XC90: pros worth cons?

Hello,

Normally, I'd not be in a position to either buy a new car or to step into the Volvo realm of things. But I find that I may be in a position to get a new XC90 at a significant discount over the next three months or so. So, now I'm thinking about it.

I presume that this would be a 2004 model (as opposed to a 2005 model). I'd be looking at a T6 with a few amenities (third row, moon roof, DVD navigator, leather, etc).

I've got one toddler and hope to give her a brother/sister within a year or so, so I'm thinking that the third row investment would be useful.

But, overall, I'm worried about some of the quality issues I've read about. I'm not super concerned, since I expect that I'd work a lot of these out across the four year warranty, and the lower purchase price would make me more tolerant of the time in the shop, if necessary. But, of course, I'd rather not have it there at all.

Bottom line. Is this car really borderline non-functional, as some reviews would have you think? Is there anyone out there who's hade virtually no problem?

Any other issues? Cautions?

Thanks,

Todd

Reply to
F. Todd Wilson
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Volvo XC90 Selected Motor Trend SUV of the Year

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More than any other vehicle in the running, the 2003 Volvo XC90 moved the standard in its market segment. This innovative machine drives comfortably like a sedan, tows like a pickup, off-roads like an SUV, and moves bulky cargo or as many as seven people like a minivan. And it does it all with the mechanical polish, premium exterior style, and attention to interior detail associated with top-drawer luxury vehicles. In addition, this Volvo addresses the safety, emissions, and, to a lesser degree, fuel-use issues associated with SUVs.

Reply to
Stephen M. Henning

Hello,

Thanks for citing this. I've seen this review and the R&T review. But, they're both reflecting driving a car that's new, not one that's been driven for a few months, etc. I've seen numerous complaints about the car being in the shop most of the time. So, I guess I'm looking for testimonies to the contrary (or, not, for that matter).

Views on that concern?

Thanks,

Todd

Reply to
F. Todd Wilson

I looked between the XC90 and the Acura MDX. Personally preferred the MDX - the ride, visibility, that stuff. All very subjective. The price played in, but more as a nice bonus for liking the MDX.

One objective thing, since you mention having younger kids. My 5 year old (6 in less than 2 months) couldn't climb up into the XC90 on her own. The MDX she could. At 2-4 car entrances per day, that's a lot of lifting I'm not having to do.

Reply to
Nick Cassimatis

I have a 2004 XC90 T6, build date of 11/03/03 and I have not experienced any of the problems that many people, especially with 03s, are complaining about. I had an unconnected rear 12v socket that I fixed myself and trip odometers that reset at 629miles (1000km). This was taken care of by a software update at the first service. No other problems. Get about 19mpg @ 80mph on trips and a little better around town. It is comfortable, handles well for such a large vehicle and we are pleased with it. Of course if I had experienced some of the problems that other have, especially with the apparent non-responsiveness of Volvo Cars North America to their problems, I would be infuriated. I would try to talk to other owners and perhaps ask for comments at swedespeed.com. Hopefully, the models now being built don't have the problems of the earlier models.

Hope this helps,

Frank McGirt snipped-for-privacy@mac.com

Reply to
Frank McGirt

You have to remember, there are always problems for the first model year or two... and remember this especially: only people with problems ever speak up... and their numbers are always smaller then the people who have no problems.

Reply to
Rob Guenther

Consumer reports rates the '03 XC90 as one of the most reliable Volvos with a less than average frequency of repair.

Reply to
Stephen M. Henning

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