Volvo XC90 SUV

1424345474898

Comments

  • shadowchasershadowchaser Member Posts: 94
    Are you really going to sell your car before the first set of tires wear out? There are plenty of things volvo could have done better (see my prevous posts that I was flamed for on multiple message boards) I think this one....one that make absolutely no difference to your driving experience, is one you could live with. Life isn't perfect. It would be a waste to throw out good tires because of a mismark. I'll take em if you don't want em.
  • shadowchasershadowchaser Member Posts: 94
    anyone out there having trouble with the 3rd ros seats getting stuck up. My left rear seat will not go down unless I jam my fingers in the springs underneath and manually unlock it.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The issue is the door moldings.
    Volvo offers a thinner door molding for those who have a problem closing the doors.
    I agree w/ capriracer tire issue a non issue.
    I never run tires @ max psi, its not good for them anyway.
    In summer you want to run them @ a lower pressure because as they heat up the air will expand and add several psi to the tires anyway.
  • dachshund2dachshund2 Member Posts: 39
    Make sure that the seat bottom is clicking into place when you slide it back, otherwise the seat back will not go down. If it will not click into place there is probably something blocking the track. If your like me I pack the storage areas on either side of the battery with stuff and sometimes it slides around and interferes with the 3rd row seat movement.
  • capriracercapriracer Member Posts: 907
    Word of caution about using lower inflation pressures:

    It is important that you use (at a minimum) the inflation pressure listed on the vehicle placard. This inflation pressure is specified so it will support the load (more air = more load capacity)

    The pressure buildup is a function of the increased running temperature, and heat is the tire killer.

    Hope this helps.
  • angielangiel Member Posts: 1
    My 2004 XC-90 makes a knocking noise while driving which I hear mostly during exceleration and deceleration. Do not hear all the time but it is frequent. Took to dealer and am being told it is normal - shifting noise and because I have 18" tires I am hearing it more. Any one else hearing this same type of noise or familiar with this issue?
  • bigeddybigeddy Member Posts: 181
    Not sure exactly what you are referring to but there is a service bulletin for fixing a "ping" in the axles during accel/decel. Involves adjusting the axles and applying loctite. Simple to do but the car has to sit for 6 hours. The dealer should know about it. I had it done and the sound disappeared.
  • gomersquadgomersquad Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone heard of a lawsuit against Volvo regarding the AWD system wearing tires out in 6K miles? AA coworker just told me but I can't find anything on the net about it. Apparently Volvo is saying it's not their problem.

    I'm supposed to pick up my new XC90 tomorrow so I really need to find out what the deal is. Help!!
  • bigeddybigeddy Member Posts: 181
    I think your coworker is envious and trying to deflate your obvious smile at getting a great car. I've seen several XC90s with over 6k miles and minor tire wear. Perhaps he read about the mislabeled Michelin tires and is confusing that with tire wear. There was a problem with the camber adjustment on '98-'00 model XCs that caused premature wear but that does not affect the XC90. Enjoy your new car.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    That's a new one! I've got 6,100 miles on my `04 2.5T XC90 AWD, and the tread looks nearly new. I peruse several Volvo forums and have only seen a handful of isolated instances of premature tread wear. Since the very few owners I read about had varying type of wear (inside right, outside left, entire footprint, etc.) it appeared the problem could be any number of reasons. Regarding the tread wear on the inside right-outside left, or vise-versa, that is likely due to wheel misalignment.
    Seems if that were a lawsuit-worthy issue, the NHTSA would have info on it. At this time, it does not.
  • ernest0ternest0t Member Posts: 29
    I've got over 10000 miles on my 17" Michelins with minimal tread wear. So far the tires appear to be wearing evenly.
  • gomersquadgomersquad Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the response on this issue. If I hear more about this lawsuit I will post the info here. I was glad to hear about `04 2.5T XC90 AWD report above since that's what I'm getting, with the 18" tires. Again, thanks for the research.
  • matwagsmatwags Member Posts: 21
    I just talked to the dealer today and my SUV is on its way across the Atlantic. Hopefully it will make the trip unscathed (could we have a moment of silence for those of you who lost loved ones at sea). It should be ready 11/20/03. I had to special order because I wanted a 2.5T with bi-xenon and Dolby II Prologic in addition to the standard premium, versatility, and climate. Looking forward to getting it just before Thanksgiving.

