2010 XC90 - any common probs or crap features?

2010 XC90 - any common probs or crap features?

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PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
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An XC90 is currently looking like my next car - prob 2010 vintage, and likely to be the V8 version, if I can find one, otherwise the 3.2 six - over here the prices are similar. There's not a lot in terms of buyers guides out there, and most websites seem to talk positively about these cars, and don't seem to itemise any particular problems. OK, so the early T6 and a few other 03-07 gremlins get a mention, but is that it?? So I thought I'd ask owners, past and present, about those features that you'd like to change to this vintage XC90.

I'm aware of the turning arc, never a circle, and that I can expect fairly disastrous mpg from either of my engine choices, but the D5 is not on my list. What are the common problems??? Check the RWD works OK, and that the car's not seen too much off-road work which is a possibility over here? It will get used by children, currently the youngest is a year old, and I plan to keep it for 5 years or so.

I have driven one, a 3.2, and like it enough for what I need it for, but that was just 30 mins.

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
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You'll get no better fuel economy from the 3.2 so I would hold out for a V8, if you're going to do the thing do it properly.

From being on the US Volvo forums where the V8 is much more common there appears to have been a small number of problems with a balance shaft on very early 2005 V8 engines but aside from that they seem to be extremely tough and durable, far more so than any turbo diesel. I'm always on the lookout for a nice V8 S80, but one thing that gives me pause is the difficulty of finding anyone familiar with the engine if it does develop a problem. I gather than the way the accessories are driven from the engine is unusual and it all has to be aligned properly to quite tight tolerances if any are replaced.

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
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dme123 said:
You'll get no better fuel economy from the 3.2 so I would hold out for a V8
My understanding...

dme123 said:
if you're going to do the thing do it properly.
...and my thinking. If I'm going to have to get a 7-seater, then it might as well be one with an entertaining redeeming feature, cos none of them are going to handle well.

dme123 said:
From being on the US Volvo forums where the V8 is much more common there appears to have been a small number of problems with a balance shaft on very early 2005 V8 engines but aside from that they seem to be extremely tough and durable, far more so than any turbo diesel. I'm always on the lookout for a nice V8 S80, but one thing that gives me pause is the difficulty of finding anyone familiar with the engine if it does develop a problem. I gather than the way the accessories are driven from the engine is unusual and it all has to be aligned properly to quite tight tolerances if any are replaced.
Thanks for that lot - there are a few Volvo specialists around here, so might be time for a chat

anonymous-user

53 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
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It is one of the few genuine 7 seaters you can get that isn't a dismal bus and most 7 seat 4x4s have a very poor 3rd row. The only reservation I have about the V8 in the S80 more than in the XC90 is that for the fuel consumption you have to put up with the power output is a bit off the pace compared to a BMW 550i (and presumably X5).

hman

7,487 posts

193 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
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I have this exact model - except its the d5 (think you could only get the d5 on 2010 but might be mistaken).

My advice to you would be try to get one with the silver moustache on the front bumper, it looks better, if you can get painted lower bumpers - again this looks better (I have had mine painted)

Stretch to an SE or a Lux - I have an Active which has nearly the same toys but no Leather interior (I retro fitted my leather interior).

Dont buy a manual unless you have 3 legs, handbrake is the 3rd pedal (4th on a manual) on the left.

Problems with harmonic centre shaft dampers, and pinion/crownwheels were resolved in 2010 and 2007 respectively.

These cars are huge inside, you can fit loads in them and they are very practical

They also do fine off road, I have taken mine 4 up with a dog and luggage in the boot through axle deep rutted lanes no problems.

I have had the following replaced under extended warranty, swirl flap assembly (diesel cars only), interior alarm module

The d5 will happily cruise all day at 85-90mph fully loaded, and still return 28-32mpg.

It literally costs me nothing bar servicing, tyres and fuel - so far this has been pretty much the most reliable car I have owned so all in all I am very happy. I went through the decision process of X5, RRS, FFRR, Disco and ended up at XC90. The only car I didnt consider was a toyota land cruiser - food for thought.


PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Tuesday 24th March 2015
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Ta for that lot. Agree the V8 seems a bit off the pace compared to an X5, but if I only wanted 5 seats, then I'd be getting a fast wagon, say Commodore V8 - in which case I wouldn't give a hoot about an X5.

Trim specs over here are all fully-loaded - for the models I'll be looking at I'll need to choose between Executive, which seems to have all the toys including rear DVD screen in the headrests, or R Design, which has all the toys, looks a bit sportier and I think has a couple of light suspension changes. Also all will be with 6-sp auto - never sold as a manual in any guise here.

Have not considered any others really - if I'm going to this type of car, then it must have 7 usable seats, and have something a bit fun, in this case hopefully a V8 engine. There are others such as the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX9 and Ford Territory (its why we don't get the S-Max...) but they all seem a bit, well, shabby in comparison for not a lot less $$. Merc ML and Disco just not for me. Landcruiser and others like it are all a bit too much proper off-road type thingies for me. I've had a good go in a V8TD LC and whilst a good cruiser, and huuuuuuuuuge inside, that was it.

So, full service history, and chat to a specialist seems to be about it!


stephen300o

15,464 posts

227 months

Tuesday 14th April 2015
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Dad has had one for years, loves it, only down is the battery draining quick.

Murph7355

37,651 posts

255 months

Thursday 16th April 2015
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Great cars for lugging in comfort and they feel safe as houses.

Turning circle is crap as you note. Also, the auto gearbox is quite slow on initial take up (on a D5 anyway). If you drive round towns a lot that can get tiresome.

Even in RDesign trim they don't much like being chucked around corners quickly. Or rather your passengers won't (the car goes round corners surprisingly well considering the lean angles).

But I don't think anything combines decent 7 seat potential, ability to go off road, safety aspects and decent rugged looks as well.

We've done 70k miles in ours in 4yrs. Mrs loves it and have no idea what we'll replace it with when the time comes...

PomBstard

Original Poster:

6,729 posts

241 months

Friday 15th May 2015
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Well, just a quick bump for this, as I've now sold the Subaru, and am on the hunt for an XC90 - all and any tales of what to look for welcomed!

stephen300o

15,464 posts

227 months

Friday 15th May 2015
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A nice one at a reasonable cost.

hman

7,487 posts

193 months

Friday 15th May 2015
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not really, 70,000 miles and no major faults.