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I don't think so. Typically, volvo radios can't be changed out in this manor. The real problem is the software. The first 07 XC90's should arrive in Aug, so maybe we will know more by then.
I went to www.volvocars.com website and found a video/sideshow on the 2007 XC 90 (lower right). This appeared to be the European version (drove on left side of road in video). Is this the car coming to USA? Interior looked very nice.
Full week without a post, so I'll jump in. 2005 2.5T, 39-month lease has only 4 months to go. Time flies. Anyway, only repairs in those 3 years were a loose tie rod end (probably a pothole) and a dead rear wiper motor, both fixed under warranty. I did have to replace the tires at 23K, first time I ever needed new tires on a lease. This is a heavy vehicle, so expect to burn rubber (so to speak).
I will certainly have another XC90 on my September shopping list, along with the new Audi Q7. The 2007 BMW X5 and Acura MDX would also be high on the list, but it looks like they won't be available in time for me. Not many other choices for 7 passenger luxury vehicles. Any suggestions?
Based on prices over $50k other choices include the LR3, M-B GL 450, Lexus LX 470, Infiniti QX56, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Of course, there is more to luxury than price but it's a starting point. The 2007 XC90 has some attractive additions so you are coming out of lease at a good time.
What exactly are those attractive additions for 2007?
As for those other choices, Land Rover just doesn't do anything for me, the GL450 looks like an overgrown $60K Honda Pilot, LX470 may work but there's just something about the interior that I don't like, QX56 Escalade and Navigator are just too big and truck-like. But that's all just my opinion.
07's will feature a new I6 @ 235hp Revised bumpers and lights. Sat radio from the factory(Dec cars) Ipod interface Active Bi-Xenon lights BLIS-Blindspot information System
New I-6 engine replaces the 2.5T, various electronic doo-dahs and some small styling changes. Of particular interest are an upgraded navigation system with hard disk and backup camera, an upgraded audio system that plays from iPods and MP3 CDs, tracking bi-zenon headlights, and a blind-spot warning system.
I like the LR3 but I can see why it might not appeal to everyone. I have not seen a GL450 in person but the C&D preview sounds positive. Of the other alternatives to the XC90, only the Audi would be on my list.
We had the exact same experience. Do you have the Pirelli tires? We do and our guy noted that the Pirelli tires wear strangely and cause the problem.
We bought the excuse (although had it in a couple times to have them look at). We are now at 24K miles and about to replace the tires. Will not go back to the Pirelli Scorpions.
Yes, they're the Pirelli tires which my husband thought were great, but we now know different. I too took it in and had the service manager ride with me. I had little mileage put on the car the first six months after I bought it so I didn't have my first maintenance till after 8 months of ownership. He blamed it on not having the tire pressure checked and the tires wearing unevenly b/c they were not at their full weight. Did you folks have your tire pressure checked b/w maintenance visits? What bugs me is that they don't advise you of it happening or act as if no one else has had the same issue.
i understand that the pirellis wear horribly fast on the xc90. be happy when they are gone - replace them with michelin cyclone 4x4 or yokohamas and tire wear will be reasonable.
"Did you folks have your tire pressure checked b/w maintenance visits?"
Absolutely. Maintaining proper tire pressure is among the most important routine maintenance you can do. It affects safety, fuel economy, handling and tire wear. I check the tires monthly and before long trips. If there are signs of unusual leakage or uneven wear I go to the local tire shop. If you went 8 months without checking the tires you were asking for trouble.
I have seen only a couple XC90's with Pirelli tires, they usually come with Michelin. Pirelli is common on the XC70.
Also, the tires made a real strange noise while at the airport on the wet surfaces. It almost sounded as if I had a flat tire and I was traveling on the rims.
Well, we just replaced the Pirellis and the humming noise has left the building. Based on reviews and reasonable price, we went with Continental Crosscontact LX (17"). 2 days in and we are pleased so far. Road noise is minimal.
