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Comments
Thanks.
tidester, host
In fact we recieved our first refitted cars today.
The parking brake levers are being refitted with a softer spring.
This is probably the first Volvo in 40-50 yrs with a foot actuated parking brake!
Your salesperson can tell you the cars status in the port.
Do you customer like the foot actuated parking brake? I have always preferred this type as it gives more room a the console.
Editors' Review
Steve, Host
.i wonder what the deal is on this as i have found two dealers that do have slots of cars for overseas deliveries ?????and now i am reconsidering......
in any event i placed my order and was told to expect the car in august. this is for us delivery.but again i am re-considering .i paid full list.
i was also told that my xc90 would get here in aug. i will be getting a 2004 and that the price was going up 2 %.in the meantime i found a dealer that is getting an 03 in april at list price also.
and my questions to you are ---
what is the true mpg -----for the t6
has anyone observed true mpg as yet ???
any deals out there or is list the best that i can get.
what is the reliability of all volvos over the years??????
thank you
Vehicles were allocated based on how many Overseas Sales each dealer made last year.
Since there are more than 300 Volvo dealers in the US that means that some dealers won't get any cars.
Others may get 1 or 2.
The largest Overseas Dealers may only get 5 or 6.
Price for the XC90 is the same as US price.
You will get 2 free tickets to Europe though.
in vermont,local roads but no mountain roads,ave.was 14.5 mpg.
engine felt as if it was struggling and i found the auto transm. to be not that good pulling this load .
also,i kept hearing a whizzing type of sound on deceleration-----radio not on--------the salesman came clean and told me it was the turbo's waste gate. very annoying but kind of fun if you like that type of stuff........
overall i kind of liked it but i think that this may turn out to be a not very reliable suv due to the weight this engine has to pull and the mismatched transmission,,,,,,,but,,,,,what do i know......
by the way ,volvo offers a 100,000 mile 7 year warranty for about $2,600. which cab be manipulated to say 100,000 miles 4 years or 5,etc... and you can take 0 to 250 $ deductible which brings the cost down to about $2000....etc...
bottom line,i may spring for one but may wait a while yet to see how the new competitors from vw and others affect the volvo pricing structure.....
Overall, however, we are very happy with the car thus far.
Come on Edmunds - more substance and less regurgitation of the specs listed on the Volvo website please. I would hesitate to call the drivel a 'review'.
OT
A good friend is about to buy either the XC90 or an Aviator, one of the key factors for him being safety. That has him leaning towards the Volvo.
But...he's very concerned that it only offers a donut spare. He has a beach house and drives 180 miles every weekend, and doesn't want to get a flat 90 miles from either home, then end up stranded.
How long can the stock donut spare travel? Does a full size spare fit inside the spare tire well? Any other options for mounting a full sizer?
I thought about a hitch mounted unit, but that sort of get in the way of the hatch and affects visibility. On the roof would affect the center of gravity.
Any idea/suggestions? He's ready to pull the trigger because his old SUV has a ton of miles and has an electrical problem that keeps it from starting on certain days.
The Aviator won't offer stability control until summer, so he's sort of in a bind.
TIA for any suggestions.
-juice
PS I warned him about availability but he seems convinced he can find one locally
tidester, host
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/volvo/xc90/100171933/review.html?- tid=edmunds.h..reviews..1.*
I'm not even sure why this is considered a "review".
The "Introduction" gives a broad overview of the car in terms of where Volvo is coming from, who the competition is, what niche it fills and what the car is all about. That is fine.
Now we have problems starting with "Body Styles, Trim levels and Options". Its merely a list of options...that doesn't tell me anything at all. What is good about the options? What is bad? What are must-haves? Which are overpriced? I have a million ways to get a list of options.
Under "Powertrains and Performance" is a short list of engine sizes and transmission types. So what??? REVIEW the engines and trannies. How does the 5cylinder feel to drive? How does it compare to the 6? Does the steering feel better in one? Is the 6 held back by the 4spd tranny? If so, how did that manifest itself? How about the shifting of the trannys in general? How about HOW does this stack up with other SUVs or other cars in its class? Thats just asking for basic information (subjective as it might be)!