    Recently, since I put my deposit down, I have seen a few more on the roads, but still a rare and pleasant sight.
  • kaitsukaitsu Member Posts: 41
    Has anybody purchased seat covers for their XC90? Thanks!
  • stephfromnjstephfromnj Member Posts: 4
    Picked up my new T-6 monday.... really really love it. I already drove long distance and through a major rain and wind storm with flooding. I could not believe how it handled. My last SUV was the Navigator & I felt more control in this car.

    One question I noticed after a long drive. I hate where the seat belt rests along my neck . It is sore & red there now. I am 5'9" so I don't think it's my height. Any ideas to help me?

    Thanks,
    Stephanie
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    If you can't adjust the seat belt mounting point to your satisfaction, pay $3-$6 and get a seat belt cover with a soft outer cover.

    About 8-10" in length with a velcro closure strip, it just slips over the seat belt where it's rubbing you the wrong way and softens the blow. Comes in many colors to match your belt or interior.

    Works great in convertibles because the belts are usually mounted too low to the door frame.
  • wpowellwpowell Member Posts: 125
    Just bought a 2.5T from dealer stock: FWD, Premium Pkg., Versatility Pkg., 18" Alloys, Climate Pkg., wood steering wheel, Ice White. MSRP was $41,450, Edmunds says the invoice is $38,560. My price was $39,311 plus $269. "processing fee" (read profit), plus tax, tag & title. I believe I did well, but I am curious to know how that compares to other recent purchases. I am located in SW Florida.
  • matwagsmatwags Member Posts: 21
    That is an incredible price. I have never heard of a price that low. Great job.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    Is it an `03 or an `04? We got an `04 (ordered in Feb. received in July) with AWD, Premium pkg, 17" Neptune wheels, Climate pkg, Premium sound and Subwoofer. Total, pre-tax was $41,095.

    If it's an `04, that's a very good price.
  • wpowellwpowell Member Posts: 125
    Sorry, I should have mentioned in the original post that my car is an '04.
  • shadowchasershadowchaser Member Posts: 94
    According to consumer reports, these covers reduce the safety of the belt. I'd be careful.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    ...folded over to fit around the seat belt, but that just didn't work.
  • wpowellwpowell Member Posts: 125
    I just purchased the Hidden Hitch #87810 from etrailer.com for $104.39 plus $21 shipping. I also bought the ModuLite Wiring Kit which has been mentioned in previous posts. Has anyone actually completed the wiring installation? Any tips on routing power from battery, etc.?
  • rctennis3811rctennis3811 Member Posts: 1,031
    our family has always loved Volvos..especially this new XC90 which we may buy in about a year or 18 months..but still, WOOT WOOT!

    this car has everything, and I think it is outselling the MDX here in Dallas, TX. the XC90 truly does have a conscience!

    is this true that the displacement for the T6 will be upped to a horizontally-opposed 3.2L I6 24V with Twin Turbos producing 295HP in Europe??
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Glad your enjoying your XC90.

    There will be no changes to the T6 powerplant for the 2005 model yr.
    Volvo is working on a new version of the I6, but that won't be seen till 2006 at the earliest.
  • rollierollie Member Posts: 337
    In addition to the stellar new inline engines coming out there is a new V8 bowing late next year (as MY 2005) for the XC90 and probably the S80 as well (still don't know if there will be a blown version of the V8 for either yet...)

    -rollie
    rdollie@att.net
  • dachshund2dachshund2 Member Posts: 39
    wpowell, I've installed the Hidden Hitch, but used the Volvo wiring harness. I'll start out by giving some tips on the hitch installation.

    Hitch Installation:

    The Hidden Hitch instructions say that you can position the hitch by only removing the muffler bracket at the hitch attachment point, and maybe you can, but I wasn't comfortable with the clearance. So, I removed the bolts from the 2 muffler supports under the rear axle also.

