General: How reliable is Volvo XC90

[slycom]

I'm owner (from 4 years) of Volvo XC90 2007 124000 miles on clock. I wonder how reliable are your cars. Modern diesels has many things which could brake especially when the car is getting older and more millage on clock. I just started considering buying hybrid car (Lexus rx 400h) and don't know if it will be good decision or it's better stay with my Volvo longer. I like my Volvo but mentioned before it's getting older and millage is also concern.

Thank you for any replies.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by slycom

I'm owner (from 4 years) of Volvo XC90 2007 124000 miles on clock. I wonder how reliable are your cars. Modern diesels has many things which could brake especially when the car is getting older and more millage on clock. I just started considering buying hybrid car (Lexus rx 400h) and don't know if it will be good decision or it's better stay with my Volvo longer. I like my Volvo but mentioned before it's getting older and millage is also concern.

Thank you for any replies.

There is no real problem with reliability , very rare one will stop out on the road , you need to keep up to date with anything that happens though , Swirl throttle , parking brake , brakes in general , Power steering issues are mainly due to overloading the system by running around with low tyre pressure for extended periods .
Remember with older hybrids the battery gets weaker year by year until it becomes uneconomic after about 8 years ,

[Tannaton]

If you read the posts on this forum you will see that most people asking questions have a message on the dash, a warning light on or a faint noise. Very, very few people are left stranded by the roadside by the their XC90 regardless if whether it's a 2003 or 2013 vehicle.

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by slycom

I'm owner (from 4 years) of Volvo XC90 2007 124000 miles on clock. I wonder how reliable are your cars. Modern diesels has many things which could brake especially when the car is getting older and more millage on clock. I just started considering buying hybrid car (Lexus rx 400h) and don't know if it will be good decision or it's better stay with my Volvo longer. I like my Volvo but mentioned before it's getting older and millage is also concern.

Thank you for any replies.

Daughter did 198,000 and looking forward to the 200K when the turbo blew. Hubby decided to sell it rather than repair. The car is sadly missed. You have some way to go before you need to worry about high mileages. Keep it well serviced.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Clan

Remember with older hybrids the battery gets weaker year by year until it becomes uneconomic after about 8 years ,

Where does that info come from please?

[slycom]

I read many forums related to hybrid cars and it seems that hybrid batteries are very reliable. For example in UK there was no calls to replacement hybrid battery in any Toyota/Lexus car

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Where does that info come from please?

It's commonly accepted that the lithium batteries have a limited life. They degrade with age and charge/discharge cycles. Just like the lithium battery in your phone or laptop. They last longer than older lead acid types but still have a finite life.

On fully electric cars, Some manufacturers (e.g. Renault) will not sell you the battery, you have to lease it from them for a further monthly payment after you buy the car. This is actually a good thing as it means you will never be hit by a big bill for a new battery - their scheme is based on replacements at 7 year intervals.

May be of interest : https://transportevolved.com/2015/04...-capacity-bar/

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Where does that info come from please?

Volvo , 8 year warranty on battery , but they do warn you that range will consistently drop as years go by , it does not suddenly stop working .

With Renault yes you rent the battery about £80 a month , so you have to do about 600 miles a month before you even start saving , a point often forgotton!
You do have the option of owning the battery now on some Renaults .

[slycom]

I'm considering Toyota/Lexus hybrid car as Toyota has best experience in Hybrid cars. Other hybrid car is not an option.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Clan

Volvo , 8 year warranty on battery , but they do warn you that range will consistently drop as years go by , it does not suddenly stop working .

With Renault yes you rent the battery about £80 a month , so you have to do about 600 miles a month before you even start saving , a point often forgotton!
You do have the option of owning the battery now on some Renaults .

You said, referencing hybrids "...it becomes uneconomic after about 8 years" which is both very specific and also rather unclear. I understand battery degradation. I understand battery leasing. I want to better understand the specific point you made.