Under "Safety" is a regurgitation of the safety features from the Volvo website. How about an opinion on how significant these changes are? How about ideas of how effective each item might be? How about a statement comparing these features to other cars in the class? Are these features well implemented or just tacked on in order to look good in marketing?
Under "Interior Design and Special Features" is just a list of how the seats fold and slide? Wow...thats bad. How about an opinion on the layout of the controls? The look of the interior? The quality of the materials? The fit and finish? How about an opinion on how it all fits together? Maybe compare that to other cars in its class? I just don't consider the existing content to be a 'review' at all.
The closest this "review" comes to actually being a review is one sentence under the "Driving Impressions" section. And that one statement/opinion (yes!) is something I'm sure I've seen in another review before. You'd think there would be a lot to say about the driving impressions of a vehicle but I guess not (???). It tells me the shocks are "calibrated for a comfortable, cushy ride" but the ride quality is never addressed accept in a vague statement relating it to other vehicles. So is the ride 'comfortable' and/or 'cushy'? I certainly won't learn that there. (BTW, I wouldn't consider the ride 'cushy' at all but that is my opinion)
I guess my gripe is that I think nobody actually spent any time in or around the car. It tells me absolutely NOTHING a link to the Edmund's XC90 page wouldn't tell me. Even the pros and cons listed at the top don't have any opinions listed. So, did anyone actually review the car or did they just review the spec sheet?
OT
I haven't had any issues, but when I took the car in for its 60-day check, the dealer did two software upgrades. One was supposed to address the side mirrors and locks. I do notice that the doors unlock faster now.
FWIW
Sharon
a friend who is a service advisor at a volvo dealership spoke to me when i told him i had a deposit on a 2004 volvo.
his remarks----don't------walk away and wait for 2 years.........
having purchased a saab 2000 aero i can tell all of you that because it was a new model my ecm or computer was changed--the entire unit--a total of 5 times in 10 months.
i expect a similar situation with most of the new cars coming out ---remember,we the customers are now the r & d dept. for them.
even mercedes is into this nonsense.
so why not volvo ?????
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/volvo/xc90/100171933/roadtestarti- cle.html?articleId=71990&tid=edmunds.e.roadtests.rtsearch...V- olvo*
And yes, I agree. It would be tough to find a dealer that will sell the XC90 for A-Plan pricing. But it's always worth trying.
-juice
Jp666, A plan (and S plan, etc.) are discount programs for supplier employees, or manufacturer employee relatives, or other select "groups." I can't keep track of them, but a Keyword search should give you some info, like this:
jckinser "Ford A-Plan" Nov 13, 2002 10:59pm.
Steve, Host
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-03-13-family-cars_x.htm
I would like to typify that Volvo owners are more pragmatic and less succeptable to "cognitive dissonance", (where people self-justify their purchase decision with exuberant praise to the ignorance of other options or detriments).
I live in the Northeast, about 25 miles west of Boston. Since 1997, I have purchased four Volvos from Boston's only Volvo dealer, Boston Volvo Village (I have no problem naming dealers or personnel, because I don't intend to slander or defame anyone. The moderator can remove the names if he chooses, however.) So, naturally, when I decided to order an XC90 last fall, I went to them. Bad decision. They have a near monopoly on Boston's Volvo business, and they act like it. Despite my having spent nearly $140,000 with them over the last few years, they insisted on a non-refundable $2,000 deposit and wouldn't even consider talking about my trade until delivery of the new vehicle. I said good-bye, and I'll not return again, even though it would be more convenient for me to go to them for service since I work in Boston.
Instead, I went to Farrell Volvo in Southborough, closer to where I live, and -- quite frankly -- had the most stress-free and pleasant car buying experience in my life so far (I've been a new car buyer since 1987) -- despite the long wait for the car. Kevin Donfield, my sales rep, was as up front and honest as a dealer can be, and placed no pressure on me whatsoever. He wanted only a $500 deposit, and insisted it would be refundable and, to prove it, we didn't sign the part of the Purchase Contract that says the deposit could be non-refundable. He kept me steadily informed of progress as the order was placed, the car went into production, shipped from Sweden, arrived at port in New Jersey, went through the recent emergency brake repairs at port, etc. When time came to finalize everything this week, I felt no pressure to buy any special add-ons, and he even gave me more for my trade than I expected he would. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him or go back.
So, they passed the sales test. Now the more important test comes ... service! Barring any problems between now and then, I have my 60-day check-up appointment in May. As others have noted on this board, they are supposed to do a thorough check of the XC90, process any upgrades, and even clean it for me. They told me that they will give me a loaner since they will want to keep it for the day.
I've noted the various questions about mileage, electrical problems, radio reception, etc. people have posted about here and will be happy to share my experiences as time goes on for those who are interested.
I LOVE this car. It's been a joy so far. Fun to drive, handles beautifully. The third-row seats are SOOO much easier to deal with than my ML320. Just took another carfull of kindergarteners and their booster seats on a field trip. It was easy to get everyone in and out of the car. The rear seat buckles and straps are placed well--the kids were able to reach them and buckle themselves (used to be a problem in my ML).
Fun to drive and practical; that's as much as I can gush before I've had my coffee.
Sharon
Hey all...I was wondering if anyone here had any thoughts on the compatability of the XC90 and man's best friend. Its kind of funny that my dog (4y/o 115lb ridgeback) plays a pretty big role in my decision process for purchasing a car but he goes everywhere with us, is part of our family and we might end up getting him a friend at some point so we need to take that into account. I also have one kid (2y/o) with one on the way.
Anyways...I have a couple of concerns about the XC90 and wanted to know what others thought.
1. The entry height in the back of the car seems really high. I haven't had a chance to compare it with my 4runner yet (I'll check when my wife gets home) but I'm betting it is a couple of inches higher (at least). At this point I think he can make that jump easily but how would I get him into the car when he is older and not as spry? I guess he could clamber through the side door with the seat slid forward but I'm not so sure. I am big enough to lift him into the car but my wife wouldn't stand a chance. How do people deal with this issue if they have a dog that isn't a super athletic stud like mine?
2. Does anyone here have a problem with their dog and the horrible gap in the middle when the third row seats are down? I'm pretty worried that carrying dogs back there will be dangerous to their legs should one happen to fall into that hole. Why is this hole there - so the back seats look cool when upright? I don't quite understand...I don't see a good reason to make the two third row seats separate from each other the way they are. They should have just created a solid back (like the MDX/Pilot/Sequoia) to the rear seats and avoided that hole in the floor when the seats are down.
So far I've looked very carefully at the GX470 (horrible back gate, horrible waste of space with seats attached to side), the XC90 (see above) and the 2004 Sienna. The Sienna has the most raw space but doesn't seem the most dog friendly either. There is a large pit in the back the dog has to make a blind jump into or you have to sink half of the back seat into the floor creating a massivly uneven surface and only leaving room for seating for 5. The most dog friendly car so far has been the Sequoia with a reasonable entry height, room behind the third row (in a pinch) and third row seats that can be slid forward to create compartmentalized succession of "dog space", "cargo space", "passenger space" and "driver/copilot space". The only downside is that the backseats have to be removed from the vehicle for full space behind the second row (whereas in the other two vehicles the seats fold down or in). I can't seriously consider the MDX without 3rd row airbags.
Any thoughts/idea/opinions would be appreciated! I'm still looking forward to my delivery but I'm also keeping my options open. Volvo needs to make a new accessory - something to fill that darn hole created when the third row seats are down!
OT
tidester, host
We've been buying dog-friendly vehicles for the 20+ years that we've owned Giant Schnauzers. The first GS was about the same weight as your Ridgeback.
Yup, just like people, dogs get old and need help in AND out of these vehicles. Don't let your dogs jump that high - over time, it can really hurt their bone structure. Take it from someone that paid many thousands in canine MRIs and spine surgeries. Sooner or later, you could be helping the surgeon pay for his SL500!
