You didn't mention that the V8 engine is a grenade and should be avoided before 2008.

My husband and I just purchased a fully loaded 07 XC90 3.2 and we are in love, even on day 4. We know it's quite early, but after seeing all the crash test vids and we're completely blown away. Our future family will be extra, extra safe!!

Why wouldn't you buy a broken XC90 especially the V8 models? I bought my 2005 XC90 V8 for $1300 with 212k miles on the clock. It Ran poorly but shifted fine. All I asked the seller was if it made any knocking sounds from the engine bay. She sent me a video. It didn't. I drove an hour out to get it. No, it wasn't in pristine condition. The headliner sagged, the CEL was on, the sunroof didn't work nor the passenger power seat. It was dirty and grungy there were small things that were broken but, I was hopeful. After some spark plugs (which were easy to do) and 2 used junk yard coils (I picked up all 8 from another V8 XC90), the engine purrs like a kitten. I drained and filled the trans 4 times to get all the old fluid out. Know it shifts better. I replaced the radiator, refelted the headliner, fixed vacuum leaks, added a trans-cooler from the T6 XC90's, replaced sway bar links, ball joints and lower control arms, headlight assemblies, lift supports. I'm the process of replacing a dead relay on the CEM and replacing/rebuilding the siren control module with parts from a junk yard one. You're probably thinking, "Man! All that sounds expensive, hard and complicated! What if I told you, I don't have DICE/VIDA. I didn't use special tools and most of these jobs were done during a Saturday afternoon every weekend. So, $1300... With all the parts, I'm invested ~$2200. In this very capable, peppy SUV. You can't beat that! Yes, there are about ~30 hours of my labor in this SUV. If I had to put a dollar amount to my labor, it'd be $25/hr. That $750 dollars in labor! So, we'll say $3k all-in. That's still not bad for a 5 passenger (and yes, i know it can sort of seat 7...) V8 AWD SUV! I tried to find something better than this for the money and have yet to do so even with all the time and money I have in this rig! I plan on buying more of these since they're cheap, relatively easy to fix (if you don't have to put a motor or trans in one...) and sell for $3k-5k at the end of the day in good shape. If you find one for ~$1500 BUY IT! FIX IT! (SELL IT! If you're inclined to do so...) Or enjoy your V8 AWD Luxury SUV! They are beasts in the snow and for the money, you can't buy anything cheaper and equally capable! Well... not a luxury SUV or truck within the last 20 years or so... That doesn't need major engine/trans work or is rusted out (GM/Ford/MOPAR), or out of reach and outside of budget (Toyota/Nissan) or outrageously expensive to repair (Jaguar/Land Rover/BMW/Audi/Mercedes).

Just bought a 2012 r line and seeing this video has confirmed everything i was thinkin. Great cars great video

I have volvo xc90 3.2 2006 with 200,000+km and it has had some little problems everywhere else except in the engine. It's amazing machine!

Picked up 09 XC90 V8 RD with 75,000 miles, I let the wife drive it and she fell in love with it. After a couple weeks after, she now has her own 09 XC90 V8 RD with 80,000😂 Volvo for life❤️

2008 3.2 straight 6 cylinder engine and as mentioned in the video is the most reliable of all.

My 2005 XC90 T6 has 190K miles and I've replaced in the past 6 months (she's had some off-road action and adventures): the driveshaft, rack & pinion steering, upper & lower engine torque mounts, alarm module, and windshield. The only real issue I had was water in the driver's area floor due to clogged sunroof drain tubes. I consulted KZfaq and fixed the problem within 30 minutes. I used a 2' section of weed trimmer line inserted into a cordless drill to gently "roto-rutter" the drain tube (Clogged with a few dead bugs and muck). Problem solved. Besides that, this car has been a great addition to my Volvo line-up: XC60 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid, V60 Cross Country. Perfect for towing a utility trailer, going to the nursery, beach, and lumberyard. Great value for what I paid for it. Keeping it until the wheels fall off!

