[Closed] Volvo XC90

Might well be getting one to replace my V70. Very impressive cars, really well made and great to drive. The seats and dash are straight out of the V70 pretty much and are really very good. Pretty much all of them will be Auto, there are very few manual Volvos at all, let alone in the big ones.

See if you can get a D5, lovely smoooooooth diesel engine. Avoid the petrol ones, unless you like spending money on fuel!

Considered a Disco 3 as well? Again, on my shopping list at the moment and equally (if not a little more) impressed.

Had a couple in the family over the past 5 years - avoid the petrol versions unless you like visiting petrol stations. A lot.

Best one to go for IMO is an auto D5 model with the 185bhp engine (up from 163bhp late 2005 onwards I think) - as well as a slightly more powerful engine it has a 6-speed auto box instead of 5sp.

I've now got a Discovery 3 - far superior to the Volvo in my view, especially the ride quality & similar money to the Volvo. It's bigger inside too = more room for bikes in the back!

Cheers.

The Disco 3 is a little out of our price range for the millage we would like. We are only looking at the D5's due to fuel costs.

Have to admit I've not checked prices recently, but I thought the Disco 3 'S' model (no SatNav or leather) was comparable to a D5 in SE trim.

Both good cars - reckon you'd be happy with either

avoid the early auto ones as pulling away seems to have a delay that almost had me in peril on mini roundabouts

Not in used prices as the disco seems to have higher millages and we are looking at low as we want to keep the car for a long time.

I have one on order, D5. It was due to be delivered on 28th of this month. Very excited. But just found out its now not due at the dealer until 23/12 and the they say it will be after Christams before we can have it, gutted 😥

I've now got a Discovery 3 - far superior to the Volvo in my view

I've had a Disco 3 (and had a series 2 before that) Still too many niggly faults for me and the MPG was shocking for a diesel (23). Still a great car mind, just not as good as it could be.

ignore fuel costs, look at whole life costs - as its will be difficult for the fuel costs to get anywhere near the depreciation...

depreciation doesn't really matter if he's going to keep it for a long time though, fuel costs come out your pocket every week so are more of an issue.

We've got a D5. They are really nice cars, get plenty in them for a weekend of walking, biking or both.

Service costs are pretty high (and the intervals are short - all Volvos), and we only get 26-28 mpg driven pretty conservatively.

Don't buy manual or leather without heated seats - both have low residuals...

b r Whilst the petrol are cheaper to buy the cost more ot run and are worth less later on. I am buying used on this.

Great cars. I've had two - both D5 185 (Euro IV I think). Front tyres wear out quickly, you'll only get more than 28mpg if you really do drive like Miss Daisy and they do lag a bit when pulliing off. It's something you get used to and it saves wear on the drivetrain (or something like that). Apparently the coupling between the front and rear wheels can break and you won't notice until you really need 4WD - costs about £1200 to put right, but It's not happened to either of mine and they both have towed a very heavy caravan off wet fields with ease. They're not off roaders, but they are a great, roomy, 7 seater that can actually tow well and fit loads of stuff in.

Get one.

Oh, and if you can find a V8 in black with less than 20k on the clock, let me know.

how much are the tyres and what milage do you get on them?

16,000 I got. If it's on 18" wheels they're about £150 each and very few makers do them, but crazily on 19" wheels, they're more easily available and start at about £70.

[i]depreciation doesn't really matter if he's going to keep it for a long time though, fuel costs come out your pocket every week so are more of an issue. [/i]

and the finance/lease comes out of your pocket every month...

And to take the numbers:

28mpg at £1.10 pl = 18ppm
£2000 depreciation per year and 12k miles = 17ppm

Manufactures/garages want you to believe that its all about fuel, whereas all costs add up.

Looking at overall costs is a silly way to buy a car. If you can afford to justify the purchase price and you want it, then go for it.

Either that or drive around in a dull grey box like everyone else.

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Good one. Because having a car that fits your kids and dogs in means you have a little cock doesn't it?

Or get a cayenne and you can have this
[img] [/img]

On a more serious note is there a reason to get one of these over one of their estates, I very much liked my V50 T5 and it was a big, comfy car..

I have two kids and a labrador.

And a cock like a tin of vim with a sheeps heart on the top.