    I supported the muffler with various things during installation. When you are positioning the hitch you want the muffler as low as possible, but with support (used a basketball). When attaching the hitch you want the muffler higher so you can thread the bolts into the weld nuts (used a upside down bucket with a wood block on top).

    Another tip is to start positioning the hitch on the muffler side first by placing it into the bumper recessed area above the muffler tips. Then position the tow hook side and attach the bolts here first. I found that the hitch would rest on the inside lip of the bumper as I got my tools ready. I did try to modify the tow hook, but it is time consuming to modify it properly, and IMO it serves little purpose. Particularly since you now have an attached Hidden Hitch which should function as a towing or being towed or winched platform.

    The only other tip I can give is to make sure you have both 17mm and 18mm sockets. I got started and realized that in all my tools I didn't have a 18mm socket. My installation time was 1 hr. 45 min. I did it by myself with no damage to the XC90 and only a few cuts and colorful words. An assistant would be helpful.

    Wiring Harness Installation:

    I originally bought the Hidden Hitch Custom Wiring Kit (#31828), but after seeing that wire taps are needed for this harness, and that there already is a nice accessible pigtail end plug (passenger side remove triangular floor panel and side access panel and it is visible). I decided to purchase the Volvo wiring harness which is a plug and play harness. My installation took me 1 hr. 15 min. The instructions that come with the harness look difficult at first, but the same harness is used for several Volvo models. I highlighted the XC90 specific parts of the instructions before installation. The instructions are concise and easy to understand with no fuses, software changes, or significant panel removal required.

    The only bump in the road is that you will have to make your own bracket to hang the 7-pin end plug. The Hidden Hitch has attachment holes for a bracket. I used 2 angle brackets and the torx attachment screws that came with the harness. It was inexpensive and looks clean.

    The only other curve is that the Volvo harness ends in a European round 7-pin plug, and I was unable to find an adapter anywhere other than from Volvo (European 7-pin to 4-pin). I've read somewhere that Volvo is changing there harness to be more U.S. user friendly. If you elect to install the Volvo harness you may want check with your dealer to see if or when a new harness will be available.

    If I was going to use the Hidden Hitch wiring harness and the wire taps, I would tap in right before the pigtail end plug. I'm pretty sure that the wiring color at the pigtail matches the wiring color of the Hidden Hitch harness, but check with a circuit tester (you'll need an assistant). When contemplating this install I thought with the pigtail plug I could either get some bullet connectors to put on the end of the Hidden Hitch wires or since the pigtail plug has flat-pin ends I could find matching female ends to use on the wires. With the Volvo harness installation you do not have to disconnect the battery, but with the Hidden Hitch harness you do.

    Total Time: 3 hrs.

    Total Cost: Hitch 104.39
                Hidden Hitch Harness 44.00
                (did not use)
                Volvo Harness 70.95
                Volvo Adapter 58.27
                Shipping 21.00
                Brackets 1.00
                Total 299.61

    Note: I joined VCOA and got 15% off of Volvo parts.

    <http://www.digitalpose.com/mbr/1/28843/p/553830_8431577247309013940_vl.jpg>
  • akabubba1akabubba1 Member Posts: 11
    I have not purchased snow tires for my XC90, and probably won't now that I moved to Philly.

    However, I lived in the Buffalo area for 14 years and the Bridgestone Blizzaks were fabulous winter tires for both snow and ice.

    My kids used them on their Mazda and VW and they worked great.

    If I put winters on my Volvo, that is where I will look first......probably at tirerack.com.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    No V8 for the S80 until the next S80 debuts in 2006.
    No blower either.
    XC 90 V8 will have a new Tranny.
  • ambaerambaer Member Posts: 14
    Hi All-
    I have posted a few times but it has been awhile. I am approaching 5K miles on my XC90 and am loving it. I know everyone is interested in mpg and I am getting 18.9 very consistently. I only drive around town so lots of starting and stopping.

    Anyway, I am considering getting the mud flaps installed. It seems whenever I even go near a puddle, I end up with mud and water almost all the way up the the windows. Does anyone have these and do you like them? Does it cut down on the amount of water thrown all over the car?

    Also, I had heard a lot about the problems with the rear seat belts and I just read about the fix. Is this a free fix from the dealer or does it cost us or is considered a warranty item?

