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Overall, we love the car. My wife was actually involved in a relatively minor accident a few weeks back where a car smacked into her from the right front. The cars were lodged together until a tow truck came to take the Ford Taurus away that hit her, and when it was removed there was nary a scratch on the front bumper where the impact had occurred. For all of the problems that we may have had, this one incident won me over. And in the end, isn't the safety of your loved ones the most important aspect???
Anyway....the first month and a half were without incident and very smooth driving. Then we had an issue where it sounded like an airplane was taking off inside the cabin of the vehicle. We brought it in for service, and the issue was fixed (sorry, wife brought it in that time, so I don't recall off-hand what the issue was). No harm, and we had the first service done at that time, about 1k miles early.
Now come the bigger issues. We've had a hollow thumping sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle for several months. Sometimes is goes away for a week or two, but then comes back and is constant for days on end. It sounds almost like something is loose and is banging against the undercarriage of the car. So we brought it in several times, and the Murphy's Law of vehicles bit us each time- the noise wasn't there for the service techs to hear. Finally, the heard it and claimed it was the right rear shocks-apparently a common problem. But we've recently had them replaced, and the noise still exists.
Another issue is that between 40-60 mph, when pressing down on the accelerator, the whole car begins to vibrate on occasion. This happens probably three or four times a day, and the vibration lasts for several seconds before stopping altogether. We've had the service guys look at the problem, and they've rotated the tires around and checked everything (so they claim) but it still vibrates contstantly.
The final issue is the emergency brake is VERY stiff. We can maybe get two clicks if we press down hard on it, and after popping it to start the car back up we sometimes have an odd noise in reverse- almost a quick whistling type noise.
A little tip:
What I have found is when I am ready post a message I search this discussion for whatever topic I'm interested in. Just go to the "search this discussion" box at the end of the posts.
Good luck!
I need to pull a skiboat- 4000 lbs total boat+trailer- twin axle, disc (surge) brakes.
I really don't want to go the domestic SUV route, and I'd like to stay in a Volvo(currently a 10yr-old 850 Turbo wagon). The Toureg looks like the most promising alternative, but question VW quality at this price point. Just not sure the XC90 really has the stones to tow, despite the 5000# rating. Anyone with actual experience (as opposed to just an opinion) pls. weigh in.
My recommendation would be the T6, with its greater torque reserves it will do it quicker and easier than the 2.5T.
1) No dealer in St Louis will discount off MSRP. This is concerning since historically, Volvo depreciation has been high. Has anyone bought their car below asking?
2)I have heard maintenance is high. For 2004, the first 4 intervals are included, but what has a typical service interval cost?
3) If I am going to keep this car for 5-7 years, should I be worried about long term reliability? I have never owned a Volvo before.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
This is actually something that will help keep residual values high on this car.
The Auto Lease Guide, which is an independent appraiser of future values for lease companies rate the XC90 higher than any other SUV in its class.
Servicing on a Volvo is not terribly expensive either.
We charge $20 for an oil change and the most expensive interval service is about $600.00
Volvo's have very long life spans, avg age is 18 yrs.
While the early cars on the P2 chassis had some teething issues the 01-04 cars have been very reliable.
We will be leavin gour four month old XC90 with the dealer for the third time now in order to get things right.
Can you type in a place name (Home Depot for instance) and have it tell you where the nearest on is?
The Honda/Acura systems have this capability and we can't do with out it.
Not sure why Volvo doesn't do a better pitch on the Nav system online, with details of what it can do for you.
Also I've been wondering about satellite radio (XM, Sirious), seems Volvo isn't ready for that game yet. If it were ever possible to retrofit sat radio, would it be more likely into the stereo system or the nav system?
One would think the stereo but I've seen photos of the Nav screen with an extra "Communications" selection (along with "Navigation", "Settings", and "Shut Down". And another with "E-mail, "Web browser", "Address Book", and "Voice memo". All of this was for something called Volvo Interactive, "only in combination with the navigation system and the integrated phone".