We tried the normal sized estate car for a year and it was just not a great experience. Having three kids invariably means that if you go anywhere a a family there'e either a friend or grandparent coming along which means six seats needed at least. Towing a caravan or horsebox usually means wet/muddy fields, so 4WD is a big help. There are very few 7 seat, 4WD cars that have room for a couple of dogs, flexible seating and decent looks/comfort.

Personally I think the older BMW X5, Mercedes ML, Volkswagen Toureg, Porsche Cayenne and several others are a waste of effort as they don't have a flexible interior in terms of seating/luggage capacity. The Volvo is cetainly one of the best of it's type.

I'm totally convinced.

J

I test drove a D5 SE Auto. The torque convertor was awful. Press the accelerator (imagine pulling out in to fast moving traffic). Wait 'till it does its trickery, feel the torque grow. As a consequence the throttle response from stationary is terrible.

If you're running it in to the ground and residuals are less of an issue I'd buy a manual.

Apart from being noisy and a bit basic inside, it was OK. It's being discontinued, (with no sucessor) and you can pick them up new for about 27k from drive the deal.

I was choosing, a few months ago, between a XC90 and a Disco 3. The dominant factor, when it came down to it, was towing capacity. That said, the interior space of the D3 is larger and, importantly, more flexible. I went for a D3 S- version, the leather is not important to me and the SatNav not critical.

On another note, though, why should a vehicle having high mileage make it less suitable to keeping for a long time? One that has had motorway miles, regular oil changes and services and a sensible owner will (probably) be in better nick that one that has done a 5 mile school run twice a day or someone with a rudimentary understanding of the clutch. Certainly with diesels most are about run-in by 60,000!

Sideways - but I don't run around in a small box, I've a V8 😛 - just pointing out the depreciation 'issue'

br - glad to hear it. I cringe when I hear people ordering cars because 'it's only £35 a year to tax', or 'it'll sell better in that colour when we get rid of it'. FFS people, just buy what you actually want and worry about that stuff when the time comes.

the reason for going for a caqr like this as most normal estates you can't get 3 kids seats in unless the adult passanger sits in the middle at the back and my wife strangly likes to sit next to me.
We don't want to spend more than 15k at which point the disco 3's are only just apperring as they are that much newer. The reason for wanting a lower or avarage millage is that we tend to do higher millages due to visiting people (and biking) and don't want to start to get tot he expensive bills to later in its life.

I believe Jeremy Clarkson had an XC90 for years as family transport and even recommended buying one (if you require 7 seats) in last week's Sunday Times motoring section even though the article was about the new Disco 4.

You can easily get 3 child seats in the back of a V70 and for 15k I'd go estate all the way. You'll get something newer, better to drive, more comfortable, safer and much better on fuel.

Unless you need to tow horse boxes, caravans and have a tiny penis!

You can easily get 3 child seats in the back of a V70 and for 15k I'd go estate all the way. You'll get something newer, better to drive, more comfortable, safer and much better on fuel.

I have a V70, and am not sure you could get three child seats in teh back. As mentioned above, might have to have one adult in the back.

Newer? Maybe
Better to drive? Maybe, but only marginal. The XC90 is very good, and you're hardly caring about rad to teh power of sick driving skillz with three kids in the back, are you?
More comfortable? Same seats as a V70, so the same comfort!
Safer? Again, debatable. Not much in it either way, I would say.
Much better on fuel? Better maybe, but not much better.

Plus, as the kids grow, the extra seats in the back will be great.

I've had a V70 (though not the current one) and have triplets.
You can get three child seats in a V70 (850shape), Saab 9-3 (900shape) and (perhaps not surprisingly) a Ford Galaxy.

I take an interest in cars that will take three kids and have considered the XC90 in the past. To me it's getting a bit long in the tooth now. I still have a Disco on the list for when the Galaxy blows up.

I quite easily fitted 3 child seats in my v50 and a 70 is bigger. ( ihave two but they have friends so I often had 3 in the back.

Newer yes a cursory look at Autotrader says so.

Better to drive I think so I cant see how the XC is going to be better on road, it wasn't when I drove it.

More comfortable again no compromise for off road but I'm prepared to accept it might be similar

Safer - The best form of safety is avoidance much more easily accomplished in a V

Volvos own figures show a considerable saving on fuel

Extra seats OK then.