I noticed with my Pirellis that the tire began to wear unevenly at about 18K. It appeared to be scalloping across the tread. Again, had it into Volvo and asked about alignment (although car did not drive like it was out of alignment). They said they would align it but it would probably be a waste of money. They had seen the Pirellis wear like that before.
Anyway, I'll report back on the Continentals after we have some miles under the belt.
I have learned my lesson and will pay better attention to the tires of new cars that I buy. The Pirellis may be high performance, but most people don't require that type of performance. I had no idea that I would be buying a new set of tires at 24K. (should have read this board before buying).
Coinsidently, I'm sitting at the Volvo service waiting room. I'm only at roughly 6k miles, and even if the car doesn't look like it needs it, they're going to do the alignment. What happened after the alignment, any better?
"The Pirellis may be high performance, but most people don't require that type of performance. I had no idea that I would be buying a new set of tires at 24K. (should have read this board before buying)."
The Pirelli is rated 300 A A whereas the Conti is 680 A B, so the mileage gain is paid for by a lower temperature rating. Saying that people don't need the performance misses the point that tires are matched to the car and chosen to complement the load, suspension and braking characteristics (the scalloping of the Pirelli is a separate issue). A lower temperature rating increases risk of tire failure, such as when on summer vacation with a full load, and may even affect tire performance in emergency maneuvers. Given how important tires are to handling and safety it seems false economy to focus on tread life, especially on a premium car like the XC90.
I didn't actually get the alignment. I waited and just got new tires....
I agree that there is a compromise between tread life and performance (which includes safety considerations). However there must always be a compromise even when a tire is rated 300 A A. If I'm not mistaken, there are lower treadratings than 300 and there is a AA temperature rating. There will always be a softer tire that will perform better and have a shorter tread life. Professional auto racers get about 100 miles on a set because the must have the best performance (an extreme example, but it makes a point).
In my opinion, the Continentals offer a level of performance that is consistant with my driving habits. Of course everybody has to decide for themselves.
The tires I see most often on the XC90 are the 17" Michelin 4x4 Synchrone (380 AA A) and 18" Pilot HX MXM4 (300 A A). Many owners complain about the short tread life of the expensive Michelins but, after all, it is a heavy car and to my way of thinking needs good rubber. My previous Volvo had original Continentals which seemed like Ok tires, and I understand my Gislaved winter tires are made by Continental.
I'm very tempted to make a deal this week, but I'm concerned about reliability.
I test drove the XC90 V-8 this weekend, and I really like the ride. Now, I'm torn between the XC90 and the Lexus RX 350. The Volvo seemed roomier, and I preferred the center console armrest vs the RX's seat mounted armrest. I had been drawn to the Lexus in part because it gets high reliability marks. Although I like the Volvo a lot, Consumer Reports and the posts to this forum are giving me 2nd thoughts.
I also have a 10 year old son; in 3 years, I'm concerned that the smaller back seat leg room in the V-8 7 passenger will be a problem. I understand I can gain 2 inches with the 5 passenger interior, but then I have to go with the smaller engine.
I may wait for the 07 model; If I go with the 5 passenger for the extra leg room, I'll be getting the new 6 cylinder engine. Does anyone know if this is a new engine for Volvo?
I'd love to hear comments, good and bad, on the XC90's reliability.
What does reliability mean to you and what do you expect? Neither car is likely to have a major failure. The XC90 will probably cost you an extra trip to the dealer each year for minor fixes based on Consumer Reports' stats.
The XC90 is roomier, has 300 pounds more payload, and tows 1500 pounds more than the RX350. It should since it is a couple inches larger in every direction and heavier. The XC70 would be a better comparison.
Yes, the new 6-cylinder is a brand new engine made to fit the XC90. It is barely longer than the 5-cylinder and has no turbo.
I would like to comment on a back seat leg room (I assume that we are talking about the middle row in the 7-seat version). The room is huge even in the 7 seat version (I have one with the 2.5T engine). It will satisfy not only the 13-years old boy, but 6'+ athlete.
