XC90 T6 - What to look out for on test drive

XC90 T6 - What to look out for on test drive

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968CSReading

Original Poster:

3,030 posts

219 months

Monday 2nd June 2008
quotequote all
Hoping to test drive one of these (2003, 56K) at the weekend. Ive not driven one before so any pointers on things to look out for?

Its had the bearings done and no issues with gearbox (so they say)

Hoping to try and get a test in another this week to compare.

Also, anyone know of Volvo specialists in the Harrogate area who would carry out an inspection? Would an RAC or AA inspection be worth it if not?

Stedman

7,228 posts

193 months

Monday 2nd June 2008
quotequote all
Nothing specific about the car but...

Its worth asking for the number plate and or vin numbers. Pop into your local ovlov dealer and ask for all the print outs for it. They should show all the service history and all the work volvo have carried out on it eg, brake fluid etc etc.

Such a good idea and it gives you a nice boost of confidence knowing all that work is fully legit.

Hope it helped a bit.

valve bounce66

2,708 posts

215 months

Sunday 8th June 2008
quotequote all
the gearbox is the main issue,many fail at low mileage,not just the bearings ! costs about 5k to replace,also will only do 16-24 mpg,would recomend geting the diesel has a different auto box that is bullet proof and does 25-32 mpg.

968CSReading

Original Poster:

3,030 posts

219 months

Monday 9th June 2008
quotequote all
Didnt go to see that T6 in the end but drove one at a dealer yesterday.

Very impressive and a nice car but the 15mpg makes my RX8 look economical. a drive of a D5 will be next.

KM2

272 posts

216 months

Wednesday 25th June 2008
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The problem with the diesel, I find, is the total lack of go. Even in the more powerful one acceleration is more on a calendar scale as opposed to stopwatch. I am not sure if any other options are on the list.

Other things I found about the XC90 was that the seats were much worse than on other Volvo's of the era (such as the S80), it leans in corners quite a bit and the interior space for 4 6 footers is a bit below optimal. On the other hand the steering feel is good for a Volvo.


968CSReading

Original Poster:

3,030 posts

219 months

Wednesday 25th June 2008
quotequote all
Yes have read that they are underpowered. The T6 prices are dropping still so Im still temepted to get one and convert it to LPG.

There are some nice 2.5T examples around £15K too.

KM2

272 posts

216 months

Thursday 26th June 2008
quotequote all
Have an S80T-6 (essentially the same engine). The engine is one of the few sound parts of the car. It's nice and smooth and has plenty of go, especially nice above 70mph (which I suppose is less of an advantage in the UK...).

I hope they did not fit the same hopeless autobox to the XC-90T6. So massively inferior (and massively larger and heavier) than the old unit fitted to the 850 T-5R. I guess the V8s will drop in value like a rock as well, might be worthwhile waiting for one of those?

Swiss Tone

390 posts

218 months

Thursday 24th July 2008
quotequote all
Guys just my 2ps worth, being in the trade I get to hear a few things, some good some bad.

Just a word of warning, Volvo is currently sitting on 1500 un sold 'Pre Reg' XC90's to make way for the new model, now this is fairly normal practice, but in relation to the numbers sold by Volvo on a good day and the way the current market is reacting to 4x4's with high Co2's, i'd seriuosly re-consider purchasing one of these be it pre reg or less than 4 years old.

We just had to re-write the value of customers part exchanges to the tune of up £5000 difference from a month ago!!!

Regards,
Swiss.

968CSReading

Original Poster:

3,030 posts

219 months

Thursday 24th July 2008
quotequote all
Ouch

We decided to buy this instead. Only a year old and should be a lot cheaper to run.



Edited by 968CSReading on Friday 25th July 08:59

pano amo

814 posts

237 months

Friday 8th August 2008
quotequote all
Swiss Tone said:
Guys just my 2ps worth, being in the trade I get to hear a few things, some good some bad.

Just a word of warning, Volvo is currently sitting on 1500 un sold 'Pre Reg' XC90's to make way for the new model, now this is fairly normal practice, but in relation to the numbers sold by Volvo on a good day and the way the current market is reacting to 4x4's with high Co2's, i'd seriuosly re-consider purchasing one of these be it pre reg or less than 4 years old.

We just had to re-write the value of customers part exchanges to the tune of up £5000 difference from a month ago!!!

Regards,
Swiss.
I've been reading (nothing definite) that volvo may not be replacing the XC90 instead forging ahead with the xc60. But the XC60 doesnt have seven seats. Are volvo perhaps giving up on this market?