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Comments
You might also want to check the web site: www.eurobuyers.com.
Any thoughts when these vehicles are going to become more abundant and discounted. I know if I want to buy an xc70, the dealers in Colorado will give you 3% right off bat.
One other thought, anyone have an opinion or fact on if the new V8 model will replace the T5 or T6. I do not want to buy the T5 and see it discontinued. I would imagine the V8 would replace the T6, if anything?
These engines are very tight and I think once broken in the T6 really distances itself from the 2.5T. As you are an aggressive driver I highly recommend getting an extended test drive, turning off the DSTC unless you have wet roads, and driving it like you stole it in order to allow the adaptive tranny to adjust from economical to power shifts.
Good luck.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
1999 S80 T6
2003 XC90 T6
lagastro,
I'm not sure what your dealer is talking about regarding testing of the adhesive. I don't know how they are applied, butr I would think that more than adhesive is used.
Any idea Volvomax?
You can, however, order them at this site:
http://www.volvopartsworld.com/
Either choice will be a good one. Depends on whether you are concerned about 4 mpg difference and more power.
Based on what rollie's been saying about the `used' T6 models, I would be comfortable with either one. If the T6 is starting to come into it's own after 8-10k, then it should stand to reason the 2.5T will improve in that aspect (more power) as well, albeit not to the same level as the T6.
You should be happy to have such a choice.
Enjoy!
I believe the kit is on sale in europe now.
Hopefully we'll see it in the first quarter of 2004
Bet on body colored side moldings, a more powerful 2.5L engine and the V8 in Jan 2005.
We'll prob start taking orders over the summer.
1st: If you ask it for the closest restaurants the list is VERY incomplete. There may be a wendys BK, and MCD's next to each other and it will only list one of them...(all were built at the same time)
2nd (and worse): It will say something is 1 mile away and it may be as the crow flies....but when you ask directions, it will be as much as 5 miles away. This happened over and over as I drove up 81 in VA last week. This was both when I picked "along route" and "around car". It also often picked routes that went in circles.
3rd: many major roads that have been around for a while are just not on the map.
4th: I was on the highway and there was traffic up ahead. I asked the GPS to avoid the next 1/2 mile. There was a parallel road that was perfect (I know because I took it). Instead of choosing that road or another road that would have bypassed the next segment of road, the GPS pointed me to another route that had me turn around and go on another highway adding 2 hours to my trip (I had about 4 hours to go and it would make it 6). Instead of bypassing the next half mile (or 3 miles or any of the other choices that I tried), it picked a completely different route as if I had chosen "avoid going on any road in the direction I am now headed and find a completely different route). I did this over and over as my trip progressed and it never just picked a small detour. This is not good.
This drives me nuts. Are others experiencing this? Is this special for volvo or do other gps systems have these probs?
1) This MAY be an issue with Navigation Technologies. They do ALL of the mapping for the North American market FOR ALL navigation systems (cars, internet, etc.) and often if they havne't mapped something there's simply nothing you can do aside from going to their site to report it. On the other hand, it is possible that the navigation system OEM decided to leave some things out when they coded their DVDs in order to fit all of their prioritized data on a single disc.
2) This is a common problem with navigation systems in general. I've never figured out why this happens (I've experienced it with other systems including the Neverlost in my rental car sitting in the hotel parking lot here.) It's annoying because it usually consistently shows POIs as being closer than they are until you actually select it as a destination. I need to do some more checking but at times I think it calculates from your last turn by default until you select a destination and then perhaps it takes a current position fix into consideration? Who knows...
3) Same as item #1.
4) I've used the AVOID function to GREAT success in our XC90 T6. I can see why there might be an issue if you're moving at highway speed and select something as short as 1/2 mile. Try 3 or 6 miles at a minimum. You can always reselect your calculated route after you've done your 1/2 mile or so. The only time I've tried to avoid a distance as short as 1/2 mile was in a city and it worked fine. Better yet, next time select the specific roads on your mapped route that you want to avoid and see what the system does (it worked great for us this past weekend coming back from Palm Desert when we needed to avoid holiday traffic!)
