2004 xc90 awd 2.5t

[Mutinda]

Hi folks
I am about to buy a used 2004 XC90 AWD 2.5T with 40,000 miles. I would like to hear from Volvo lovers what they think about this car. I checked both carfare and Autocheck and they both show clean records. Please give me some insight.

Nick

[Volvodownunder]

Hi folks
I am about to buy a used 2004 XC90 AWD 2.5T with 40,000 miles. I would like to hear from Volvo lovers what they think about this car. I checked both carfare and Autocheck and they both show clean records. Please give me some insight.

Nick

Hi Nick
I am in Australia and have a 2006 model XC90 awd 2.5T from new - it has now done approx 52K klms and I have not encountered any serious issues - in fact I believe it to be better than the current model for both reliability and fuel economy. Does this vehicle you are buying have a record of servicing as per the manual, as regular servicing certainly prolongs the life of the vehcile without having major problems. I would recommend that you have a "pre purchase" inspection done by your local motoring organisation or mechanic who is familiar with Volvo cars.

[ARCHITECT]

Hi folks
I am about to buy a used 2004 XC90 AWD 2.5T with 40,000 miles. I would like to hear from Volvo lovers what they think about this car. I checked both carfare and Autocheck and they both show clean records. Please give me some insight.

Nick

This is a low mileage car for an 2004 MY. I would buy a car like this only after a complete check up from a private and trusted Volvo mechanic.
The reliability of a 2.5T is rock solid, no engine or transmission problems reported, none what so ever. You may face minor wheel bearings issues, engine mounts, but that is it.
Mine is an 2008 3.2, 26,000 not a single problem, my friend's 2004 2.5T 120.000 Km. just routine maintenance.
Good luck, keep us posted

[steph]

own a 2005 T5, also known as 2.5T, upon doing my research, I learned that the 2.5T and transmission combo is the most reliable combination ever produced by Volvo. Going on 2 years of ownership and am very pleased with the vehicle, except for a vibration that I am hunting down....

[OldMBGuy]

own a 2005 T5, also known as 2.5T, upon doing my research, I learned that the 2.5T and transmission combo is the most reliable combination ever produced by Volvo. Going on 2 years of ownership and am very pleased with the vehicle, except for a vibration that I am hunting down....

The engines in T5 models and 2.5t models are related, but different, engines. There is no XC90 T5, nor has there been in the US/Canada.

[steph]

The engines in T5 models and 2.5t models are related, but different, engines. There is no XC90 T5, nor has there been in the US/Canada.

Really???? My 90 has XC90 and T5 awd badging on the tailgate..???? Oh well might have been put there....

[ARCHITECT]

Really???? My 90 has XC90 and T5 awd badging on the tailgate..???? Oh well might have been put there....

As OldMBguy mentioned, there is no XC90 T5, in the US, Canada or all over the world, because a T5 engine is a five cylinder high pressure turbo that was never mounted on any XC90 model. The 5 cylinder 2.5T, low pressure tubo 208 hp (2003-2006) is what the XC90 comes with off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden.

[cattlecar]

Great vehicle with a great track record as mentioned here.
I would do a transmission drain and fill, not a flush, when you get it and then every 20k if the vehicle gets a good percentage city use or 30 K if you are a long commuter with little stop n go traffic. This gearbox uses "slipping lockup" control of the torque converter clutch in 35-50 MPH city usage and that is a bit stressful on fluid. Draining the 3.5 +/- quarts and replenishing it will keep the fluid additives in high enough concentration to keep things good. Flushes take the fluid out of the cooler circuit and don't allow sediment to come out of trans. This trans does not use a serviceable filter and part of its filtration is letting particles settle into a low spot away from the pickup filter but where the drain plug is located (I've had these apart). The trans uses a fluid shared with Toyota, Lexus, Porsche and many others.
Industry name for it is JWS 3309 and Mobil makes it as that number. Volvo refers to it as 1161540. A Toyota dealer that doesn't mark its prices up above SRP is a good place to get it as their designation T-IV.
Valvoline Max-Life ATF shows application as this fluid too but it also lists application in some other vehicles where 3309 listings shows "not to be used in..."
Toyota dealer selling at SRP will be within pennies of the same price the Valvoline one fluid fits way too many product.

[hfwilkesjr]

My wife and have had our 2005 XC90 for over two years now and are very happy with it. I've replaced the RR wheel bearing, the intake charge pipe/hoses and had a front brake job done. She currently has 105k. I do most of the work myself and she's really not bad to work on, reminds me of our 740 wagon. Good luck with her!

[volvoRSC]

I also have a 04 2.5T that I bought new, very solid car. Have gone to many Tahoe & camping trips in it.
I have 140k mi on it now & have only replaced engine mount & wheel bearings.
Some of the stereo button backlights have gone but that's about it. It's a heavy car so it does eats brakes & tires.