Great video! Just sold my 2008 XC90 V8 Executive last week. Very reliable & comfortable car.

As a long time owner of a 05 V8 (13 years now) I must say that the V8 is a nice car to have, seems more reliable then the other petrol versions due to the yamaha engine and better gearbox. But those years didn't came without cost to maintain it, as writing it's at the Volvo dealer for new shocks and rods (400K KM on the car) But the alternator is one that fails on a bunch of V8's as i'm told, replacement did cost around 1500 euro at that time. Also on the V8 you can get a strange rattle noise, sounding as if it's comming from the exhaust, but actually it's a little screw what holds the intake valve in place, easy fix hard to find. Suspension... clacking noises from the front end.. but that's a widely common thing with Volvo's all over, those come from engine mounts, rod and other suspension parts, very costly to find the right part to replace, haha But overal..... if you are in for a used XC90, my advice is to look for a V8 with full service history, then you might have a good car for a few years (yup they are getting old) Stay away from the early new models 2014 up to 2019 (the T8 ones). As for me, i hope to get another 100K KM on my V8 before thinking to trade it in. Hope this helps for a new XC90 buyer seeing this video.

My '04 2.5T had problems with the headlamp/gas flap control switch and the traction control (it would think that I was slipping when I wasn't), and the awd was gone long before I got it. Still a great car though. My teenager hit a moose with it and walked away with only a few scratches on her hand, so it won my respect and loyalty based on that alone. My '10 3.2L 6-cyl so far has been absolutely flawless and needed nothing other than standard maintenance.

My father has an XC90 2006 V8, we are Brazilians and I found this video very interesting, here it is kind of difficult to find some parts and when we find it it is very expensive, other than that it is an excellent car, strong and comfortable, very good for long trips. Great video! (sorry if the english translation is wrong)

Thank you for your concise review of all the model types for these 1st Gen XC90 s. I came across one that was in pretty good shape except it had a failed transmission for only $600.. however, your review gives me some paws as it is a t6. Thank you for the heads up.

I’ve just crossed 150,00 miles in my 2008 V8 Sport. Car hasn’t skipped a beat and I love it.

mine is from 2008( 182HP) , got now 265K Kilometers. Leather interior is fine. minor scars (got a replacement leather on one seat... which sucks, quality is rather low also if its orig.Volvo) super happy with the car. no bigger issues. normal wear.

Hv a 12 XC70 3.2 (nonturbo) w 155k miles. Runs perfect. No issues whatsoever.

Just bought my dad the 2005 T6 with 194k miles on it. So far so good. Slight oil leak but runs great. Fingers crossed.

I've owned my 2003 D5 XC90 with the 5-speed automatic tansmission for a couple of years now. I had the dreaded "anti-skid service required" message. This is usually either the yaw sensor or the steering angle sensor (SAS) in the clock spring. Mine was the module for the Haldex unit in the the rear differential (aka the DEM). Mine was beyond repair so I had to get a reconditioned unit. The transission hasn't given me a moment's bother (I use my XC90 for towing) but I've changed the fluid a couple of times. It is possible to fit aftermarket parking brake shoes as long as they have the chamfer in the shoe lining like the genuine ones do. The parking brake is difficult to get workng properly but one thing that helps is to replace the solid H pieces with adjustable ones which helps with the adjustment of the shoes. There is a genuine Volvo part that will fit that was used on a non-P2 vehicle but aftermarket ones are available. The central electric module (CEM) on mine packed up when the car had been running for just short of 3 hours. I ended up getting it repaired and it has been fine ever since. ABS problems are usually the sensors or the pickup rings. I had the rear bearing on the bevel gear (transfer box/transfer case) collapse making a rubbing sound. I ended up getting a used one on eBay. I got a price from a local dealer and the guy I spoke to said the used one is a better bet as they're generally quite bulletproof. The air quality sensors for the HVAC are prone to failure. New ones are stupidly expensive but I found a used genuine sensor on eBay for £20 and they're not too difficult to change. All the work I've done my XC90 has been featured on my own channel.

