2008 Volvo XC90 3.2 AWD

We are very interested in purchasing a 2008 Volvo XC90 3.2 AWD model.
However, we are really concerned about the numerous reliability (or
lack thereof) reports we have seen on Edmunds Townhalls.

What is the general consensus on this car? Is it supposed to be more
reliable than the 03-04 models? Are we going to have to replace the
Transmission after 60-70-80K miles?

Please share any comments or experiences you may have had with the
2007 and 2008 models.

Thanks
RM

 

It's going to be difficult to get much feedback on the 2008 models.
The XC70 model has been around for several years and has decent
reliability in my experience. But today's cars are very complex and
that is why most cars come with long term warranties. At the end of 5
years most problems will have been solved in my experience with Volvo
cars.

Read the complaints on Edmunds with the understanding that the same
person may complain several times and people tend to post on forums
like that when they have problems. Those with no problems rarely
show up to gush over how perfect their car is.

 

Thanks.

Since the 2007 also had the same 3.2 engine and 6-speed transmission,
I would appreciate if there are any experiences with that.

--

 

Volvo stopped using the transmission that was used in the early XC90 &
went back to a transmission made by Asian Warner there have not been any
problems with this transmission unlike the transmission made by GM there
was & still are problems with that unit

 

My mistake - I thought you were asking about the XC70. I can't tell
you much about the XC90.

 

The early opinion on the 2007 model is that it is a major improvement
over previous years and is considered to have average reliability.
Whatever they are doing, it seems to be in the right direction. Since
most 2007 models don't have much mileage yet, there could still be
problems down the pike. For people on a tight budget, it might be a
good idea to choose a good dealer and get an extended service policy.