XC90 2.9 TT new owner advice

[Zk XC90]

Hi guys,

I hope you all can chip in please as I will be a first time owner of a 2004 XC90 2.9 TT with 70K miles.

Can you please advise what problems these cars have and what to expect?

Anything I should look out for as I'm going to view one in the next few days.

Any help will be much appreciated!

[Tannaton]

They're great cars to drive but I do hope you did your homework and your checks. The early T6 XC90 suffered significant problems with the gearbox, failures typically from 30k-70k. Some people do get good life from them but they are the exception rather than the norm - it's well documented on the internet.

If you have a good one - then great, enjoy it, but steady with the right foot...

If you haven't bought one yet - then don't - look out for the 2.5T (which are rare) or if you can stretch your budget get a later 3.2 or V8.

[Zk XC90]

Many thanks for the advice, I haven't bought it yet but looking to buy one soon. The reason I opted for the 2.9 was due to the xc90 being such a big heavy car so I thought more power and torque will be better!

So from what year should I be looking for one and would you say I should still pick a 2.5t over the 2.9tt?

Thanks again for your input!

[Zk XC90]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

They're great cars to drive but I do hope you did your homework and your checks. The early T6 XC90 suffered significant problems with the gearbox, failures typically from 30k-70k. Some people do get good life from them but they are the exception rather than the norm - it's well documented on the internet.

If you have a good one - then great, enjoy it, but steady with the right foot...

If you haven't bought one yet - then don't - look out for the 2.5T (which are rare) or if you can stretch your budget get a later 3.2 or V8.

Many thanks for the advice, I haven't bought it yet but looking to buy one soon. The reason I opted for the 2.9 was due to the xc90 being such a big heavy car so I thought more power and torque will be better!

So from what year should I be looking for one and would you say I should still pick a 2.5t over the 2.9tt?

Thanks again for your input!

[XC90Mk1]

The 2.9 was, I believe, the longest longitudinal mounted engine ever at the time.

A deal was struck to make a 4 speed box which was minuscule to accommodate it.

Accordingly, putting vast power, into a heavy car with a tiny winy box they suffer constant failure.

As T above says it well documents and it will fail.

Far better, and far cheaper to go straight to the 4.4V8 which is a reliable Yamaha lump. I should imagine fuel won’t be that different to.

Or go 2.5T.

[Tannaton]

Yes, if you can find one, the 2.5t is a much better bet…

Do have a Google for the T6’s issues..

[Zk XC90]

OK many thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll source a 2.5T.

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by Zk XC90

OK many thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll source a 2.5T.

Don't rule out a 3.2 petrol ... its a peach of an engine and seriously well up to the job, as are the D5's

[Simon PMB]

I have a 3.2 and would highly recommend them. Its a great engine and gearbox, with no cambelt or turbo(s) to worry about either.

[ian ferguson]

I went from a D5 to a V8 because of ULIS. I was very happy with the D5, but the V8 is amazing, it's such a pleasure to drive. and as with the 3.2 no cam belt, turbo or swirl flaps. Also it has an LPG conversion so it's fairly economical.