And as an anecdotal evidence - our 2004 XC90 has 0 defects in 18 month and 38K miles.
I wished I would have saw this earlier. Volvo and Pirelli know about the problem with the Pirelli Scorpion tires and will replace them with an upgraded tire free of charge (to Pirelli's account) as long as the car is diagnosed with the problem in the first 15,000 miles. That what we did without a problem. The tire wear (cupping) and the noise was horrible and tough to ignore. The new Pirelli Scorpions STR are better so far. Regardless, we received new tires for free.
What did you need to do? Did you contact Volvo North America? Pirelli? My dealer service manager acts as if this is an isolated incident of the tires wearing possibly caused my not having the tire pressure checked? I only have 6k miles on my car! Really appreciate your comments, please advise.
I expect a car that doesn't have significant recalls, electrical problems, early wear on the brakes or tires.
I do expect to maintain the car as recommended by the dealer; but I don't want to have to keep bringing the car in for repairs which are covered by the warranty. I view the warranty as insurance for things which shouldn't go wrong with the car.
With the set of priorities you have described, I want to withdraw my previous recommendation - you need to go with the Lexus. I think no other brand can measure up in the areas of your concern.
However, if the style, versatility, handling, safety features, off-road capabilities make a difference, you might consider XC90.
My original tires (>30k mi) & brakes (>55k mi) have lasted well but that's heavily influenced by driving style. Most other problems can be handled during regular 7500-mile services. Minor electrical glitches and suspension noises are probably the most common problems. I've had a few things that required separate visits. Volvo is quite active with software upgrades and technical adjustments to address known problems. I don't know what Lexus does in this regard but modern cars are complicated and I appreciate a company that keeps on top of inevitable problems. In the end I find XC90 reliability acceptable rather than great which is fine because I put more importance into other factors where the XC90 is superior.
Hmmm ... buy Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Virtually no vehicle is more reliable than these.
Or if you like Volvo, buy Volvo. It does not have the best reliability score by CR, but it ain't that bad at all. If you really like it, and worry about reliability, lease the car, or buy the extended warranty for ~$2000.
Or like I said, buy Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Virtually no vehicle is more reliable than these. The best deal around. Period.
Strictly for the purpose of adding some positive statistical info:
My original tires have lasted 32K miles, and actually two of them have more than 50% of usable life, (I keep them, so if someone need 2 very decent Michelin Pilot 18" - I can sell them cheap) but I change them to move to the different brand and size.
I do believe that two tires worn out prematurely because of the misalignment that was caused by the minor "encounters" with the high curbs. It took some time for my wife to get used to the larger required swing around the corners. And both "bad" tires worn out in the same position. I did not realize that, and asked for the wheel alignment too late. The new set of tires Continental LX looks totally brand new after 7k miles.
BTW, I also do believe, that it could be a reason why so many people that move from the smaller vehicles have unusually low tire life span.
I have replaced brake pads at 37.5K service, with front having 20% and rear having 30-40%, so I should probably keep the rear, but it was just $69 more from my Indy mechanic. He things, that the rotors will last till the next pad replacement.
I think both numbers are very reasonable for any vehicle.
Rather than that - absolutely 0 defects. No repair/warranty/recall work has been done on this vehicle since September 2004 @39K miles.
Actually both Volvo dealers in my area admitted to the problem and were willing to make the switch through Pirelli. They are Scott Mazda Volvo in Allentown, PA and Brown-Daub Volvo in Nazareth, PA. I didn't like the service at one of them, so I just went to the other one for the work. They documented the problem by hearing the sound and measuring the wear on the tires as long as it was before 15,000 miles. They then filed the paperwork with Pirelli. We waited about 1 week for the tires to arrive at the dealership and they mounted the new tires on them with Pirelli picking up the costs, not Volvo. My guess is you will have to wait close to 15,000 miles to make sure the tires wear more to meet the criteria. We had to wait with the loud humming until then, but at least we did not pay for the replacement tires.
