I just came from my local Volvo dealer and am getting ready to soon order a new 2006 vehicle via European delivery. One of the two questions I asked was if the XC90 uses synthetic or regular oil and he said Volvo recommends regular oil. Is this true or should I change it at 1000 miles myself and replace it with synthetic. But on the other hand, I don't want to screw with the factory warranty either. My second question was that for the 2006 model year, Volvo won't be offering free maintance for the warranty period.........Bummer.

Thanks in advance.

I believe the Volvo "regular" oil is semi-syntetic, its probably not too bad...

My opinion: Leave the factory oil in your new car for the recommended time interval. I would not switch to synthetic until I had 7,500 to 10,000 miles on the car. This should provide sufficient time for engine break-in with the regular oil.

I agree for the most part, but disagree in another way. Go half of the recommended interval (about 3500 miles) to allow all engine parts to settle in, then change to synthetic. After this, go the recommended service interval starting when your Odometer gets to 7500 miles. No, you won't void your warranty with synthetic and your engine will love you for it (it exceeds recommended oil specs). It is much better and will keep your car running smoother, longer. Does the new car have a turbo? If so, synthetic is recommended anyway. Read the owners' manual. I would not go the recommended full 7500 mile service interval without synthetic...if you use dino oil, I would go half of the recommended interval, no matter what Volvo says. Remember that all that Volvo is interested in is getting you past their warranty period. After this, any trouble with your car (engine) is just money in the bank for them.

Also, in regards to oil weight, you'll see in the owner's manual what is most recommended for best mileage (usually greyed in the oil change section of the manual). I would go with that weight in Mobil-1 or another fully (100%) synthetic oil. I use Mobil-1 in both of our cars just because it's available just about anywhere.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon