Volvo XC90 SUV

kdobson99 · February 2003

Anyone know for sure when deliveris will start for 2004 models. I ordered about a month or so ago, then called and told him to wait for 04 allocations. I checked today, and he said delivery is shown for mid April. I asked again whether this was an 04 and he said yes... That doesn't correspond to the Mid May delivery for 04's that I have been seeing here. I hate to call again and tell him I think he is wrong, but... Anyone with any more info?

anilpunjabi · February 2003

The Ruby Red looks real hot, i saw a merc s-class in same color and it looked good too, its more liek a maroon, so its looks real classy. We got the nav installed aftermarket, its a good system, and I was thinking about the roolover system, this would be great for new drivers b/c with thos ekids taking the on and off rmpas at speeds 40 mph over recommended volvo could be a savior.

plush · February 2003

My dealer in Colorado just faxed me their order sheet showing my delivery. It confirms mine is an 04 due in on 5/5. That is the first delivery date of the 04's. The last delivery date for an 03 on the list is Mid April. If your car has been assigned the dealer can show you your name on the order sheet and it will show the year and confirm the options.

davis31 · February 2003

message #1263 mentioned that they had Nav system installed as a an aftermarket item. I am interested in an XC90, but it will have to have a Nav system. I do not want to wait several months for delivery, and I notice XC90's appearing on dealer lots, but none have Nav system. Is the aftermarket Nav system installed by the dealer? And is it located in the same location on top of the dash as dealer installed? Is it essentially the same as a factory installed system? I have a Cadillac with Nav system, and it is wonderful when travelling in a large city, and any new vehicle that I purchase must have Nav.

anilpunjabi · February 2003

Its teh exact same as the factory, but they do charge extra over factory, u shoudl get it done but make sure its reputable dealer.Nav is hot, it wokrs wele esp with phone numbers.

yash2 · February 2003

I am looking to buy a new SUV. XC90 and MDX are the finalist. I really like the XC90 from looks to safety but am unhappy about the short center storage that is also a armrest for driver. I am surprised that the armrest is so short and doesn't extend enough for driver to place the arm and also be able to hold steering wheel for the long drives. There is also not any separate armrest attached to seat itself. I haven't seen a posting on this subject. Has anybody seen any available accesory that can help here..? I am truly surprised that Volvo has overlooked such an important aspect of comfort. Thanks.

sharon · February 2003

I had the nav factory installed. I've been very pleased with it for the most part. I have one issue, and I'm hoping volvo will address it. I cannot input a road that is a route number as a destination. Here in NJ we have many business located on Route 22, Route 46... I can see the roads on the map, and the database has facilites located on those routes, but I can't input, say 1650 Route 22 as a destination. It's VERY annoying.

I've spoken to both NavTech & Volvo customer service. They both acknowledge the problem and say that the manufacturer of the system is looking into it. I'm hoping it will be a software fix.

Other than that, it works great.

Sharon

sandyd3 · February 2003

I just visited my dealer yesterday and placed a deposit for my silver T6 for a May/June delivery. I've had my name on a waiting list since December and will just be exiting a lease (6/30) on a Navigator. I was informed yesterday that it was a good thing that I had placed my deposit when I did because they just got a memo saying that orders for 7-passenger XC90's will be on hold until Aug/Sept. They said that Volvo can't keep up with demand, that most people are wanting the extra seating. Just wondering if any of what I heard was true, or are they just trying to keep me on the hook?

Also, if this vehicle is arriving in late May/early June, will it be a 2004 or 2003?

Had all three of my kids in the back and took the car up a steep hill, with no hesitation at all. I'm still so impressed with the agility of this vehicle, it really puts my Navigator (true land-yacht) to shame.

I was offered the aluminum trim package along with the wood steering wheel - does anyone know the cost? Dealer is still checking.

thanks,
Sandy

sharon · February 2003

If you were offered the aluminum trim package, it sounds like you are getting a 2004. I've heard that for 2004, the wooden steering wheel is a stand-alone option (not part of premium) and that aluminum trim will also be an option.

I don't know about delays for the versatility package, but I wouldn't be surprised. My dealer told me last month when I picked up my plates that all their orders are for the 7-seat version. They had a 5-seat demo for sale and no one was biting.

Congrats on your order. You'll love the car!

