2010 XC90 - any common probs or crap features?

[PomBstard]

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.

[PomBstard]

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

[PomBstard]

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!

[PomBstard]

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!