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Comments
Zooming is fine and the split screen option is very handy to look at both near and far views at the same time. The forward tilt is designed to avoid reflections and you quickly forget about it.
* Yes, all brands do have problems and the differences are fewer than you assume. Check out the MDX problems forum with 1140 messages, not exactly trouble-free.
* There is no intrinsic relationship between vehicle cost and reliability.
* Establishing good communications with the service department is excellent advice for any brand. Modern cars are so complicated that there is no much you can do for yourself.
Is the VNS worth it compared to other types of systems? Hard question to answer! It is to me but I use it a lot--for much more than simply plugging in addresses. We have only one car; for occasional rentals I have a handheld GPS receiver that can be mounted on the dash. Ironically, a handheld can do more things than a single-purpose car system but it has many drawbacks, too. It depends on what you want to do and how gadget savvy you are.
There are pluses and minuses to every type of system. For example, the Windows-like interface is a bit clumsy and takes too many steps for some actions. But if you think you will use the VNS and take the time to learn its features, then the integration and convenience are hard to beat. Plus, if you want the new backup camera you have to have the nav system. It is a lot of money, though, so I certainly understand when people look at other navigation solutions.
We have 6 cars including Ferraris, Hondas, Jeeps, Pontiacs. Volvo buyer beware, the only thing good about the XC90 is the ride quality. However ride quality does not matter when the driveshaft fails(twice), the left front strut fails(twice), tires wore out at 20k miles, and the left front axel seal failed which leaked all the oil out. Not to mention little things like the defroster barely works(and also failed) and the seat heaters mysteriously turn on. Then there are the interior ergonometric issues - try taking a family to McDonalds, there is no place to put stuff. I emailed Volvo a 65 item list, and suggested they require their engineers to drive a Toyota or Honda for 6 months of ergonometric research before starting the next interior redesign.
We put up with the XC90(for 35,000 miles and 18mo), the final straw was when we were leaving for a family vacation and the axel seal failed – leaving us stranded on the freeway. I would not trust this car any farther than I could throw it. After we were stranded, my wife and I went out the next day and purchased a Toyota Sequoia. We are now in HEAVEN – everything works, nothing breaks.
As for your shopping list of problems--your only post and double-posted on 2 forums at that--you would need to be more specific and maybe we could help. But, then, you are not looking for help. Enjoy the Toyota Sequoia problems forum which I see has nearly 1600 messages.
For me, approaching 70,000 miles and no major problems. Original brakes, too.
For $2000.00 I could save by buying a Volvo over a Acura. I still buy an Acura. My time is worth more.
SUV sales across the board have declined, not just the XC90. Before the industry sales slump the XC90 was a top seller with good resale value. The new V8 and I6 models are still doing well in my area.
The XC90 is our 3rd Volvo, and we have had very good luck with the brand, having owned a pair of 240s earlier. We trust them to the point that we just bought a 96 850 for my son. We also own a Toyota which has been reliable, but I prefer the Volvo for substance and quality of overall build.
If the volume of the XC90 isn't absolutely necessary, you could also consider a late model V70.
As for V70, we had new a 01 Volvo V70. We kept it for 3 months and ended up trading it in for a new 01 Mercedes E320 station. The V70 was a little to small for my wife. I realize that the size becomes a personal preference.
Has anyone seen the Sirius config? Is this an AUX setup as well or is it part of the factory stereo?
How about the bluetooth? Is it troublesome? I have read about the NAV being disapointing. I am wondering if putting in an aftermarket system with NAV, Bluetooth, IPOD, and DVD is the answer.
Bluetooth works fine.
The Nav system is middle-of-the-road. There are better ones in terms of features but if you want integration and the nice retracting display there is no other choice.
AWD, Versatility (3rd row), Premium, Convenience, Wood dash, hitch (non-Volvo unit for light duty such as bike rack).
Per a previous post of mine, I was interested in Nav but wasn't impressed with the Volvo Nav and they only had it on some blue truck, which my wife didn't like.
So far we're pleased, no complaints.
To those ends, we will be shutting down the general make/model discussions and work exclusively with specific issues. This requires us to populate the make/model subsections with relevant, interesting and timely topics. Rather than having the hosts simply create boilerplate topics for each make/model, we feel that you, the owner, the make/model enthusiast and the prospective buyer can best judge what those topics should be.
You can help by adding a discussion (it's easy!) or suggesting one here.
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Volvo XC90
tidester, host
Are Volvo's typically "problem" cars and are the maintenance costs exorbitant? I'm also looking at the Acura MDX but love the safety features of the Volvo and the third-seat option on the XC90.
All opinions welcome!
(I'm a happy XC90 owner, previously was happy with 96 855 no-turbo & 2001 V70 2.4T/DSC).
Also, as far as I know, the XC90 is still the only SUV with gyroscope/rollover-stability-control - literally impossible to roll it over if you stay on pavement (i tried to roll one over at lime rock - couldn't do it, but i didn't get above 55 mph while trying.)
Also I thought 18 wheels are common.
The 18's are a little quiter than the 17's.
The cost difference to replace them isn't that great.
The size Volvo uses for the 18" tires is a little oddball, but there are some non OEM options.
- increased likelihood of curb/sidewall damage to tires.
- decreased handling (if unsprung weight is increased.)
The contact patch is bigger and the 18" tires tend to be stickier than the 17"s.
My question is,
1, handbook shows interval for maintainence is 10k, however dealer told me 6k per, which one show i listen to?
2, For oil change, every time dearler strongly recommend to use "synthetic oil" instead of regular oil, which costs me almost another $100, i am just wondering if it is really beneficial to use that? How do you guys deal with that?
When I picked up my Volvo at the dealer, the trip odometer had 3 miles MORE than the regular odometer. Is that normal? How is that possible?
Also, the pictures of the leather interior on the Volvo web site as well as the brochure, show a padded arm rest on the door panel. It does not, however, show one on the cloth interior door panels. I have leather and do not have this arm rest. Is it missing or are the photo's wrong?
Thanks in advance!
synthetic oil is a fine idea - but it shouldn't cost an extra $100. buy it yourself at canada-mart for 1/4 the price, mobil 1. i prefer the 15000 mile formulation.
For some reason there is a software issue w/ the trip odo's.
Once you reset the trip odo it functions normally.
As for the armrests, the US cars don't have the padded door armrests.
They probably photographed the European version for the brochure.
Have you heard of inflating the tires with nitrogen? I hear you get less variation from hot to cold and makes the tires last longer. I may have to check it out.
also, the nitrogen/tires idea is worthwhile only if you particularly enjoy the placebo effect.
Thanks for the help.
Enjoy the car.
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_00.htm
and Audio section:
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2005/2005_XC90/05xc90_11a.htm