Having said that I know someone looking to sell their XC90 as we speak so....It's an 06 plate and on the money I think.

I drive an 850 GLT, can easily seat three in the back and I have enormous cock.

Well known fact that your cars "blingness" is inversely proportional to the size of your old fella.

It's called Clarksons Law.

I believe Jeremy Clarkson had an XC90 for years as family transport and even recommended buying one (if you require 7 seats) in last week's Sunday Times motoring section even though the article was about the new Disco 4.

Which type of kids seat? as some have large bases than others. The extra seats will be usefull when having the kids cousins over or when take grandparents etc out with us plus the forward facing seats look a lot safer than the rearward ones in the estate plus where would you put the buggy. not really bothed of what people think of the size of my cock as my wife likes it plus i normally ride to work in lycra. It will make our other car look small though as its a megane coupe.
I had seen the times artical form earlier this year when clrakson bought his 3rd one which seems a good recomendation to me.

Well if your commited to buying one now's the time as they are being phased out.

My mate really is selling one it's black with cream leather.

Apparently the fuel consumption is crippling but then my t5 never got much above 20.

http://www.parkers.co.uk/choose/Results.aspx

Had a look at that jb and it came up with what we have looked at (mpv's and 4x4's).
We are going to look at one tomorrow and also a 807 to see if that one is still feels like a van in side.

I was wrong
[url= http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/333/7558/71 ] 4x4 drivers in London 4 times more likely to be non compliant with motoring laws[/url]
There's a big shiny silver jeep near why I live that had "4x4 scum" scratched into the side.
However if you live in the country side, fair do's

Docrobster - its because "that doesn't apply to them"

Yeah it's a downer if you need the 7 seats you are limited. My mate bought a kia something or the other and loves it.

You can get 3 car seats in the back of a Corolla Verso, and I can't believe thats more 'van like' than an XC90. Or any MPV really?? Ford S Max is good as well, even the Zafira.. I got a Verso as to be honest I couldn't find anything I wanted with more than 2 seats 😉

I know several people who've parted with their XC90s as the fuel costs were ridiculous - every 5mpg extra adds up over a few years.

I have a V50 and struggle to get 2 adults in the back when there's my son in his seat there as well, and being tall there's no room behind me or the missus either - so i can see the attraction of a 4x4 that allows you tp fit people in! I can vouch for Volvo build quality - mines got 111k on it still feels better than a few others I've owned did when new

I test drove a Zafira and it was like driving a boat, which was a real shame as the space in the back was great.

Just got rid of our zafira for an smax. huge boot. plenty room for 3 in the back, the 3 middle row seats slide/recline individually. 2 spare seats in the boot suitable for occasional use. looked at corrola verso was too small. Smax is very car like to drive-loads better than a touran I tested.
2l diesel does 45mpg. lots of toys. would heartily recommend it.
and I paid £7k less than list for brand new car off drive the deal.com! £800 less than an identical car (except dvd- which I didn't want) that was 1 yr old 14k on the clock

Unless of course you really [b][i][u]need[/b][/i][/u] a 4x4 😀

brassneck - Member
You can get 3 car seats in the back of a Corolla Verso, and I can't believe thats more 'van like' than an XC90. Or any MPV really?? Ford S Max is good as well, even the Zafira.. I got a Verso as to be honest I couldn't find anything I wanted with more than 2 seats

I know several people who've parted with their XC90s as the fuel costs were ridiculous - every 5mpg extra adds up over a few years.

What about an Espace I've always really liked them when I've driven them in France.

The 807 really is just a big French van. Utterly hideous to look at and drive. But that's just my opinion. As an earlier poster mentioned above the SMax is not a bad option to look at. Drives very much more like a car than a truck, acres of space and not massively expensive. Servicing and parts will be cheaper than the Volvo (even though technically they are the same comnpany these days).

Had forgoten about the smax just had a look on autotrader and they may fit the bill will just have to go look at one.

joolsburger - Member
What about an Espace I've always really liked them when I've driven them in France.