Sharon

zavnet · February 2003

Can anyone recommend an aftermarket cover for the XC90. The accessories brochure (that came with the car) only shows choices for Sxx & Vxx models. My guess Volvo doesnt make one specifically for the XC90. Thanks.

jeffmust2 · February 2003

try www.covercraft.com - they manufacture a tremendous variety in shapes and fabrics. In fact, many of the other cover dealers resell CoverCraft with their name on 'em.

jp666 · February 2003

I am researching the 2004 XC 90 and it seems to be the safest SUV on the road especially if you have small children. Couple questions as it seems that all the message boards state that MSRP is the price I should expect to pay...Has anyone had success using AAA car buying service or having the consumer reports pricing information to help negotiate ?

Also, the Volvo web site shows body side decor as an option and looks nice...does anyone have it and know what the price would be.....

I also like the 2004 model as I like the europeamn silver trim interior that will be available...has anyone seen this in person ?

Anyone have any buying suggestions ? I live outside Philadelphia but would be open to go a long distance to pay closer to invoice than MSRP

Sorry for so many questions as this is my first town hall message

stul · February 2003

I really doubt you will be able to buy the XC90 under MSRP. There is just too much demand. Maybe some dealers would sell you accessories (but not options) at invoice, but I even doubt that.

If you are still interested in buying at MSRP, the best you can do is look for a good buying experience, where you can get up-to-date reliable information. I recently bought from the Volvo dealership outside Phila, in Downingtown PA. I'm not sure if I can mention dealership names on this site, but the sales manager there (Yannis), seems to have the most reliable information around. If you do contact him, feel free to mention my name. But from what I understand, if you place an order now, you may not get the XC90 until late spring / early summer. I believe that is true for most dealers, unless you are very flexible on options/colors.

Stu.

volvomax · February 2003

Forget paying invoice or even close.
The demand is outstripping production, and doesn't show any signs of letting up.
I get calls from brokers all over the country trying to find cars for their clients.
If you look at edmunds or cars direct they both show MSRP as your target price.
Brokers and buying services pay the same money as the consumer on this vehicle so they can't mark them up and make any money.(AS soon as I tell a broker MSRP they lose interest, usually)
Best bet is to find a dealer you like and order exactly what you want.
It a car thats worth its sticker if not more.

heleandrew · February 2003

This may be a naive question but how does a navigation system service work -- do you have to pay a monthly bill, sort of like a cell phone service? If so, how much for Volvo XC90 in particular?

anilpunjabi · February 2003

A nav system does not have a subscription it is a disk, so its a one cost option. Also for Volvo XC90's i live right outside of philadelphia, I was buyying from Burdumy Volvo, which seems to stil have some on the lot, but ours sank in the english channel, so I went to Volvo of Langhorne, and bought the nicest red color XC90, this car looks very elegant especially with a taupe interior. I have seen Yanni's posts in so mnay forums, that I believe that he is very helpful, if you need info contact him, and I wont be surprised if Yanni makes it as volvo's dealer of the year award. Keep it up Yanni. He has always tried to keep the dealers name in mind, and has never done price gauging or anything. Also Ive heard alot about the fax atatck, where u fax the ten closest dealers around you and ull most def get a response fomr at least 2 and mayeb even surprise yourself. Everyone have fun driving the first SUV with a conscience.

stever · February 2003

Until you decide to update the disk(s). Then you're looking at $100 to $300 bucks or so, US$.

Here's a couple of articles fyi:

Blast Fax Car Buying

Online Car Buying Revisited

Steve, Host

adp3 · February 2003

just a short note re Blast Faxing, sort of alluded to in the article Steve, our host, posted

It CAN hurt you, but in rare situations. For example, I blast faxed in February that I wanted to buy a red Chrysler Sebring Convertible, and listed all my options. Unfortunately, my wife really wanted the red one. Turns out there was only ONE red one anywhere near us, and the dealer who had it was getting all sorts of calls from all the other dealers I had faxed. Oh well. She held pretty firm on her price. Not much convertible inventory in February, even in California, I guess.

adp3 · February 2003

I haven't seen any discussion of these three vehicles. They may seem different, but they all feature seating for more than 5 and should all drive pretty well in the snow. I expect the Caddy will get less than 20 mpg, and I can't go there with good conscience. Am hoping the XC90 and the Pacifica get at least 22. I haven't compared storage space. Am making the transition from a Grand Caravan so anything is gonna be a problem on storage. Car-top carrier will probably come in handy.

gmark2000 · February 2003

anilpunjabi wrote:
Also I've heard alot about the fax attack, where you fax the ten closest dealers around you and you'll most definitely get a response from at least two and maybe even surprise yourself.