Recently bought the fully loaded XC90 Executive D5 (2011), as a weekend and tourer car. Only had 62,000 miles and well maintained. My first time in owning an automatic, and I am loving it.

Got a '08 V8 Sport in May and this thing is a powerhouse!

For me!! The best SUV!!! I love my Volvo XC90 2007.♥️

I just bought a 2013 XC90. The blind spot alert and the heated seats don't work, but i love this truck more than any vehicle I've ever owned. Im finally comfortable the whole drive ❤

I have an 08 executive with the V8. Its only used to tow a bassboat. I do regular fluid changes. Only thing so far was the Haldex AWD pump went. I also fixed mysaelf, but i think it would be close to $1000 usd. But 90k miles, and just a pleasure to drive!

My car just died Monday and I've found a used XC90 with either the 2.9 t6 or the 3.2, and this has been very helpful to watch in my decision to buy it! Unfortunately it's an 04, but if it's got that 3.2 I may well still roll the dice on her!

Do not hesitate to buy, i bought my second xc90 2.4 Diesel D5 2004 year. The first one is still driving cause i gave it to my Uncle and has over 450.000km and is wonderful, nothing from the issues has been shown till today. I boguhty sexond one now with 404.000 km and i can say this car runs better and smoother than many new cars ive had between these two. And also forgot yo mention, not even a lamp i had broken :) only maitenence which i had the first one at 200.000 km I can say nothing but tell u if u want safe car and not lose koney juat buy D5 Diesel 2.4 and wont make mistake. Stau safe Grretings

Clear and concise...Good video...well done and keep up the good work.

Great review...looks like we are about to be the owners of a 2008 3.2l (".)

I bougt D5 (2006) last year in March for 6,5€. For now I have already spent same amount on repairs, but... this was a tired car, man! I got it with 293k kms, so shouldn't have been expecting something like a brand new. Anyway, there are several things: common seats are garbage, they are well made and leather is very good, but they are very, very inconvenient - when turning, you fall off your seat. The only decent seats are R-design. Also, as every old car, it demands attention and regular service. Despite all these repairs I made, I still do not regret bying it very much. Maybe a bit. :)

This is a great video thank you. I’m in the market for a d5 in the Uk with budget to stretch to the later models, fingers crossed I find the right one

I just bought a 2012 T5 AWD with all of the services from the dealer, when I bought it was slow as hell but that changed when I installed a downpipe and a tune and now it’s faster than a v8 (also have a 07) and consumes way less petrol.

We had a 2008 XC90 3.2 traded in at my work with 410,000 kilometers. Still ran well. I still wonder to this day what they traded it for lol.

Love it! Great video!!

Great vid. I own a 2004 model. Parking brake failures are very common. Hard to adjust and the overall built is not good. My mechanic says it is a very common problem with parking brakes (the ones that are used by foot to apply). Otherwise great car.

I have an 05 white T6 I love it.

Wonderful review but the 23.9 MPG figure mentioned for the T5 had me in stitches (or maybe those were real tears - I'm getting about 14 on my well-maintained '05 T5).

Great video! Thank you for researching all of this. Only thing I would add about 3.2 litre is the breather boxes tend to clog up right around 100,000 miles (you'll know it because they'll be a high pitch whistling noise coming from engine bay). When I was at dealer, they said it was pretty common (all Volvo forums I checked afterwards validated that as well). Other than that small issue, I concur with your opinion on the reliability of the 3.2. Have a '13 XC90 with 153k and it's been nothing but reliable. Not going to trade it anytime soon!