Yo, Volvo, the Japanese and even the Americans are all over sat radio, what's the delay? Didn't the Swedes introduce the world to cell phones technology???
http://www.carpages.co.uk/volvo/volvo_rear_seat_entertainment_ava- ilable_for_the_xc90_15_05_03.asp?v=1
They look exactly the same as the model I was intending to buy to install myself.
http://www.mobilevideo4less.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD- &Store_Code=MV&Product_Code=HR58M
I've had it a month and have taken it up and back to the NJ shore twice. Aside from that sticky emergency brake (I'm now used to it), the car is awesome. It handles beautifully -- I'm getting between 20-21 mpg overall and the acceleration even when fully loaded with luggage and "stuff" on the highway is amazing. Plus, it is very attention-getting! Now that I've figured out how to parallel park it, I'm set. This is the third Volvo I've owned. I couldn't bear to give up my 850 so I'm saving it for my teen daughters. I just sold my 19 year old DL wagon in April (sob) but it went to a good home. I spent 15 months checking out the XC90 - reading all the comments on this Town Hall religiously -- before taking the plunge. Although there are more negative than positive comments on Town Hall, that is how human nature works. There are many of us thrilled XC90 owners out there.
tidester, host
Both Touareg and XC90 are excellent vehicles and, IMHO, both are over priced. XC90, because of perceived safety benefit which drives up demand though the volume is reasonable and Touareg, because it's new model in market with a very low volume. What more can I say, Let's enjoy the free market economy!
A few actually know more about their product line than enthusiasts here, and sometimes they share good tidbits about how their store works and how best to get to your out the door price.
For some dealer specific issues, check out the Any Questions for a Car Dealer? board.
Steve, Host
1. It is VERY BIG, I have the same type of key/remote combo for my Audi and the Volvo one is about 20% larger in size. Any bigger and I'd have to wear it attached to my belt like a cell phone. In fact I've actually seen cell phones the same size!
2. The actual metal key part becomes unsprung very easily. Almnost every time I go for the key it has already been opened in my pocket. I have NEVER had this happen with my Audi key.
3. The "ring" provided to attach it to your key ring is about the size of the nail on your pinky toe, after it has been trimmed. It is so small that when on my key ring the key/remote is unable to swing unhampered around the key ring. And worst of all, any excess pressure (such as pulling your keyring out of your pocket by the key/remote itself) will cause the two pieces of plastic that make up the key/remote to come apart causing the key/remote to be separated from the key ring! My dealer has told me that a lost key/remote will run you $300!
I love the new XC90 (except for the radio that I won't go into here) except for the fact that Volvo obviously spent very little time designing and assuring the quality of their new key/remote.
Um ... you mean humorous! :-)
Did you know that if you rearrange the letters in Touareg you can come up with to argue or outrage?
You may want to make use of the Chell Specker below! ;-)
tidester, host
P.S. Sorry Steve for post 1941. I should have known better, but...
at rogue
gout ear
to auger
our gate
to argue
o'er a gut
got urea
o'er a tug
gear out
a true go
touareg
Steve, Host
tidester, host
Destinations can be selected in several ways although I find many categories to be rather thin. Heck, the database doesn't even have my local Volvo dealer!
You can save locations such as addresses, lat-lon coordinates, and points selected on the map. These are accessed under "Stored locations."
1. "It is VERY BIG..."
True. It probably tries to do too much. I find the size and shape a bit awkward to grip when starting the car.
2. "The actual metal key part becomes unsprung very easily."
I haven't noticed this. Perhaps your latch is overly sensitive or you have too much stuff in your pocket.
3. "The "ring" provided to attach it to your key ring is about the size of the nail on your pinky toe, after it has been trimmed. It is so small that..."
Try an intermediate ring between the key fob and key ring. But don't expect the key fob to support much weight. If you have a lot of keys, it would be best to keep the key fob separate.
If the XC90 T6 maintenance is similar to the S80 T6 maintenance then the regular 7,500 mile stop (and it might be 10,000 on the XC90 come to think of it?) will set you back $125 or so in my experience (give or take $25.) It's more than say a Toyota Camry but the service intervals are twice as long or more which I think is the reason why Edmunds shows the 5 year cost of maintenance for Volvos (and other luxury cars) as a fraction of the maintenance cost for Accords, Camrys, etc.
Good luck.
-rollie
rdollie@att.net
I plan to periodically update on this site as the months and miles go by. We are travelling to Destin, Florida next week, so it will be the first long distance road test.
The MDX would still be a good choice, I suppose. Kind of like choosing between $100 dollar bill, or 2 $50's. Either way you'll come out fine in my opinion.
Yes, that's the way it starts up. A handy feature is the split screen where you can view your position at 2 different map scales.
Gross Vehicle Weight 7-Passenger - XC90 2.5T = 5,840 lb.; XC90 2.5T AWD = 6,005 lb.; XC90 T6 AWD = 6,080 lb.
Since I've never been through the trade-in process (never-the-less with a previously wrecked car), can anyone share with me their experiences? Will the Volvo dealer accept this as a trade-in?
Many thanks!