I did this when I bought my 2000 Toyota Celica when it was a new, hot car like the XC90. I was able to get a single good deal from about 20 dealers. It was a no-brainer for the sale manager - eat some profit, get a quick sale. Somehow I didn't think Volvo dealers would take to this tactic so I didn't this time around (especially when the XC90 had just been released - a year ago now).

i_yellow · February 2003

Does anyone know how many miles it takes to "break in" the engine? The mileage specs. for my 2.5T are 18city/24hwy (per Edmunds), but I'm getting upper 16's city and lower 19's highway with about 1500 miles on it so far. Can we get a mileage census posted here?

volvomax · February 2003

Generally 2-3000 miles before you notice signifigant gains in mileage.
My C70 had almost 3000 before my mileage went up.

craigw1 · February 2003

Can anyone give me a recommendation of a good and honest Volvo dealer or salesperson in California, especially in the San Francisco or Los Angeles areas?

Or let me know if you have experience with a personal or internet buying service for a XC90?

Thanks!

becky2010 · February 2003

I'm very happy with my 2.5T AWD except for the mileage! I'm averaging 13 with an even split between city and highway. Will this change ??!!! I've had the car about 7 weeks.

ike10 · February 2003

13 seems WAY too low for an even split... ask them about that at the dealer. i'm averaging nearly 19 with mixed driving (no long trips, but some sf bay area commuting)... the lowest i've gotten for any single tank is 17.3, and that was nearly all short errands in san jose. haven't done a trip yet, but my guess would be about 22 hwy right now.

sharon · February 2003

I think those of us with 7 seater 2.5Ts are seeing worse gas mileage than the 5 seat 2.5T. I have about 2000 miles and I am seeing about 15 mpg when I do more highway driving. It drops down to 14.8 or so around town. I got it to 15.4 today, but I'm expecting it to drop back.

adp3 · February 2003

these mileage reports are very troubling - no way I am buying a vehicle getting that poor mileage, no matter how safe it is. I am willing to buy an XC90 (or any SUV) as long as it gets in the 20mpg range, but I certainly can't, with good conscience, buy one that gets in the 15 range.

adp3 · February 2003

Sharon: When you say you "got it to 15.4" today, is this the average over the entire time you've owned it? Are you resetting the computer? It's pretty tough to move that average with just one day of driving. Reset and do your normal commute and then let's hear a reading.

ambaer · February 2003

I didn't want the AWD for price and gas mileage (besides my husband has a Tahoe and we use that for going to the snow). I'm just a mommy running the kids around and we live in CA in the Bay Area - not exactly blizzard territory! :-) I ordered the Ruby Red and was told it looks really pretty in person but has not been that popular. My dealer advised against the Crystal Green saying its more silver than green. He did stress to me that since I ordered 2 wheel drive plus the Ruby Red, I REALLY needed to take delivery on the car. Of course, I will be happy to take it when it comes in!

I have seen the sliver trim package in person (anybody who did one of the Drive Events did) and it looks a LOT better than the wood trim. Very stylish and sharp.

If you are looking for a great dealership in the SF/Bay Area - try Volvo of Pleasanton (in the East Bay). We didn't have to provide any kind of deposit to place our order. They also sold us the S40 we drive now and it was a completely hassle free experience, and I am guessing that this purchase will be the same.

adp3 · February 2003

Ambaer: How did you do on price? I am also in the Bay Area. What is your expected delivery date? Is it an 04? I hope you like the red - that's the color I want (2.5, AWD, 7 seats). I'm waiting for the Pacifica to come out to see if I really want the XC90 or will be happy with a pseudo-wagon. I'd rather "buy American" - but I'm not sure whether buying a Mercedes/Chrylser or a Ford/Volvo keeps more of my money in America!

jb_shin · February 2003

We are also looking at possibly purchasing a XC90 when we return home from Germany in a year. However, the gas mileage ad the Volvo reliability is what is concerning us. Provided, it is a heavy SUV which will guzzle gas, but the new Caddy SRX get 30 mpg, and it is a v-8. I never thought that I's even look at domestic, but the thing doesn't; look half bad. Still, my wife loves the Volvo when we saw it a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps SRX will be at the Geneva autoshow and we can see it there, to see if the packaging measures up against the Volvo.

anilpunjabi · February 2003

What kind of gas have u ben using when givng mpg estomates, i heard the better the gas ie 93 or 94 octane gives betetr gas milieeg - pays for itself, and better for the engine. ruby red is hot, and i lve the video that comes with the volvo

sharon · February 2003

Sharon: When you say you "got it to 15.4" today, is this the average over the entire time you've owned it? Are you resetting the computer? It's pretty tough to move that average with just one day of driving. Reset and do your normal commute and then let's hear a reading.

