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Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

posted by  steve-in-fl on  Mon Feb 16 06:00 CST 2009
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last visit: Mon Feb 16 06:49 CST 2009
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I'm currently a '98 S70 owner and I'm thinking about getting a used XC90, preferably a 2007 FWD 3.2L, to replace my 17 year old SUV.
Will the XC90 run okay on 87 octane gas? My S70 manual says the engine is "tuned for 89 octane", but I've always used 87 without any problems. Anyone using 87 on their XC90? What kind of highway mileage should I expect (on flat Florida highways)?

Is there anything I should specifically look for when buying an '07 XC90?

Thanks!








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    Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

    posted by  someone claiming to be volvostu on  Thu Feb 19 02:19 CST 2009 [RELATED]

    Bought an 03 XC90 w/75k mi. about 18 months ago. I use 89 octane (in FL). I put 87 in my 740 turbo one time and thought that my smooth running volvo was done for. Lesson learned. I've put 93 in the XC a few times when stations were out of 89 and noticed no difference in performance. Great vehicle. I'm about to put on brakes, otherwise 30k trouble-free miles.








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    Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

    posted by  KlausC on  Mon Feb 16 06:17 CST 2009
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    I am curious as to your reluctance to spend 10cents more per gallon. What kind of mileage do you get with your S70? I got 28mpg highway with my 98 R using 89 octane. I found that 87 octane ruined the mpg and messed up any accelleration.

    The XC90 3.2L six cylinder is supposed to get 16 and 24mpg, with premium. 89 will probably work unless you have the engine under load, but there aren't too many hills in FL anyway. 87 will cause the knock sensors to retard timing.

    Problems on the new XC90's? Just small nitpicking electrical stuff so far, nothing major. The engine and electrical fill the engine bay completely, so DIY is a bother.
    --
    My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.








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      Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

      posted by  steve-in-fl on  Mon Feb 16 06:38 CST 2009
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      last visit: Mon Feb 16 06:49 CST 2009
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      The S70 factory manual says 87 is permitted and I don't recall any significant performance difference when I tried it with higher octanes (years ago). It might make a difference if I had a turbo. I get about 28mpg highway on 87 octane unless I'm loaded with suitcases, then it's 25ish.

      Thanks for the advice on the XC90! I had planned to test every electrical feature that I can before making a final offer on a XC90 purchase.








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        Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

        posted by  Frank19382 on  Mon Feb 16 07:30 CST 2009
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        I finally got rid of the '88 760 and replaced it with a '08 XC-90, 3.2 AWD... Over the last five months I've been getting 18 - 22 mpg...mostly highway driving @ 75-80 mph...using mostly 89 octane... I notice no difference between it and 93...

        I have not used 87...and for a nickel diff here in Pa-De-Wash DC area...not enticed to either...

        Frank
        00 C70, 112,000
        08 XC90, <10,000








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        Potential XC90 buyer - gas mileage and octane? XC90

        posted by  KlausC on  Mon Feb 16 07:29 CST 2009
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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        You should be getting 30 plus at 70mph and at least 27-28 fully loaded.

        Remember when you finally swap out batteries - you cannot just unplug the trunk mounted battery and put in a new one. The system needs a charge all of the time while batteries are being swapped, or numerous electrical faults will happen.
        Use only synthetic oils, engine tranny, PS, etc and a MINIMUM of 89 octane. Your improved gas mileage over the old SUV will easily make up the difference.

        Oh, the AWD is not the same as 4WD. You can get stuck in deep loose sand with AWD. The trick then is to turn of DSTC and let the wheels spin a little.
        --
        My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.







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