Good luck.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
I did try the longer distances but it still didn't do the avoid. I was on route 81 in VA and route 11 parallels it exactly (within sight of it). No matter what distance I picked, it had me to to another highway that goes at a 90 degree angle and sent me well over a hundred miles out of the way. I couldn't have it avoid the route because I wanted to get back on 81 a few miles up. You stay on 81 for a couple hundred miles through VA so if I chose to avoid it entirely, it would have to pick that other crazy route. Interestingly, once I got on highway 11, it still tried to take me off it and to the long detour. strange. I hope they refine the system.
While coming down hills, I lost control a couple of times and fishtailed. The antiroll/anti skid only came on during one of these episodes.
My 2.5T XC90 FWD did ok last nite. Winter mode and DTSC helped. Not as good as my wife's AWD SUV but certainly a lot better than other FWD vehicles.
what do you mean "winter mode?"
I wonder...if you hit the W for wet road...do you hit it for snowy road?
Also...
Shadowchaser, please clarify because I am now honestly confused. I thought that if you had the T5 w/AWD or T6 that it was AWD all the time. Please let me know if I am off on this. Thanks
My T6 arrives in Baltimore on Monday and then they'll check it in and truck it over to Chicago. Can't wait (though they still need to replace the windshield)
I purchased a 2004 2.5T XC90 AWD a month ago and in the owners manual it states that the "W" is for winter mode. When pressed (when the vehcile is not moving, say at a stop light), the transmission automatically begins in third gear to cut down on the potential of slippage. I have not used it to this point.
W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D)rive position.
Press the button at the base of the gear selector to engage/disengage this driving mode (see illustration).
When the W driving mode is engaged, this is displayed in the instrument panel (see page 24). This mode may be selected for starting/moving off on slippery roads.
6-cylinder turbo models
Any thoughts on whether it is AWD all the time?
If you have the AWD, you should have that looked at. The DSTC should prevent that from happening. I have never been able to do it, try as I might.
The DSTC is supposed to sense as little as 1/7th wheel rotation and distribute torque proportionally to the other wheels.
I love the car- but it is not as good as most other AWD or 4WD vehicles out there. I am seriously considering snow tires for this winter. Has anyone put them on?
Most seem to be pleased with the snow-handling capabilities which is amplified with the use of snow tires.
Check this site for snow tires. http://www.tirerack.com
Living in the Colorado mountains, we get a lot of snow with steep terrain. I was hoping the xc90 was rock solid in snow. Now I am not so sure after reading a few of these posts? What vehicle would you compare to the xc90 to in the snow? I have a Subaru Outback wagon with no snow tires (good all season radials)that I feel does very well in snow! I really do not want to take a step backwards in terms of traction in adverse weather conditions or feel like I need to have snow tires. I would hope that the xc-90 without snow tires would be as good as my Subaru without snow tires? Any comments?
Yes, I was a bit dissapointed in what I felt was the snow ability of this vehicle- but still think it is more than capable in this situation.
On some of the other boards there is significant traffic regards to the XC90 and snow handling, most seem to have positive responses. Hopefully some of those folks will see your comments here and offer some thoughts.
Yes, I was a bit dissapointed in what I felt was the snow ability of this vehicle- but still think it is more than capable in this situation.
my understanding is that winter handling is all about the tires. I bet the tires on the Subie aqre better than the OEMs on the XC90, especailly the 18-inch ones. Those suckers are bald right out of the box. The 17's have much deeper tread (at least the ones I saw at the dealer this weekend did). I'd never go to the snow on the 18-inch ones I saw at the dealer. No way.
Stability control is being heralded as the safest innovation since the seatbelt and many mags are saying don't buy a new vehicle without it.
Once again, Volvo leads the way!