Can anyone comment on or have an idea as to when/if the SUV price collapse is coming? I'm patiently waiting and wondering who is dumping inventory ... XC-90's, Explorer, Land Rover, Sequoia etc... any thoughts would be appreciated.
Looking for a great bargain...35k range...$400/month lease range
Leaving out the domestics, the import utes are doing ok. Most of the people that buy the XC90 or Land ROver or Sequoia, or bimmer or benz are well off enough that they can afford to feed their vehicles. Plus, the Volvo, the bimmer, the Acura and a few others get decent gas mileage anyway. It is typically the buyers of domestic SUV's that panic when the price of gas goes up. We have traded for several domestic utes recently, but not one import. Because of huge incentives(like 0% apr) alot of people who have no business buying big SUV's were able to afford them. Now they are panicking. If you are looking for a "deal" the domestics are where to look. If you are looking for a superior vehicle than look at the imports and be prepared to pay a little more.
Volvo was responsible for the engine design. The approach was similar to the short I5 that is in the S40 and C70. Volvo will use the engine in transverse applications, so the a/c compressor and alternator are driven by the engine itself, via a gear system and mounted directly to the block. The engine is only a couple mm longer than the current I5, even though it displaces 3.2L. There will also be a turbo version for Volvo down the road, as well as a diesel version.
Jag and Land Rover will also use the engine, albeit in the traditional longitudinal layout. Jag may even create a supercharged version for their R line. The engine debuts in the XC90 3.2 in 2-3 months.
a diesel volvo for usa?! swoon! i suppose it may be years from now if volvo maintains it's typical pace of homologating a minimal # of drivetrain combos per year for USA. or, maybe quicker homologation could be a benefit of ford ownership now? speculation...
Volvo is open to the diesel idea if a business case can be made for the engine. It would have to be able to be sold in the CARB states as well as the federal ones. Going thru EPA and CARB certification is expensive, plus the parts and training issues. IF Volvo feels enough vehicles could be sold profitably, than you will see a diesel.
Can someone let me know, how the gas mileage on the V8 compares with the 2.5T and how those will compare with the new I6 engines? Thinking about waiting for the '07 with the I6, but would jump on a good deal for '06 V8. My only concern is the V8 gas mileage. Any information would help. Thanks
The V8 is rated at 15 city/21 hwy. The 2.5T AWD is rated at 17/22
The V8 actually does better than the epa rating on the highway. If you do alot of highway driving that car is the way to go. Also, the V8 is alot more repsonsive than the 5 cyl. However, spirited driving will decrease your fuel economy.
Volvo hasn't posted any mileage info on the new SI6 yet. From the performance data they have released, it would appear that the new XC90 3.2 won't be any faster than the 2.5T. However, since the 3.2 will come w/ the 6 speed auto tranny, mileage should improve. My guestimate would be 18 city, 24 hwy.
Comments
thanks!
Typically, volvo radios can't be changed out in this manor.
The real problem is the software.
The first 07 XC90's should arrive in Aug, so maybe we will know more by then.
Do you or anyone for that matter know when the 2007 XC 90 will be in showrooms? Thinking about waiting but may not want to wait too long. Thanks
I will certainly have another XC90 on my September shopping list, along with the new Audi Q7. The 2007 BMW X5 and Acura MDX would also be high on the list, but it looks like they won't be available in time for me. Not many other choices for 7 passenger luxury vehicles. Any suggestions?
As for those other choices, Land Rover just doesn't do anything for me, the GL450 looks like an overgrown $60K Honda Pilot, LX470 may work but there's just something about the interior that I don't like, QX56 Escalade and Navigator are just too big and truck-like. But that's all just my opinion.
Revised bumpers and lights.