Well, the number is a moving target and yes, it is the average. It goes up the more I drive on the highway and drops back when I spend more time around town. Yesterday it reached 15.4. I'm watching the trip computer, not making my own calculations. I never said that it went from 14.8 to 15.4 in one day.

Sharon

adp3 · February 2003

Sharon: Hit the "reset" button and see how she does on the freeway alone. Or hit thr reset at your next fill-ip. It's hard to move that average as it is weighed down with all the miles you have already driven. Your mpg this week could be much different than your mpg in the first week. It's not correct so say you "are" getting 15 mpg, as that is a reflection of your entire driving history with the car, not what you are CURRENTLY getting.

and please please please do this tell me you are getting better than 15 - I still want an XC90

:-)

adp3 · February 2003

Shin: is this true? It's very hard to believe, but if the Caddy had half the safety features of the Volvo (including the nifty front bumper thing to keep the Volvo from plowing through cars), then the Caddy would get the nod. Hell, if the Caddy gets 25, I'm in (even if it is just a gussied up, tricked out Rendezvous)

jb_shin · February 2003

I was surprised at the figure myself and did a double take as well. The car was reviewed on Road&Track and Automobile Magazine. It was listed as 18 city and 30 (or almost 30) highway. I also believe the figures were for the Northstar V-8. It weighs about 4,300 lbs. The reviewers liked the way it rode, handling almost like a car than an SUV, a la X-5. It was actually developed in the famed Nurburgring circuit with BMW 530 in mind, according to the magazine. The SRX actually is based on a regular passenger car chassis, like the X-5.

If the safety features are decent (better than average SUV), I think it could be a real contender. It does seem a bit more expensive, but v-6 is just as powerful as the X-90 T6. I am really hoping to be able to compare them at the Geneva autoshow in 2 weeks.

adp3 · February 2003

definitely give us a report, Shin

mind if I copy your post to the SRX board?

jb_shin · February 2003

no problem, is it the comparison board?

adp3 · February 2003

http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/firstdrives/articleDisplay.as- p?articleID=451

Perhaps the most impressive stat is the Northstar-powered SRX's astonishing fuel economy. Thanks to this SUV's low weight (less than 4300 lb. in rear-wheel-drive guise) and tall top gear, Cadillac says that the provisional numbers are showing 18 mpg city and nearly 30 mpg highway.

sharon · February 2003

I did hit reset about a month ago, went from reporting 15 something to reporting 13, that's why I've been letting it sit.

I'll think about hitting reset again.

Sharon

ambaer · February 2003

adp3: Our expected delivery date is May 1 - so we are getting pretty excited. The dealer gave me an estimated MSRP but because 2004 pricing hasn't been announced he can't give me a firm price. I'm ok with that though because we really trust our dealer. He also didn't have a price for the Aluminum Trim package. He assured me we would pay MSRP without any additional mark-ups. The dealer also said the Ruby Red is "gorgeous" just not that popular (mostly ordering black and silver). I don't know if you have driven the XC90 but it rides great and my husband and I both fell in love with it at the Drive Event they had in Alameda. We were going to buy a XC70 wagon but decided to wait for the SUV to come out. If you aren't sure about an SUV, check out the XC70 - that's also a great care that gets better mpg.

adp3 · February 2003

I DID drive the XC90 (only the 2.5) and liked it, as did my wife. Am hoping the mpg of the 7-seater is as advertised. Can't believe I'm actually considering the Caddy SRX and the Chrysler Pacifica, but am concerned about SUV safety. And, face it, we all have to deal with teh image issue - I don't want to drive an SUV if it is going to get "keyed" every month or so.

rollie · February 2003

The rolling average for Volvos is NOT a measure of total miles since you last hit the reset button. I've forgotten the exact interval but it's more like an average of the past 13 or 14 miles. I've got over 100,000 miles with this particular trip computer and can assure you that the moving average is indeed moving as advertised. It is not a static measurement and should not be treated as such.

In other words, you last several miles weight much more heavily on the overall average than you would think. If you're not convinced then drive your car like a normal human being for several hundred miles. Then spend 5 - 10 miles as a lead foot and watch how quickly the moving average falls.