●Bi-xenon headlights
●18-inch wheels (the tires, not the aesthetics of the wheels)
●security package (specifically, the non-tinted windows)
●reverse warning system
●Nav system
●leather gear shift knob (OK, just kidding about the knob)
●upgraded stereo
●trailer hitch
So far I have seen one vote for the reverse warning system and one for the upgraded stereo.
Also, I had heard about two things that I wanted to confirm:
1) maintenance included for a certain number of miles
2) a driving class (other than the driving you get at the factory)
Posts 2471 and 2502 talked about color-coordinated side moulding, and 2502 said it can be bought at http://www.volvopartsworld.com/ but I could not find the moulding there.
Best to all.
As for the pros and cons of the following items, part of my purchase decisions were based on need versus use and the fact that I was paying cash instead of financing the vehicle.
(1)●Bi-xenon headlights
Not something I felt was real beneficial (to me, but might be to others). I felt I could spend $500 on other things, like $300 towards a subwoofer. However, had I financed it (ugghhh) I would have only payed about 8 dollars a month more for it.
(2)●18-inch wheels (the tires, not the aesthetics of the wheels)
According to many who live in snowy climates, the 17-inch offers better drivability, and more choices of snow tires are available in this size.
(3)●security package (specifically, the non-tinted windows)
I opted to NOT get this package for the same reason noted in number 1.
(4)●reverse warning system
I viewed it as a `neat' item to have, but not necessary for me.
(5)●Nav system
Same reason as item no. 1. I definitely didn't want to shell out $$$ for something that I could replicate with a handheld if I chose to by one later.
(6)●upgraded stereo
This was a priority for me, as I LOVE music, and most SUV's are notorious for poor bass response, thus why I added the subwoofer. I have been TOTALLY pleased with the Dolbly stereo as it pertains to the cd's. Dolby is hit and miss with the FM reception, depending on the strength of the station (Typical with Dolby system).
●trailer hitch
This I would buy after-market, as the Hiddenhitch can be had for around $104+ and you can install yourself.
Scheduled maintenance on all `04 MY Volvos is free up to 30,000 miles.
Volvo has held the Driving Events in California and Minneapolis, MN, to my knowledge. It would be great for consumers AND for Volvo if they expanded those to other areas!
When you said Factory Delivery, did you mean Sweeden? If so, I highly recommend it. I think everyone that can do it should do it at least once.
First off. The stereo is not an option...It is a MUST HAVE!!!! I have it in my coupe and we got it in the truck. It is truly phenomenal.
My only other 2 cents is on the Bi-Xenon's. It is my understanding at the dealership that people have voiced that they do not like these, or do not get as much of a benefit out of them as they had hoped. When I was told this I opted for the regular ones and was very happy with them while driving around Europe.
And 2nding 1stTimeVolvo's comment. Free scheduled maintenance to 30,000 miles.
I am buying the third seat, which precludes the subwoofer. Would you still buy the stereo upgrade?
I am SURE I read somewhere that Volvo is now offering a driving lesson/course for all XC90 purchases. (I wonder if I dreamed this....)
Thanks for the reminder about Hiddenhitch. Am hoping it works with my existing, real nifty bike rack.
Elegant, rugged, color-coded design kit. Covers the front wheel arch, lower part of front and rear door, and rear wheel arch. Completely color-coded wide-body side décor increases sporty image of the car and protects the side of the SUV. Available by mid-summer 2003
http://www.volvocars.us/VolvoOwnership/Accessories/?model=XC90
backup system. got it for safety...not helpful because it goes off as I back out of my garage because it senses the sides...boy who cried wolf BUT, it is great for parking. didn't think I would need it for that....love it.
nav. great toy I thought.. would never get a car without it now... It has gotten me out of binds so often when I needed to get somewhere quick for work and didn't have the time to find a map and try to figure it out. Each time this has happened I have said to myself this was worth the price of admission! Not a perfect system but overall great. Love it on trips to tell me where to eat, where the next gas station is etc.
Xenons. I put my car next to another Sexy90 without the Xenons...WHAT a difference.
I got the add on wood kit by Sherwood. Looks great (check out swedewpeed for the pictures). bought it from a guy on the internet (search past posts for his address) for 130 or so. Looks great.
A must have is the 2 part floor liner. Protects the carpet. 68 dollars or so. Got it from one of the online dealers in TX. check past posts.
good luck
After reading the XC90, went down to a local dealership and put down $2000 deposit for a T6 on June of 03 (LAST year!). At that time, I was told I was No.23 on the list and should expected delivery on Dec 03. Wasn't sure which color to get but put down crystal green. Went to the road show on Nov/Dec in Alameda, CA last year. Only had time to take the Moose course and saw the demo on the laminated glass, very impressed. However, all the demos were silver. Then the sales guy told me trouble in getting the cars (especially Tricolor went down). Asked the sale guy to give us a call if any XC90 was in so that we could decide on the color combinations. During the time, from these boards learn about some hicups (defects) on the first model year. So wasn't press on getting a delivery. Finally, my wife and I saw a crystal green parked on a street. After checked out the color. My wife hated the crystal green since it is more like silver under the sun. On April, the manager called to confirmed the interest. And I told him to switch to Ruby red. My delivery was pushed to Aug 04. Meanwhile, started seeing black, white, and more crystal green running on the roads. Glad to switch to Ruby red. On the first week of Aug, contact the dealership and they didn't have the combination we ordered. We felt they had not placed our order. When we tried to cancel, they said our car wasn't in for another month. Checked back after a month, was told our order wasn't placed at all. The original sales guys had left the dealership long times ago. And they tried to push a ruby red without security package. They said, not too many people order the security package since people liked the tinted window. Stand strong on the combination. And they said we could take a europe delivery on Jan 04 or dealer delivery on Dec. Finally took the delivery over the weekend and haven't regret for the LONG wait. We draw so much attention on the streets. One time, we parked in front of a restaurant for lunch. People stopped to check out the car. One guy even came in the restaurant and asked about it.
By the way, it is fully loaded (all packages and options) Ruby red T6 with Taupe interior and aluminium inlay, exterior styling kit and dvd is in order (should available on Jan 04 according to dealer). One more thing, dealer said the exterior styling kit is for demo cars on the beginning of the year, it is not available to order (which I highly not believe that, there is $300 difference if charge items separately). At the end, I am still paying MSRP. But they gave us discount on the labor for the exterior styling kit, extended warranty, and leather surface protection, and throw in a set of rubber floormats. Sorry the long message. As why I stand strong on security package is mainly the laminated glass. We live in the city. On the past, we had several break-in into our car. Lost is one thing. Broken glass eveywhere is the worst. Even clean it, I was got cut by some glass which hidden somewhere. Now, we have two daughters, definitely don't want them to get cut. That's why we pick Volvo Xc90 for the maximum protection for our love one. And finally, a wise man definitely need to listen to their wife. Thanks all
ps It looks great with the security glass. Different, but great. My wife is leaning toward wanting the tint, but I like the clear look. I also think it may be safer as you can see better when looking out (I KNOW I am supposed to be using the mirrors, but....)
Things to be aware of on the European buying excursion...
Rocks...Autobahn...120mph...Not a good match.
Teplice, Czech Republic. If wife is going, go through this town during the day. If wife is staying home, drive very slow past the brothels BUT DO NOT STOP.
> Bi-xenon headlights - Yes.
> 18-inch wheels (the tires, not the aesthetics of the wheels) - Depends. 18" standard with T6 and handles slightly better on-road. 17" is better for snow and off-road.
> security package (specifically, the non-tinted windows) - If the tint is not important to you the "safety" glass is good to have.
> reverse warning system - Seems unnecessary to me.
> Nav system - Useful in big cities, not so much in countryside.
> upgraded stereo - Yes.
> trailer hitch - This is an accessory that may not be available at the factory. I'd get the Volvo model for warranty reasons.