Best solutions we've found is at www.dogramp.com -their telescoping ramp unit is great and the price was just reduced a few months ago. We go thru one of these units every 2-3 years but it's worth the bucks; there are other ramps available but we've found them to be too flimsy for the Big Dogs.
As for your vehicle choices with 1-2 canines and 1+1 kids, we've gone thru Dodge Not-So-Grand-Caravans, Mercury Mountaineers, and now an RX300. The only one my wife really liked has been the RX and since the kids are gone but the canines remain, it's size is fine for us but probably way too small for your needs. The new RX330 coming out this month will be slightly bigger, about the size of the current Highlander, so again probably not big enough.
As for the gaps when seats are down, that's a problem with most of these vehicles. We solve it with a rolled foam gym mat, wedged into the gap. It's black so it matches the interior and guess what - since we all know that dogs are more important than anything else, who cares what we have to do to make them happy and safe?
Good luck on your choice - and don't forget to take your dog along to see what he/she likes in a new vehicle. If the sales rep doesn't want your dog inside his new vehicle - time to move to another dealership. And don't forget the courtesy "landscape adjustment" on the dealer's front lawn on the way out (by your canine, not you - that WOULD be inconsiderate)!
On the other paw, if your sales rep has dog biscuits available, buy your vehicle there, no matter what the price.
Maybe if used in conjunction with the 'Base Unit'(scroll down a bit):
http://www.volvoxc90.com/details/accessories.shtml#LOAD
OT
Sharon: has the mpg improved?
I'd love to hear how the 2.5 does when it is loaded and going up the hill into the mountains...and not those little hills that the folks in NH call mountains
:-)
BTW, I have a 5-seat 2.5T. And it was just me in the car, no other passengers or extra loads of any kind.
Steve
I will keep these seats in place 98% of the time. Only using the 3rd row for the occasional extra passenger.
I know this question has been addressed before, I just figured we have more owners now and the others might have had more time to formulate an opinion on this.
Thanks
too many negatives on the first year of this car and the reliability report on all volvos---see consumer reports car issue-------made my decision easy............not to say i may not re-order in a few months or so,i like the car ,but but,,but,,,
For those with high credit Volvo Finance is not the way to go.
What you will find with the XC90 are leases that are not subvented, in other words the money factors and residuals are real world.
This means that the car will lease for more than a $40-50,000 car with a factory supported lease would.
As for cancelling an order because of poor reliability,hmmm.
Of the 30 some cars we have delivered we haven't had a problem with any of them.
I have found Consumers to be less than evenhanded in their evaluations of cars, recommending cars that their own stats show shouldn't be and not recommending others that their stats show to be reliable.
Bottom line,choose the XC90 because it is the right car for you, or don't choose it because it isn't the right car for you.
But don't act out of fear.
and now that volvo is owned by ford and we all know what has happened to ford reliability and quality lately,i am in fact worried........
but ,i do like the 72 months 100,000 mile warranty----at a cost of course,of approx. $2,600. additional.........but it does give some peace of mind..........and,
if i wanted total reliability over fun i would buy a toyota or lexus,but i do prefer the fun that volvo gives over their entries.
and by the way,the statistical sampling provided by CONSUMER REPORTS IS EXTREMELY ACCURATE.......
so do not dismiss it ..........
and if you need further convincing of how right i am all you have to do is read the J.D.POWER long term reliability report that placed volvo at the bottom of the worst.........
and,amazingly,jaguar at the number 9 spot on top.....(ford did something right here )
still,i do like the volvo and because it is fun to drive and after a few months i will in all probability buy the car .......
but i will do so with my eyes wide open and fully aware of the reliability pitfalls........
and by the way i have a 1986 740 turbo volvo with 245,000 miles that has outperformed in terms of mechanical reliability my 1989 mb 420 sel with 235,000 miles..........(i did have to get rid of the air conditioned unit in the volvo--it broke every 2 years or so )