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Volvo XC90 vs MB M Class vs Acura MDX vs Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X5 vs Cadillac SRX

1068 messages,  Last post on May 08, 2009 at 5:44 PM

You are in the Volvo XC90 / XC60 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Acura MDX, Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, SUV

#1005 of 1068 Re: X5 3.0 vs. MDX [tpjcourtney] by habitat1 Nov 25, 2005 (5:58 am)
Replying to: tpjcourtney (Nov 22, 2005 6:40 am) I wonder why the X5 3.0 carries over the old low power 3.0 liter engine. All of the other BMW models get a 255 hp 3.0 liter engine. That 30 hp difference would have been most beneicial to the X5 and would have at least equaled the MDX.   We got an MDX for it's size/versitility. But the X5 3.0 6-speed would have been our first choice had we put the kids up for adoption.
#1006 of 1068 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? by nanner Nov 26, 2005 (5:19 pm)
I'm interested in the 2006 Volvo XC90. However, can't compromise on which engine model. Gas is a big factor to my decision which one would prefer the 2.5T. But how is handling and noise in regards to a 5-cylinder 2.5 liter SUV? I didn't even know SUVs come in 5-cyliner. Replies to this message: guyf (Nov 26, 2005 8:05 pm) habitat1 (Nov 28, 2005 1:05 pm) jccai1 (Dec 21, 2005 10:19 am)
#1007 of 1068 Re: Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? [nanner] by guyf Nov 26, 2005 (8:05 pm)
Replying to: nanner (Nov 26, 2005 5:19 pm) It's a 5 cylinder TURBO engine. Handling is fine, noise level is low. You should go on a test drive and see for yourself.
#1008 of 1068 Re: Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? [nanner] by habitat1 Nov 28, 2005 (1:05 pm)
Replying to: nanner (Nov 26, 2005 5:19 pm) We considered the XC90 V8 when it first came out and it was selling at quite a premium over the 2.5T. However, it appears that prices have come down significantly - I've seen ads for $6,000+ off the V8. I was very impressed with the V8, save for the rather busy 6-speed transmission. It clearly would have been my engine choice had my wife not gone for an MDX instead.   If gas is a big factor in buying a $40k-$45k SUV, perhaps you should be looking at a Highlander Hybrid or - heaven forbid - an Odyssey or Sienna minivan. those will give you much better fuel efficiency than either XC90 engine. The fact is the difference of 2-3 mpg would equate to around $200-$300 per year at 12,000 miles a year. That's not chump change, but it's also insignificant compared to the overall price and cost of ownership. Heck, at at a purchase price that's $10k-$15k less, you could drive a Honda Pilot for 5-7 years for free, compared to either XC90.   The XC90 in either form is a very nice vehicle. I recommend you get the engine that suits your needs and preferences.
#1009 of 1068 Cost of Maintenance by dhdan Dec 02, 2005 (10:00 am)
Does anyone have any hard and fast numbers relative to the actual costs of regular maintenance (oil changes, regular PMs, etxc.) for the MDX, RX330, and XC90? I've calculated the relative costs of gasoline, gotten insurance quotes for all three, read these boards, etc. Just want to flesh out as complete a picture as possible on these three vehicles.   Perhaps a better question might be "Is the True-Cost-To-Own" which Edmunds provides a good comparative measure? Replies to this message: habitat1 (Dec 02, 2005 10:37 am) steve_ (Dec 02, 2005 1:15 pm) dhdan (Dec 05, 2005 11:08 am)
#1010 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [dhdan] by habitat1 Dec 02, 2005 (10:37 am)
Replying to: dhdan (Dec 02, 2005 10:00 am) No disrespect to Edmunds, but I found their "true cost to own" estimates relative to repairs and maintenance pretty useless.   I suggest you call the service departments of 1-2 dealers for each of the models you are considering and have them quote or fax you the regular maintenance schedules and prices. You might ask them for quotes on 1-2 specific repairs to give you a sense of relative pricing - like brake rotors and water pump.   I have found there can also be fairly significant geographic differences, with smaller town dealerships changing 20-30%+ less than larger metro areas.
#1011 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [dhdan] by steve_ HOST Dec 02, 2005 (1:15 pm)
Replying to: dhdan (Dec 02, 2005 10:00 am) In addition to the True Cost to Own tool, the Edmunds Maintenance Guide will break down maintenance costs by the manufacturer's schedule. Your dealer may charge more, but the dealer may be doing more than what's recommended in the owner's manual.   Steve, Host Replies to this message: dhdan (Dec 05, 2005 11:08 am)
#1012 of 1068 Re: Cost of Maintenance [steve_] by dhdan Dec 05, 2005 (11:08 am)
Replying to: steve_ (Dec 02, 2005 1:15 pm) Thanks Steve. The prices may not be dead on but they give me a relative comparison for each vehicle. Of course, none of this has made my decision between the three vehicles (MDX, XC90, RX330) any easier. I guess I'm going to have to take two baby seats and a double stroller to each dealership and see which fits the best.
#1013 of 1068 . by anythngbutgm Dec 06, 2005 (11:17 am)
I would put money on it that the maintainence costs for the Volvo would be significantly higher than the other two. On the plus side, the first 50k is covered by Volvo, something that Lexus and Acura do not offer without promotion... yet. So in the end it may balance out equally, but I believe that Volvo amintainence costs are some of the highest in the industry.   For the record, our 15k service is about $250.00 while the 30k is about $450.00. We've had no other issues to speak of other than maintainence on the vehicle in 56k miles. My father had an '01 that he put something like 135k on. Only out of warranty maintainence was the 105k timing belt and W.P. which was something like 3 grand . Not out of the ordinary, but still a big chunk of coin...   Still, that was THE ONLY thing that went wrong over the time he had it.
#1014 of 1068 Re: Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD or V8 AWD??? [nanner] by jccai1 Dec 21, 2005 (10:19 am)
Replying to: nanner (Nov 26, 2005 5:19 pm) We have an 05 2.5T AWD. The turbo engine is quite loud compared to other vehicles I've owned. It's partially the turbo whine and partially the unique noise made by a 5-cylinder engine. I feel it's a bit underpowered, but that's a personal opinion. The vehicle has good sound insulation overall. Handling is pretty good for a tall and heavy vehicle. Brakes are good. Steering is a bit vague and not speed sensitive. Gas mileage wise, I average 16mpg in local driving and 22-23mpg on highways. Hope this helps. Drive both models and decide whether the V-8 is worth the extra cost.

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