    Thanks!
  • ernest0ternest0t Member Posts: 29
    I had the mud flaps installed (both front and rear). I was a little disappointed in the quality of the flaps since they seemed a little flimsy to me. However, they have held up well (over 10000 miles), and they do seem to keep the sides of the vehicle much cleaner.

    My vehicle is one of the ones that fall under the seatbelt problem list (according to VIN number), but I have not received a letter from Volvo yet. I'm sure that this would fall under warranty coverage, and should be fixed at no charge.
     
    I have also been pleased with the gas mileage. I average just over 19 mpg around town in my 2.5T.
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    what is the word for overseas delivery for next summer?
  • absameabsame Member Posts: 12
    So I'm tired of waiting. Ordered our XC90 in Sept 02. They messed up order so needed to reorder and finally got delivery in spring 03. All along the way was told that DVD system is just around the corner. Yeah right! Has anyone figured out yet how to tap into the stereo system to hook in an aftermarket DVD? Local installer wants to use an FM modulator. We live in NYC suburbs and I've tried one with a portable DVD and the results are less than wonderful. Installer insists that hardwired FM modulator would perform much better but I dont see why. Suggestions anyone?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    You can't tap into the Volvo stereo system.
    We use fm modulators on our systems, they work very nicely.
  • hoya94hoya94 Member Posts: 1
    I apologize if this is already addressed somewhere...

    In any event I am just about ready to buy the T6 -- I have a 2 year old and another on the way so I am highly focussed on safety! However, I can't seem to get a good idea of what I should be paying and hope to find some answers here.

    Is MSRP really the going price? Can I reasonably expect to get something less than that? Does anyone have any good references to dealers in the Sourther Callifornia area?

    Thanks for all the help...this board has been very useful.
  • bigeddybigeddy Member Posts: 181
    volvomax: "You can't tap into the Volvo stereo system. We use fm modulators on our systems, they work very nicely."

    Whether you can even use radio fm for input depends on the density of stations and if they interfere with the modulator. Plus, a hard-wired modulator will generally sound better. Since it simply plugs into the antenna connection that should be possible even on the XC90. Another way of connecting is to preempt the CD unit; you lose the CD but with a DVD that may not be a problem. There's also some sort of AUX connection for the mini-disc which isn't offered in the U.S for unknown reasons.
  • schuhcschuhc Member Posts: 333
    All:

    I appreciate reading all of the posts. I have been keeping up to date on everything as we ordered our T6 in May and I wanted to make sure I was aware of all 'gliches' so I didn't freak if something happened in Europe. Going to pick it up on the 10th, head down to Budapest, then drop it off in Brussels on the 14th. They say it should take about 30-45 days to ship back to Chicago. If anyone has questions about the European delivery experience, I'll be back online on the 20th.

    Other than the obvious, I think the best thing about this SUV is that once it gets back here I can change all of the memory settings on the driver's seat of my C70HT to my settings because my wife won't need to drive it anymore.

    "Honey? Where is my memory setting?"
    "Over there on the passenger seat sweetie!"
  • jb_shinjb_shin Member Posts: 357
    I have not done a Volvo European delivery, but I have been living in Germany for the last 2 1/2 years and picked up my BMW. That is a long drive you are planning. Just make sure that the Volov insurance will cover you while you go through the former Eastern bloc countries. Many Western European insurance companies limit the coverage if you are over the "line". Some rental companies won't let you take it, period.

    Also, make sure wherever you stay, the hotel has a SECURE garage, and that you do not leave the car unattended for a long period of time if not in such garage.

    I have driven in Poland and the road condition there is pretty bad, and I always take my 9 year old Acura, just to be safe. One of my wife's co-worker visited his in-laws in Budapest and did not seem to have any big problems.
  • absameabsame Member Posts: 12
    I've heard there is a minidisc AUX input for european models, and presumably when the volvo DVD system comes out it will be wired directly into the stereo, so thought there must be a way. Will try FM modulator, but being in the NYC radio area I'm concerned about interference and also the frequency response limitations of FM. Digital DVD sound squeezed through $%^%#% FM sound.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    Thanks for the update, dachshund,

    I can't wait to get mine installed. I like that it looks clean and simple.

    That's great about VCOA, I didn't realize that!
  • dachshund2dachshund2 Member Posts: 39
    1sttimevolvo1,

    VCOA member discounts are not standardized. Some dealers offer discounts on parts and service, some on parts only, some on service only, and some do not participate.

    Check with VCOA or your preferred dealer to see if a member discount is offered.
  • schuhcschuhc Member Posts: 333
    Staying at Hiltons so I hope it's safe. I will definitely check up about the secure garage.

    Yes...long drive but plan on relaxing once in Dublin for 5 days.
  • codechasrcodechasr Member Posts: 2
    Just drove home (my wife's) 2004 FWD, Nautic Blue/Taupe, Premium/Versatility/Climate, Premium sound, 18" Atlantis wheels for $39,584. Added DVD for $2495. Don't know when we'll use the heated seats but don't really care, either. The sound is incredible, the ride is sweet and it looks great next to my S60.
  • matwagsmatwags Member Posts: 21
    That is a great price. The Volvo web site MSRP is
    41665 for that vehicle. How did you get such a great deal? Did you order it or get it off the lot?
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    Is that $39,584 Plus the $2,495 for the DVD?
    Total $42,079?

    Is that the T6 or 2.5T?
  • codechasrcodechasr Member Posts: 2
    The DVD was 2495 extra, total came to 42k. It is the front wheel drive model. We do all Los Angeles freeway driving and didn't want the added gas guzzling a 4x4 would provide. We got that price thanks to the A Plan. My dealer (who will remain anonymous) honored our A Plan because this is the second vehicle we bought from him in 8 months. A plan pricing is widely being discouraged but it is at the dealer's descretion. Our dealer happens to be one of the few with character who made us a promise and stuck to it.
  • harjivanharjivan Member Posts: 1
    We have 7000 miles on our 2.5 XC90 and the family loves it. We've had absolutely no problems with the vehicle and we get 19.2 mpg in the city, when we recently drove to Toronto and back from Washington D.C. we averaged 26mpg, however for the first 1000 miles the mpg was much lower. One tip, we live in suburbia and our other cars have many dings on the doors from parking at the malls. On our XC90 we have the running boards and they have prevented any dings to the vehicle so far; it seems the doors of other cars hit the running board and not our doors.
  • laputchkalaputchka Member Posts: 8
    Hi! I just purchased a brand new navy blue 2003 XC 90 two weeks ago. In the two weeks since I have had this fully loaded vehicle, the wood steering wheel has chipped and needs to be replaced, when I closed the trunk the back head light fell out, the gas pedal makes some sort of noise when you accelerate and it shakes and to top it off for the first time in my life a pebble hit my windshield and make a crack and that too needs to be repaired. So, Volvo service is UNBELIEVABLE!! They are the best!! They give me an S80 to drive while they repair my car and the door locks dont work now after driving it for 2 days and it too makes a knocking noise. This car only has 24 thousand miles on it. This is my first Volvo I have ever owned and am really disappointed with all of the problems i have encountered with my new car as well as the rental they gave me. For a 47 thousand dollar vehicle I am really suprised with all of the problems. Any advice is greatly appreciated! thanks
  • absameabsame Member Posts: 12
    Feeling the same way this morning. Got our T6 last April. First the A/C failed while we were on vacation at the beach. Took several visits and engineers from Volvo to fix it. It was missing an o-ring, so the coolant was slowly leaking out. Then we had some noise coming from the air intake. Again, dealer couldn;t fix and required 3 visits from 2 different Volvo engineeers to fix problem. Thought we were done, then last night the power steering died. Add to this that my co-worker already had his transmission replaced on his T6. Love the car when it's working, but am seriously considering taking the hit on trade in and getting the lexus. Will definately not keep this car past the warrantee period!
  • shadowchasershadowchaser Member Posts: 94
    On the last 2 evenings, it got down into the 20s and in the morning, the antilock brakes system went nuts. The3 car would engage the brakes for no reason.....then the anti roll mechanism would come on (based on the light) and I would lose power. This continued until th car warmed up and then all was well. Has anyone else had this problem?
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.