Looking at buying a MK1 XC90... any advice?

Transform_IT · 20 Sep 2018 at 17:19

Hey guys,

As the title says, I have been looking at XC90's on Autotrader and eBay. I have seen two nice ones:

2005 XC 90

2006 XC 90

I have about £5-£6.5k to spend and want something with FSH and if possible under 125k. I am mainly looking at the AWD D5 SE and above in terms of spec.

If you have any advice, suggestions or other alternatives, then please share with me.

Thanks,

T_IT

Mr Krugga · 20 Sep 2018 at 21:25

Is there any reason why you're considering dropping £7k on a 12 year old car that's nearing 100k miles on the clock?

Transform_IT · 20 Sep 2018 at 23:40

Mr Krugga said:
Is there any reason why you're considering dropping £7k on a 12 year old car that's nearing 100k miles on the clock?

I like volvos, Ive had a few v70s and 850's and could not fault their reliability, comfort or practicality. I would like an SUV for hobbie/family size reasons. After looking at spec and comfort of what I can get for my money, it would seem the XC90 is good value. Just wondering if anyone has any reason it isn't, why and an alternative?

Thanks.

Scania · 21 Sep 2018 at 06:04

I think your looking to spend too much tbh, or at least your potential budget should get you a newer example.

I’d be wary though, just because Volvo have a good reputation for reliability doesn’t necessarily mean one will be, I’d go on condition and history (and a very detailed one not just a stamped service book that’s easily sourced on eBay!) disregard mileage to an extent, condition is everything along with ideally one owner who’s looked after it.

https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/used-review/n17382/advice
Some common issues there for you to look at.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201809030111191
Found this on A/T, that’s where I’d be starting - not saying this particular one necessarily but something like it.

geekman · 21 Sep 2018 at 13:20

Everything I've ever heard about these suggests that a similar age Range Rover / X5 / ML would be a better buy in terms of reliability, which just goes to show how bad these must be. I don't think they're remotely comparable to a V70 or 850, which are both old, relatively simple cars which can be fixed cheaply by any mechanic.

EddScott · 22 Sep 2018 at 11:27

A friend has one of these. It is forever breaking and throwing big bills at him. He's just had to buy a 2nd hand rear subframe as his is rotten. 2nd hand as new was £850 plus vat plus fitting etc. It's also properly heavy on fuel.

He keeps it on as he has horses and needs it to tow.

Cookeh · 22 Sep 2018 at 18:30

Avoid. Ford made far too many cost-savers with these and it shows, they regularly throw massive bills and are not at all like the pre-Ford era of Volvos for reliability.