Sat radio from the factory(Dec cars)
Ipod interface
Active Bi-Xenon lights
BLIS-Blindspot information System
I like the LR3 but I can see why it might not appeal to everyone. I have not seen a GL450 in person but the C&D preview sounds positive. Of the other alternatives to the XC90, only the Audi would be on my list.
Will there be bluetooth?
Any color changes?
Bluetooth is already available for the XC90.
Shadow Blue repalces Lunar Gold.
We bought the excuse (although had it in a couple times to have them look at). We are now at 24K miles and about to replace the tires. Will not go back to the Pirelli Scorpions.
Did you folks have your tire pressure checked b/w maintenance visits? What bugs me is that they don't advise you of it happening or act as if no one else has had the same issue.
Absolutely. Maintaining proper tire pressure is among the most important routine maintenance you can do. It affects safety, fuel economy, handling and tire wear. I check the tires monthly and before long trips. If there are signs of unusual leakage or uneven wear I go to the local tire shop. If you went 8 months without checking the tires you were asking for trouble.
I have seen only a couple XC90's with Pirelli tires, they usually come with Michelin. Pirelli is common on the XC70.
I noticed with my Pirellis that the tire began to wear unevenly at about 18K. It appeared to be scalloping across the tread. Again, had it into Volvo and asked about alignment (although car did not drive like it was out of alignment). They said they would align it but it would probably be a waste of money. They had seen the Pirellis wear like that before.
Anyway, I'll report back on the Continentals after we have some miles under the belt.
I have learned my lesson and will pay better attention to the tires of new cars that I buy. The Pirellis may be high performance, but most people don't require that type of performance. I had no idea that I would be buying a new set of tires at 24K. (should have read this board before buying).
The Pirelli is rated 300 A A whereas the Conti is 680 A B, so the mileage gain is paid for by a lower temperature rating. Saying that people don't need the performance misses the point that tires are matched to the car and chosen to complement the load, suspension and braking characteristics (the scalloping of the Pirelli is a separate issue). A lower temperature rating increases risk of tire failure, such as when on summer vacation with a full load, and may even affect tire performance in emergency maneuvers. Given how important tires are to handling and safety it seems false economy to focus on tread life, especially on a premium car like the XC90.
I agree that there is a compromise between tread life and performance (which includes safety considerations). However there must always be a compromise even when a tire is rated 300 A A. If I'm not mistaken, there are lower treadratings than 300 and there is a AA temperature rating. There will always be a softer tire that will perform better and have a shorter tread life. Professional auto racers get about 100 miles on a set because the must have the best performance (an extreme example, but it makes a point).
In my opinion, the Continentals offer a level of performance that is consistant with my driving habits. Of course everybody has to decide for themselves.
I test drove the XC90 V-8 this weekend, and I really like the ride. Now, I'm torn between the XC90 and the Lexus RX 350. The Volvo seemed roomier, and I preferred the center console armrest vs the RX's seat mounted armrest. I had been drawn to the Lexus in part because it gets high reliability marks. Although I like the Volvo a lot, Consumer Reports and the posts to this forum are giving me 2nd thoughts.
I also have a 10 year old son; in 3 years, I'm concerned that the smaller back seat leg room in the V-8 7 passenger will be a problem. I understand I can gain 2 inches with the 5 passenger interior, but then I have to go with the smaller engine.
I may wait for the 07 model; If I go with the 5 passenger for the extra leg room, I'll be getting the new 6 cylinder engine. Does anyone know if this is a new engine for Volvo?
I'd love to hear comments, good and bad, on the XC90's reliability.
The XC90 is roomier, has 300 pounds more payload, and tows 1500 pounds more than the RX350. It should since it is a couple inches larger in every direction and heavier. The XC70 would be a better comparison.
Yes, the new 6-cylinder is a brand new engine made to fit the XC90. It is barely longer than the 5-cylinder and has no turbo.
And as an anecdotal evidence - our 2004 XC90 has 0 defects in 18 month and 38K miles.
