What do you think about the XC90?

[BENZ BOY15]

My Mom is considering getting one. Clayton (naturally) thought it would be a good one and she really likes it. We haven't driven it yet, but it isn't inoffensive to my family...which is rare. I value Clayton's opinion and he's a cool guy but I wanted to know what everyone else thinks.

Basically, what is wrong with the XC90? We would be buying a slightly used V8 top of the line version. My Mom wants something that gives her elevation (like the Suburban) but isn't nearly as big. Something that drives a little easier too in terms of parking and such. Gas millage isn't that important but my Dad is not very happy when he sees the Suburban's now $83/full tank every week. One time it was $140 for a full tank of gas in Malibu/west LA when I stayed there for a week and a half with a friend.   Anything would be an improvement....if we can get north of 15MPG that's a plus.

Thoughts on the XC90? What are some other alternatives you can think of? $50,000 is about the price range...lower is better/great but they can go a little higher than 50K if it's a really nice vehicle.

[SVT666]

XC90 is great.  Buy it.

[Madman]

The 2003-05 six cylinder models (2.9 and T6) used a GM-sourced four speed automatic that is prone to premature failure.  If looking at one of these, make sure the transmission has either already been replaced or get an extended powertrain warranty in case it goes pop.  Otherwise, there's not much to worry about in an XC90.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, it might be worth seeing out a 2004-06 2.5T.  This was the low-pressure turbo (tuned for torque rather then all-out perfomance) five cylinder engine.  These get around 20 MPG in mixed driving conditions, which isn't too bad for a big bus like this.  Available since 2005, the 4.4 V8 will get in the mid-to-upper teens in mixed driving but, if I were shooping for a new-ish XC90, I would consider the 3.2 inline six.  Introduced in 2007, the 3.2 is almost as efficient as the old 2.5T, while providing even more power and torque.  This is the one I would go for.

My wife was with me recently when I was picking up some bits at the Volvo dealer.  We wandered over to the showroom and she prompty fell in love with the XC90.  I told her we wouldn't be getting one unless one of our Volvos were to die.  Next thing I know, the 240 (which SHE usually drives) has started acting funny.

Hmmmmm.......Sabotage, perhaps? 

[BENZ BOY15]

that's pretty funny. We are looking at slightly used like under 10k miles or less and 2010 or 2011.

[Speed_Racer]

The XC90 is my favorite midsize SUV. They look great in black.

[BENZ BOY15]

I love black! My dad says if you get black on a SUV, it looks like you're a drug dealer. He also says it's hard to clean...blah, blah, blah. I would get black, but knowing my parents it's going to be some safe, generic color.

[CALL_911]

some safe, generic color.

Like, say, black?

[Colonel Cadillac]

My problem with getting a new XC90 is that it was introduced a really long time ago. Who knows when it's going to get replaced, but it has been out for ~7 years. What about the XC60? It's a much better vehicle and I'm quite a fan of those.

[BENZ BOY15]

Like, say, black?

that's what I said and I agree with you 100%, but I'm not making the final decision. What I mean
is blue-ish or some silver color.

And caddy, we will check it out. But since we keep our cars longer than average, how 'old' a car model is not that much of a factor.

[Raza]

I quite like them.  If I were a mother of two, I'd have one. 

[omicron]

I quite like them.  If I were a mother of two, I'd have one. 

Bad news. It's triplets.

[SVT32V]

Since it is a Volvo, it is the only large three-row SUV that is not considered an evil gas guzzler by the left. So in that sense it is safe, and none of your liberal friends will accuse you of destroying the environment.

Ah volvo, the only badge car not considered a badge.

[BENZ BOY15]

Since it is a Volvo, it is the only large three-row SUV that is not considered an evil gas guzzler by the left. So in that sense it is safe, and none of your liberal friends will accuse you of destroying the environment.

Ah volvo, the only badge car not considered a badge.

You know, my fellow liberal friends and their liberal parents love SUVs and their energy wasting , big houses. They may believe in global warming (I know some that just say they do ), but they love their SUVs and I don't get crap down in SoCal for an SUV....SF is a different story, however.

In fact, some of the most liberal people I know are my godparents. What do they drive? A Range Rover, a M3 convertible and an E63 AMG. They also live in a 6,000 sqft home.

Save the earth!

[dazzleman]

The XC90 is my favorite SUV.

[68_427]

Is there an R appearence package?

[CJ]

Is there an R appearence package?

You betcha!  But it's only available with the 6-cylinder.

[CJ]

My problem with getting a new XC90 is that it was introduced a really long time ago. Who knows when it's going to get replaced, but it has been out for ~7 years. What about the XC60? It's a much better vehicle and I'm quite a fan of those.

It's really not a 'much better vehicle'.  The XC90, though a little old, is still an absolutely excellent vehicle.

[68_427]

You betcha!  But it's only available with the 6-cylinder.

How is this possible?  I'm sure a dealer would install one on a V8.

[CJ]

How is this possible?  I'm sure a dealer would install one on a V8.

There used to be a V8 R-Design, and it was pure sex.  The V8 is relatively quick too.  0-60 in 7.2 seconds for a vehicle that weighs the same as 8 city blocks.

[BENZ BOY15]

The XC90 better be damn spectacular! My Dad is now cringing at the idea of dropping $50K on a car, but "if I really like it, I'll do it." We shall see.....I think he'll like it. We're going to see it this weekend I believe, if he isn't on call.

However, I must warn you guys that my Dad (my Mom couldn't care less) doesn't really give a flying shit about cars. Anything north of $30,000 is excessive but if it's nice/necessary, he'll do it.

[BENZ BOY15]

There used to be a V8 R-Design, and it was pure sex.  The V8 is relatively quick too.  0-60 in 7.2 seconds for a vehicle that weighs the same as 8 city blocks.

Oh Clayton....you make me laugh. If we only lived closer, my friend.

[Atomic]

great vehicle, but she could love a great deal opting for the newer, fresher and roomy xc60. the xc60 is my favorite. i love the panoramic roof (not offered on the xc90). i test drove both and found the "60" airier and nearly as spacious.

[Laconian]

What are your mom's requirements besides sitting up high?

[68_427]

Be more reliable than their Suburban currently is...  otherwise there isn't much.

[TBR]

There used to be a V8 R-Design, and it was pure sex.  The V8 is relatively quick too.  0-60 in 7.2 seconds for a vehicle that weighs the same as 8 city blocks.

That doesn't qualify as relatively quick anymore.

[Laconian]

Be more reliable than their Suburban currently is...  otherwise there isn't much.

Sounds like she needs a cute-ute, then.

I don't think it's Americans' increasing waist sizes that are responsible for the fuel economy drop, it's women, with their irrational need to sit on barstools when they drive.

[CJ]

That doesn't qualify as relatively quick anymore.

How isn't it relatively quick?  It's just as fast as my 16 year old 850 Turbo.

[TBR]

How isn't it relatively quick?  It's just as fast as my 16 year old 850 Turbo.

Relative to the competition the XC90 V8 is not particularly quick.

[68_427]

How isn't it relatively quick?  It's just as fast as my 16 year old 850 Turbo.

Your Volvo isn't very quick anymore either.

The Escalade does it in 6.5.  Its a much larger/heavier vehicle.

[BENZ BOY15]

What are your mom's requirements besides sitting up high?

That it's safe, easier to maneuver than her current ride, it shouldn't be ostentatious...and well, that's about it.