2008 volvo xc90 only issue was rear bearings and drive axle but because the first owner put a chines brand axle that is why it broke I had replaced with made in sweden drive axle. .no engine or transmission problems only things worn out with time the tie rods brakes ..and di just oil change spark plugs keeps and running so well 120k miles

We owned a 5 cyl D5 2012 model for the past 8 years. We miss it dearly after recently being written off :( Apart from a terrible turning circle, I could find no fault with it whatsoever. It was probably the most reliable car I've owned in the past 35 years of driving / owning cars. It really is the best family car with a decent sized boot. It was fairly simple and easy to do basic yearly maintenance myself.

Love my MY11 V8 executive, valve cover and timing cover issues (re seal and gaskets) at about 150,000km, and power steering reco besides that oh and transmission fluid refreshes my volvo has been bulletproof

My dream car! I hope soon I'll buy myself this XC90, wish me luck 🤞

my 2.5t awd has around 440,000 kms. The biggest money I spend on her at a volvo dealer are a haldex contol unit and a front bevel gear broken at the same time at around 200,000 kms(never do a fluid change .,Around 280,000 kms. she had 1 of 2 exhaust valve of first cylinder broken.Last week ,I have just paid for the same thing,1 of 2 exhaust valve of a fourth cylinder broken. Now an original a/t trans has a fluid leak on a right side. I dont know if she is worth a money but she is good. Im in Thailand. i heard about a stuck piston ring problem on a d5 model from a mechanic .

In Europe the most popular engine is the D5. Owners can tell that the less problems are with the 163 hp diesel, however its gearbox (5 speed) is less reliable than the 6 speed. The 185 hp engine has some common issues (swirl, egr) but it’s still a good engine if its problems are solved earlier by the previous owner. I was told that all cars with automatic gearbox can have problems with the handbrake because people usually just don’t use it. Because of the rare using it just can get broken. So if you drive an automatic car, you have two options. Use the parking brake usually or never use it. (Btw if you don’t park on a hill, putting the gearbox selector in P could be enough to hold the car)

Good video, diff bearings are prone for whining on later versions, diff shared with the Freelander 2 and some Evoque models. These use a Ford designed diff rather than the original Volvo unit found in early models.

My dad bought a 2004 with the T6 last year. I think 150k on it. He's needed 2 batteries, headlights fixed and everything clunks. It needs a suspension overhaul. But the thing starts everyday. Even in the -36 weather we've been having.

Here an oener of an XC90 2014, D5 200cv. Buyed with 315.000 kms. Problems you forgot to mention, very common with Aisin gearboxes, the "jolt" when you engage the D on the transmission. Somentimes it does, sometimes not. Problems of the transmission valves. Another issue is when you are running smooth between 3rd and 4th gear and changes gear, instead of descend to 1500 rpm, the car increases RPM slightly to 1700 RPM and then go down 2 seconds later to 1500 RPM. The transmission fluid should be changed every 80.000 kms no matter what Volvo says. And last but not least, the DPF and Haldex are weak and expensive points.

Great video

Thanks for this useful video. We were really dreaming of an XC90 years ago as a family car, where we need 2 kids in their seats and an adult to sit in the second row. I think that's a doable thing. But my problem is that I'm 6ft 5 tall with long legs and when I set the driver's seat for me there wasn't much room left behind me. I don't know if I didn't spend enough time with that as we just popped into a dealership where there was on available but had to go for an appointment or is it really the case. Now got a 100 series LC, but I really want it off the road to fix all existing and avoid upcoming (especially corrosion) issues. Will need something reliable spacious powerful motor for the family and also to occasionally tow our 5 berth single axle caravan. Quite like the 5 pot diesels but fancy a V6 petrol too. We are staying in Scotland. Please guys say and tell me that it's worth another look and that the previously mentioned height and space issues are actually non existing. PLEASE 😁 I love these machines so much.

clunks a plenty on xc90 due to the P2 platform really is sedan centric, so lots of wear and tear for engine mounts and suspension parts. some comes with rear nivomats are something special too, very elegant solution. AWD by haldex works really well but please keep it maintained. There's even an upside down fuel sensor when you somehow tip the car over it'd cut off fuel supply. I got a final year model from Japan 2011 XC90 V8. Love it.