Great car, which I will recommend to anyone.
I do expect to maintain the car as recommended by the dealer; but I don't want to have to keep bringing the car in for repairs which are covered by the warranty. I view the warranty as insurance for things which shouldn't go wrong with the car.
However, if the style, versatility, handling, safety features, off-road capabilities make a difference, you might consider XC90.
Or if you like Volvo, buy Volvo. It does not have the best reliability score by CR, but it ain't that bad at all. If you really like it, and worry about reliability, lease the car, or buy the extended warranty for ~$2000.
Or like I said, buy Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Virtually no vehicle is more reliable than these. The best deal around. Period.
My original tires have lasted 32K miles, and actually two of them have more than 50% of usable life, (I keep them, so if someone need 2 very decent Michelin Pilot 18" - I can sell them cheap) but I change them to move to the different brand and size.
I do believe that two tires worn out prematurely because of the misalignment that was caused by the minor "encounters" with the high curbs. It took some time for my wife to get used to the larger required swing around the corners. And both "bad" tires worn out in the same position. I did not realize that, and asked for the wheel alignment too late. The new set of tires Continental LX looks totally brand new after 7k miles.
BTW,
I also do believe, that it could be a reason why so many people that move from the smaller vehicles have unusually low tire life span.
I have replaced brake pads at 37.5K service, with front having 20% and rear having 30-40%, so I should probably keep the rear, but it was just $69 more from my Indy mechanic. He things, that the rotors will last till the next pad replacement.
I think both numbers are very reasonable for any vehicle.
Rather than that - absolutely 0 defects. No repair/warranty/recall work has been done on this vehicle since September 2004 @39K miles.
Looking for a great bargain...35k range...$400/month lease range
Leaving out the domestics, the import utes are doing ok.
Most of the people that buy the XC90 or Land ROver or Sequoia, or bimmer or benz are well off enough that they can afford to feed their vehicles.
Plus, the Volvo, the bimmer, the Acura and a few others get decent gas mileage anyway.
It is typically the buyers of domestic SUV's that panic when the price of gas goes up. We have traded for several domestic utes recently, but not one import.
Because of huge incentives(like 0% apr) alot of people who have no business buying big SUV's were able to afford them.
Now they are panicking.
If you are looking for a "deal" the domestics are where to look. If you are looking for a superior vehicle than look at the imports and be prepared to pay a little more.
Steve, Host
The approach was similar to the short I5 that is in the S40 and C70.
Volvo will use the engine in transverse applications, so the a/c compressor and alternator are driven by the engine itself, via a gear system and mounted directly to the block.
The engine is only a couple mm longer than the current I5, even though it displaces 3.2L.
There will also be a turbo version for Volvo down the road, as well as a diesel version.
Jag and Land Rover will also use the engine, albeit in the traditional longitudinal layout.
Jag may even create a supercharged version for their R line.
The engine debuts in the XC90 3.2 in 2-3 months.
i suppose it may be years from now if volvo maintains it's typical pace of homologating a minimal # of drivetrain combos per year for USA. or, maybe quicker homologation could be a benefit of ford ownership now? speculation...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/060602-1.htm
It would have to be able to be sold in the CARB states as well as the federal ones.
Going thru EPA and CARB certification is expensive, plus the parts and training issues.
IF Volvo feels enough vehicles could be sold profitably, than you will see a diesel.
The 2.5T AWD is rated at 17/22
The V8 actually does better than the epa rating on the highway.
If you do alot of highway driving that car is the way to go.
Also, the V8 is alot more repsonsive than the 5 cyl. However, spirited driving will decrease your fuel economy.
Volvo hasn't posted any mileage info on the new SI6 yet.
From the performance data they have released, it would appear that the new XC90 3.2 won't be any faster than the 2.5T. However, since the 3.2 will come w/ the 6 speed auto tranny, mileage should improve.
My guestimate would be 18 city, 24 hwy.