It took a decade but the XC90 T8 is depreciating at a lower rate now.
The original XC90 was a handsome vehicle even after 9 years of being on sale. This 1st generation XC90 (pictured below) also quickly became Volvo’s best-selling vehicle and became the benchmark for all luxury SUVs from Europe for the years that followed.
Then in June 2016 an all new XC90 arrived in Malaysia and it had a brand new look, cabin experience and more importantly, twin engines.
Yes, this was a plug-in hybrid Volvo SUV and it was targeted to compete against the Mercedes GLE (formerly known as ML) and the BMW X5 PHEV.
Priced from RM403,888, it was still better priced than the X5 and GLE and provided equal features, luxury appointments and also drive dynamics.
Volvo Cars had a true best seller at the time and after just two years it was a global best seller and the best recovery medicine for Volvo Car Sweden. Yes, the 2nd generation XC90 gave the company a huge boost in global sales.
Interestingly, over the years there have been upgrades to this 2nd generation XC90 and just last year in February 2022, a XC90 B5 version arrived with a price tag of just RM386,842 and it immediately sold very well against its rivals.
Meanwhile, the used car classifieds have been seeing a number of 2016 to 2018 XC90 units for sale and this is common as first owners are now looking for a new or an upgraded SUV.
Now, a quick check online and you will see that this Volvo has better resale values over its immediate rivals as seen in the online used car websites.
Furthermore, in April 2021 Volvo extended the battery warranty for their plug-in hybrids to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers travelled.
What to look out for. Start with the hybrid battery health check which can be confirmed with any Volvo dealer. Then check the ‘tablet’ infotainment screen. Make sure it all works.
Remember, most used car dealers will not allow you to drive their Volvo XC90 to an official Volvo dealership to have the XC90 plugged in and checked unless you put down a RM1,000 refundable booking. This is to safeguard against time wasters.
Take your time to try out all the various functions as this is part of the car’s running system.
Engine should be easy to check, no leaks underneath and when on a test drive there should be NO hesitation with acceleration and down shifts.
The gearbox should shift without judder or hesitation. Tires might be worn (it is a used vehicle, right?) and this could reduce handling and drive smoothness on our roads.
Full check on all electric functions like windows, side view mirrors, electric front seats and power rear hatch.
Today, used car dealers charge between RM2,500 to RM3,500 processing fee and this does not include your new insurance and road tax. This is how they earn a living.
If you buy from a direct owner, then you save this fee and only need to take some trouble to visit JPJ for name transfer (it will take less than 2 hours in our personal experience).
You can also visit a Volvo SELEKT dealer to find a used XC90 T8 and be assured that SELEKT has checked the unit giving you assurance that it is ready for trouble free ownership.
Volvo XC90 T8 Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged inline-4, All-Wheel-Drive
Horsepower: 320hp @ 5,700rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,200rpm
Battery Electric Output: 87hp @ 7,000rpm and 240Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Acceleration 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 230km/h
Fuel efficiency: 47.6 km/l (combined cycle)
Wheels and Tires: 20-inch alloys, 275/45
