz;117431 wroteBlessed by Ford unreliability by some reports. Search the forums here for examples. By comparison 5 and 8 cyl models are very reliable when serviced. Wise to consider servicing in ownership budget not just pirchase. Done properly servicing costs are bit higher (not higher than other euros) and contained somewhat by good independent volvo specialist. Servicing rewards with a better vehicle imo $ for $.

Agree with you on that. This car is comparatively selling on cheaper price tag. No proper servicing Could be the reason. So it's gonna most likely be a lemon for me. Thanks Paul

bigal

2.5T all the way! All the others are either too thirsty, unreliable or rattly.

lasercowboy

The 3.2 is notorious for destroying transmissions. They come up on eBay weekly where the description is "awesome car, blown transmission, easy fix". The fix is not easy, or cheap, or indeed a fix. Avoid the 3.2 like a painful crotch ailment.

Jay

Thanks @bigal and @lasercowboy for your useful update . I have dropped the plan of buying it.

VolvoMike

lasercowboy;118509 wroteThe 3.2 is notorious for destroying transmissions. They come up on eBay weekly where the description is "awesome car, blown transmission, easy fix". The fix is not easy, or cheap, or indeed a fix. Avoid the 3.2 like a painful crotch ailment.

T6 consumes transmissions... 3.2 not so much. The 3.2 has the same transmission as the V8 and D5.

Regards,

Michael

bigal

Classic example of the T6 problem (see link). It's in my town.. not even tempted to go near it.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/invermay/cars-vans-utes/volvo-xc90-t6-awd/1157807708

I hope we haven't turned you off a XC90 altogether @Jay

Philia_Bear

D5 are good for highway use
2010 are better as no swirl flaps

Lots of suspension wear parts on all xc90s
Just have to budget for it
Imho $2500 year is right if someone else is being paid to do the work
Sub $1k if you do the work

Jay

bigal;118523 wroteClassic example of the T6 problem (see link). It's in my town.. not even tempted to go near it.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/invermay/cars-vans-utes/volvo-xc90-t6-awd/1157807708

I hope we haven't turned you off a XC90 altogether @Jay

Haha... yeah kind of. Really was looking forward to get an old XC90 but after reading the posts, now on backfoot. As a safer option, thinking of getting an older japanese 7 seater. Mazda or toyota.

Ex850R

Ford Territory diesel.

Philia_Bear

Ex850R;118614 wroteFord Territory diesel.

Just no

Philia_Bear

Jay;118536 wrote
bigal;118523 wroteClassic example of the T6 problem (see link). It's in my town.. not even tempted to go near it.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/invermay/cars-vans-utes/volvo-xc90-t6-awd/1157807708

I hope we haven't turned you off a XC90 altogether @Jay
Haha... yeah kind of. Really was looking forward to get an old XC90 but after reading the posts, now on backfoot. As a safer option, thinking of getting an older japanese 7 seater. Mazda or toyota.

Drive like shit
Cost more to buy
Frequently less reliable

2007+ d5 are fine
Just got to stay ahead of the non listed maitenance items

Ex850R

Philia_Bear;118622 wrote
Ex850R;118614 wroteFord Territory diesel.
Just no

You and Ash dislike them so!
Have a few mates with various years, 6cyl and diesel and they love them.
Hard on front end bits but then, any Volvo is the same....

Philia_Bear

Ex850R;118632 wrote
Philia_Bear;118622 wrote
Ex850R;118614 wroteFord Territory diesel.
Just no
You and Ash dislike them so!
Have a few mates with various years, 6cyl and diesel and they love them.
Hard on front end bits but then, any Volvo is the same....

One work mates wife was driving and ball joint let go
4 cars written off from the ensuing accident
Was not pretty

It was supposed to have been replaced by the ford dealer after the husband complained of noises
Ford dealer said they changed it but never did

The dealer network is as much reason to avoid the territory as anything else