With my driving habits and living in South Orange County, CA (where the average speed limit between the stop lights is 50 mph and average speed is a little higher) I find my T6 moving average is around 12 MPG. I'm not disappointed. If I wanted better fuel economy I wouldn't be hitting WOT at EVE light as I do now (where's all the SUV bashers now when it should be clear that driving habits for any vehicle, pickup trucks,corporate jets that burn thousands of pounds of fuel for a couple of people, etc. are a larger waste of fuel than a SUV.)

Thanks.

-rollie (who doesn't own a SUV)

p.s. - For what it's worth, I've noticed that my same driving habits on a '03 S60 2.4T yield a moving average of nearly 21 mpg. (That extra turbo and cylinder and a few hundred pounds makes a big difference in my T6.)

adp3 · February 2003

Rollie: I'll check that out. It would surprise me, since it becomes less valuable aa a tool if it works the way you say. Who cares what the average is if you don't know, exactly, what the numerator and donominator are. I'm not saying you are incorrect. Am just saying that it's a less useful tool if that's how it works.

And I'm gonna try what you suggest on the way home today. I've got over 1,000 miles on my nifty little computer. A verage almost 22 mpg with my Sebring convertible. Let's see if I can move it with a 17 mile commute. If you're in the Bay Area today, stay out of the fast line!! That'll be me behind you flashing my lights.

adp3 · February 2003

you do make good points about driving habits and how key the are (as well as other big energy users like airplanes). Those of us who cut our driving teeth in the late-70s, who were paying for our own gas, are probably lighter on the gas when the light turns green.

suvdriver1 · March 2003

Well we've had the T6 for about a week. My wife loves it the only complaint she has is that she has to fill it up alot - combination of a lot of city driving (<12mpg) and what I believe to be a very small tank - does anybody know what size it is? Anyhow it is a beautiful vehicle and having come from a Durango 5.9L engine the gas doesn't bug me too much. I will say that mileage is way better on the highway getting over 20mpg. Still haven't seen another on the road yet

adp3 · March 2003

Rollie: I think you are incorrect about the MPG issue. I checked in my Sebring, and there are two averages that you can do - one is the useless "instantaneous" one, which tells you the MPG you are gettign at that instant - so if you step on the gas, your MPG goes toward zero very quickly (instantly), and if you coast, your MPG goes to 99. The other(the USEFUL one) is an average of all the miles you have driven since you pressed "reset." It does not weight the more recent miles driven.

Maybe Volvo does it differently, but if they are, then they are stupider than Chrysler, which I sort of doubt. Still, I don't own a volvo, so I don't KNOW how they are doing it.

So, those of you telling us about your Volvo mileage, please read your manuals to see if you are getting useful data. If you are out of the break-in period, the data from your first 500-1000 miles isn't terribly useful. Just hit that reset button and report back after a tank or two.

nomi · March 2003

I think the confusion here has to do with the three pieces of information that the trip computer stores and displays related to MPG.

1) Driving Distance on Current Fuel Reserve. A rolling average MPG is used (last 12 miles) to estimate how many miles are left before the tank is empty. (e.g. "150 MILES TO EMPTY TANK", but the underlying MPG and gallon of fuel in the tank- used to calculate this figure are not displayed. This is the MPG Rollie was talking about.)

2) Current Fuel Consumption. This is an instantaneous reading taken every second. As ADP3 explained, it's not very useful since it can go from 1 to 99 very quickly depending if are accelerating or coasting.

3) Average MPG, the one in question here, shows the fuel consumption since the last time the "trip computer" is RESET.

Note: There is a RESET button on the turn signal control stalk, which reset the Average MPG. It is different than the button next to the "trip odometer" display in the dash. Having this second RESET button allow you to reset the Average MPG number without re-setting the trip odometer and vice versa.

heleandrew · March 2003

Has anyone used XC90 free hand phone system? Any comments?

lesw · March 2003

I'M AN UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF THE '99 ML320 AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT LEASING A BRAND NEW DESIGNED CAR AGAIN. BOTH MY WIFE AND I LOVE XC90, BUT....
WE HAVE NARROWED OUR CHOICES TO X5,RX330,FX35 AND POSSIBLY VW TOUREG. WE ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN LEASING AND I WONDER IF YOU CAN SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH FINDING AND LEASING AN XC90 2.5T W/
PREMIUM AND VERSATILITY PKGS.BASED ON MY PRELIMINARY RESEARCH LOCAL WAIT TIME IS 30-60 DAYS
SO WE HAVE TO MAKE OUR DECISION WITHIN NEXT 30 DAYS.

Volvo XC90 SUV

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