I have a friend with an 08 Galaxy who still pines for the t reg grand espace they had before it (top spec, captains chairs etc) which would be still going if they hadn't totalled it on a m/way roundabout in leeds. Mind you her hubby prefers the galaxy. They are in a similar boat to you- 4 girls aged 5-11 and a golden retriever. Their "small" car is a toyota verso. Both of them hate that.
We had the zafira from new in 03 and I wouldn't get another for several reasons- scary wiper clashing moments that leave you with no wipers on the motorway in the rain. Sticky ignition barrel had to be replaced as it was shorting out the starter motor- failed 2 days before due to drive to south of france. Chimps at the dealership. poor quality trim. Dull dull dull to drive. cheap to buy though.
Cheapest most practical option would be a vauxhall vasectomy if you ask me!

I've got an Espace, and was thinking of an XC90 as my next car. Espace is good in many respects, 5 NCAP points. Loads of space (mines a LWB) We take the two rear seats out for holidays and we use it as a changing room after surfing. The seats do weigh a ton, if you have a garage not really a problem, but I have onstreet parking (like me) and have to lug them up steps to my house. Wife wouldnt manage it:(
I have the 2.2 auto and average 30-31mpg, I do quite a bit of motorway driving and usually stick it on cruise at about 80-85. Over this it starts to plumet.
The Auto was a mistake, slow off the line resulting in some scary "sitting duck" situations pulling onto roundabouts or out of T junctions.

Bit late on this thread (dunno how I didn't see it originally) but I've been told the best tyres for an XC90 are Nokian WR's. Cheaper than the [cr*p] continentals they come with and they last for ages (I've done 17k on a two year old set and they've still got 7-8mm of tread left). Tricky to find but I got mine from MyTyres.com
As a car I think it's fantastic. Big, comfy, makes you feel safe and I get about 29-30mpg overall which ain't bad.
Downside is that in the last 12 months I've had to replace the steering rack, rear shocks, 1 x brake caliper and the brake disks have all been replaced at least once and it's a '52 plate and done 57,000.
If things go wrong it can be expensive - especially if it's related to the [superb] stereo.
Going to keep it as long as possible.

I want one of these. Anyone selling one? Must have black leather and prefer a manual.

Well, I found one!
Just picked it up from Stoke on Trent. It's a silver D5 163 Geartronic.
It has black heated leather and rear seat entertainment. Also has the running boards and premium sound. A real fantastic car. V happy!

You ought to have got the RR Sport, but welcome to ChaVille anyway...

Enjoy it, CHB. I've been running one from new for the past 4 yrs and we absolutely love it. Ours has been ultra reliable (I've done it now....). I bought mine because one of my jobs demands a 4x4 (at least one person owes their life to it) and we are a family of 6, so need the seats. It's absolutely perfact for a family, tough as old boots and very, very well thought out. Although there are much better 4x4s for proper mucky offroad stuff, mine coped admirably during this winters snow and got to areas that ordinary vehicles couldn't due to the "winter" button and ground clearance. The only downsides are the rough engine (compared to other manufacturers diesels) and appetite for front tyres no matter how carefully you drive. I would strongly recommend independant Volvo specialists rather than the dealers. Everyone I know loves theirs.
I once heard someone mutter something derogatory about 4x4s as they walked past in a car park last year. It really highlighted to me the ignorance that is sometimes attached to this blanket hatred of 4x4s. As a family we cycle everywhere, only use the car when we have to. I paid extra for a special catalytic thing on the front of the car (I think it was called "premair" or similar) that converts ground level ozone to oxygen (may be hype, but felt responsible to "do my bit"), it's diesel and the car is used for my work which involves a "lifesaving" element and access all weathers if that doesn't sound too dramatic. Enjoy it. Best car I've ever owned by a mile and I'd buy another without a moments hesitation.

Tinners, thanks for the comments. I have an audi 1.6FSI A2 for work use, that does 50mpg and is a brilliant car. The XC90 is the new family workhorse. It will do low milage and holidays. With the kids entering their teens, I find myself with never enough seats in the car. Now I don't have this problem. The MPG impressed me so far, 41mpg from Stoke on Trent to Sunny Leeds. Will do the servicing myself (have done for the last 5 years on my V40 and thats just done 160,000 miles). Working on Volvos is a joy as the parts are very high quality. My brothers Renault Scenic is tat in comparison to any Volvo.

[goes to fetch pipe and slippers and stroke the labrador]