2006 Volvo xc90 3.2 has a common issue with Alternator pulley bolt coming lose, but is an easy fix.

Im looking at a 2008 XC90 V8. I'm very hesitant because I bought a 2005 XC90 a few years back and was unaware of the issue with the transmissions dropping out! I'm researching like crazy cuz I want another one. It's got 150,000 mi on it and All the maintenance has been done at the Volvo dealer. She's only asking $7,500 for it. What do you think? Thanks!

Here is XC90 D5 Sport owner. Common issues: parking brake, steering wheel sensor, water leaking models with roof rack, swirl flaps... Otherwise, car is very powerful and most secure...

There are 2 Volvo XC90 3.2 235hp At, one from 2008 with 168000km, and the other from 2011 with 144000km...wich is it better? Ofcourse i will see both with my mechanical. Thanks.

Can you retrofit the massaging seats to theae if they dont have it? Or wont the ventilation work??

4:42 my heart almost stopped!

Thanks!

I got a 2003 T6 with 140,000 km done. My uncle gave me the car and said AC didn't work.. little did I knw the hell I would go through for 3 months fixing this car.. REM burnt, CEM has its own agenda.. to the extend that the car would turn the indicator off n on it's own, including the headlights. Then power steering hose burst, after fixing that the power steering pump started leaking.. when it rains pray.. I believe mine came with what I call as "furniture mode", as the car stops being a car and its just a giant chair while u are broken down somewhere.. BUT!!! When it works its a dream to drive.. now I see why Jeremy Clarkson had 3 😂

Good video but the music is distracting and hideous. I liked the reference to best engine / gearbox options

Can you retrofit ventilated seats to cars that didnt have them new?

Man i miss the P28, grew up with family working at Torslanda, needless to say i have been in a lot of different Volvo’s. 1:54, I know that road. No the 2.5 is not named “T5”, it is the B5254T or simply called “the modular 5 cylinder”, the cylinder walls cracking is mainly due to heat which ether cooks the block or pre detonation. “The safe limit” for the 2.5 is around 300-ish horse power, shim or sleeve the block if you want to go further, and if you live in hotter climates, make sure it has sufficient cooling. The modular 6 cylinder, B6294S (2.9) and B6294T (T6) had the horrid GM 4T65 transmission, which didn’t work so well and is a case of when and not if it will blow, good engines though, but you should avoid them for the transmission. The Diesel engine (2.4D / D5) that is the i5d engine. The 3.2 is a Ford short i6 and i hate it. The B8444S Yamaha V8 had issues with the bearings on the balancing shaft, this mainly effected earlier models, but don’t use a power washer on the engine, doing that might make the water get down to the balance shaft bearings and cause issues. Might also be worth mentioning that water tends end up in the spark plug holes on the modular engines (both the 6, 5 and 4) if your washing your engine, which will stop you from being able to start the engine, if that happens just pull the coil packs and blow the water out of the holes with compressed air.

I was wondering the v8 was the perfect beast with unstoppble Power

I have a 2005 XC90 2.5T wth 410K miles on it. The only real issue I've had: Had to replace the long axle shaft twice, 4 sets up front struts and 2 altenator rebuilds. Everything is has just been wear and tear.

Unfortunate that the V8 model wasn’t discussed more in this video. The V8 is incredibly smooth, and the TF80SC 6-speed gearbox is equally as smooth and robust if serviced regularly and maintained as per the manufacturer spec. I average 14L/100km (20mpg) with my 2007 V8 Sport. That is with the vehicle also being driven in a “sporty” manner with occasional quick starts, tiptronic gear usage and heavy-foot. The 2007+ V8 is considerably more reliable in long term as the early V8’s had a fatal balance chart bearing flaw that is extremely intrusive to repair due to the entire intake needing to be removed to access the shaft. The V8 is by far the best option for those looking to maximize power to the wheels while not totally sacrificing fuel economy.

quite an interesting video. I wonder which version to look better - 2004 or 2007 ..

The 3.2 inline six does a problem, after 200,000 miles the ignition coil packs go bad

When did the d5 switch to 6 speed box

I have a 2007(or 2008 I always mix it up )xc90 3.2 v6 I have 108k miles and I have squeaky breaks, my oil temp has never moved and when I roll up my window with the automatic feature it comes back down

the 3.2 was also released in europe and my dad has one in latvia

Leaks in older cars. Sunroof drains. Water under seat from blocked AC, deteriorated silicone on heater blower cover under cowel and rear lights. Engine mounts. Handbrake. Haldex system is naff. Fails if not over maintained.

My 2007 3.2 V6 XC90 has a transmission problem and many electrical problem. Transmission issues- In automatic drive mode when shifts into 3rd gear it slips and feels like someone has hit me from behind. When in manual shift mode, I'm able to time the shift and mostly avoid the harsh change in gears. Electrical issues- many error codes that pop up after being "fixed" especially evap and trans. The rear light bulb warning goes on and off even with new bulb. Also, the all-wheel drive warning goes on for a few days to weeks when stearing wheel is turned all of the way right or left. Bought it in 2018 for $3500 US with 143,000 miles currently about 155,000 miles now. Is it worth it to spend the money for the repairs needed?

I just bought my second XC90, have had an XC70 in between. The parking brake on the '90 is dire- only Volvo supplied pads work, and then only barely. My big issue with these cars (XC70 is the same running gear) is that there is no way of knowing if there is a problem with the AWD until you need it. Which is when I discovered my '90's didn't work, and was an expensive fix (Haldex pump I think). The 70's also now doesn't work, so I think that maybe this should have been given more attention in the video? Brilliant cars otherwise though.

What the problems with the 2003model ?????

3.2 L six is what I have. Pretty smooth, very boring. No fuss. For a car like this that is not particularly exciting it’s not a bad idea. It started gobbling up a quart of oil every 5000 miles after I hit 100,000 miles. It is what it is.

P2.cars feels great compared to the newer volvos (I own a p2 Volvo S80 and a P3 V60) but cmon, it is 2024 and these are getting really really old and prone to several obscure probles....still people are desperate to buy one of these.. I don't get it.. I think the good compromise is the P3 XC60 of you want something 'tank like' and 'younger' technology.

Unless you enjoy a harsh ride - avoid the R-design

the 2.5t engine was not called a t5, it was a low pressure turbo. t5 engine were either 2.3 or 2.4l.

Problem with transmission???

We have a 2009 xc90

Forgot to mention Yamaha made the V8 in Japan and Aizin made the transmission in Japan, fairly important

So are you guys saying these older ones are almost like Honda Toyotas? I have a “brand new “ 250k Acura TL that only needs routine maintenance, still quiet and sounds new

would you reccomend a 2005 163 hp over a 2007 185 hp?

Are there any solution for the T6 model transmission/gearbox failure?

It is not the shape or safety of these cars that was at issue was it.What needs included has to be the newer 2014 etc. V60 etc. versions that suck oil while Volvo basically disown them, like many years before when certain versions of the 240 range were junk...It is the engines, the transmissions and reliability thereof...A disgrace that Volvo have let this take place. I own a 2014 XC70 2.5T AWD, never getting rid of it, and have owned 3 others models. As my able mechanic fixes the issues on my XC 70, it is coming back to being an altogether amazing vehicle, I do it happily...Volvo for life, as long as you search for truly reliable models.

I Thinking about xc90 2.4D or touareg2.5tdi r5 ph1- What do you Think

what about the 2008 XC 90 V6 does this have any major problems I should be looking at ?

What if my country has the d5 and the 3.2 ? Which should I go for ?

4:01 ...I 23.9MPG , my metric brain says: error

You missed the engine 2.5t petrol

Issues with exhaust . Is terrible

The rust images at 3:19 and 3:24 are not images of a Volvo.

So what I've learnt my 2005 is not worth keeping