Reliability

[Ian H]

We've just ordered a new XC90 (SE, Automatic) and one of the big factors that we took into account was that we will be keeping it for a long time and Volvo's reputation for reliability and high mileage.

I've now discovered this web site and forum and, whilst gaining loads of good information, I'm now starting to wonder. I see posts about all sorts of problems, including 4 wheel drive that doesn't work, gearboxes that need replacing after low mileage, all manner of electrical faults.....and I wonder whether we made the right decision?

(Another contender was a Kia Sorrento - the 7 year warranty made us think they must be reliable, but I felt they had a slightly 'cheap' feel to them).

What do you think - am I reading too much into these posts? Did we make the right decision?

[chb]

Nobody ever posts on here to say "my car is working fine, what should I do?"
The 4WD problem effects only the older 163bhp models, and costs about £300-400 to fix.
The other problems are niggles mainly. So don't take the posts on here as a winge-fest, take it as a group of engaged interested owners who are keeping their cars in tiptop condition. The number of posts is also based on the number of owners, so the more people own a particular car then the more negative (and positive) comments you will see.

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by Ian H

We've just ordered a new XC90 (SE, Automatic) and one of the big factors that we took into account was that we will be keeping it for a long time and Volvo's reputation for reliability and high mileage.

I've now discovered this web site and forum and, whilst gaining loads of good information, I'm now starting to wonder. I see posts about all sorts of problems, including 4 wheel drive that doesn't work, gearboxes that need replacing after low mileage, all manner of electrical faults.....and I wonder whether we made the right decision?

(Another contender was a Kia Sorrento - the 7 year warranty made us think they must be reliable, but I felt they had a slightly 'cheap' feel to them).

What do you think - am I reading too much into these posts? Did we make the right decision?

Wouldnt worry unnecessarily about it. Just enjoy the car and take each day as it comes.

Why create a worry if there isnt one?

Regards

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Ian H

We've just ordered a new XC90 (SE, Automatic) and one of the big factors that we took into account was that we will be keeping it for a long time and Volvo's reputation for reliability and high mileage.

I've now discovered this web site and forum and, whilst gaining loads of good information, I'm now starting to wonder. I see posts about all sorts of problems, including 4 wheel drive that doesn't work, gearboxes that need replacing after low mileage, all manner of electrical faults.....and I wonder whether we made the right decision?

(Another contender was a Kia Sorrento - the 7 year warranty made us think they must be reliable, but I felt they had a slightly 'cheap' feel to them).

What do you think - am I reading too much into these posts? Did we make the right decision?

There are no common troubles on new xc90s , they have been out 10 years now so well sorted and modified over the years , all of what you read on here doesnt apply to a new one ( or a 2012 one in 6 or 7 years time ) still a great vehicle ..

[doc4246]

I would agree with all above...you are purchasing a new car, with a warranty and hopefully a responsive and knowledgeable Volvo main dealer.

For years I ran a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 but age and a dislike of the next model (although the brand new model is a huge improvement - but beyond my budget) so settled on the XC90 - a design that's a decade old so suggests that there is a large enough and satisfied market to support it.

I've just acquired a 2nd hand MY2007 XC90 V8 Exec auto, and even with only 36000 miles on the clock and a full Volvo main dealer service history - all done on time - it has some issues - I expected that and also expect to pay some money to get them sorted...however that's the budget I have but if I had the money to buy this spec new, then I would and would not expect to have any issues on a vehicle that has been this long in production.

And after all it is a good drive...a great cabin and a safer car than most other SUV/SAV type 4WD/AWD cars.

[Ian H]

Thanks for the reassurances.
Our current car is a Totota Landcruiser. We've had it from new and it's served us well for over 100k miles (although the air con has stopped working and repairs / servicing tend to be expensive).
A new one was out of our price range but we're hoping that the Volvo will do just as well.
I suspect it won't match the Landcruiser in snow (just ploughed through it as though it wasn't there - even without using the various drive options) but I hope it will be as reliable.
First impressions from test driving are that it will be comfortable and seems to be well built (see original comment about Kia) so looks promising.

[Rawas]

Originally Posted by Ian H

Thanks for the reassurances.
Our current car is a Totota Landcruiser. We've had it from new and it's served us well for over 100k miles (although the air con has stopped working and repairs / servicing tend to be expensive).
A new one was out of our price range but we're hoping that the Volvo will do just as well.
I suspect it won't match the Landcruiser in snow (just ploughed through it as though it wasn't there - even without using the various drive options) but I hope it will be as reliable.
First impressions from test driving are that it will be comfortable and seems to be well built (see original comment about Kia) so looks promising.

You definitely made the right decision, mind you though it will not be as reliable as a Land Cruiser, (the single advantage over the XC90). Volvo shines in safety, design, build quality, cabin space, comfort and audio system.Toyotas and Kias need years to catch up.
Unlike what chb mentioned, I am a member here who does not complain about problems with my XC90, because simply there are none.
Two years of ownership, my 2008 3.2 did not go back to the dealer except for scheduled tune ups.
Cheers.

[Rawas]

Yes, forgot about how long they survive.

http://www.ssb.no/bilreg_en/arkiv/bi...01-06-18-01-en.

[Rawas]

Originally Posted by Rawas

Yes, forgot about how long they survive.

http://www.ssb.no/bilreg_en/arkiv/bi...01-06-18-01-en.

sorry for the previous link
http://www.ssb.no/bilreg_en/arkiv/bi...-18-01-en.html

[grin factor]

I had similar feelings when I bought a new Rover 75 1.8T conny yrs ago. I joined a forum and read about all sorts of problems with the car. I had mine 7 yrs without any problems what so ever.
Enjoy the car, I'm sure it will be fine