XC90

[Martin24]

I know I'll probably regret it but opinions on the XC90 please. Volvo are doing some tempting deals at the moment with nearly 10k off (probably about to launch a new one). Heart is saying disco, wallet and head are saying differently!! I'm looking to keep car until it dies as only does a few miles a week (always under 50, often only about 10) plus towing duties, should be about run in after 10 years and do another 10 after that, Therefore got to get it right!!!!

 

[NigelHutson]

Apparently there will be a new XC90 appearing next year, hence the huge price cuts (plus the fact that they're possibly not selling well at the moment). As with any vehicle there will be highly delighted owners, and the XC90, together with the Discovery will be no exception. You're bound to get replies from the "oh I have a friend, whose auntie's dog walker has one of these and they've had nothing but trouble with the downstairs toilet flush" brigade.
The best thing is for YOU to try the vehicles that YOU are intereseted in and fom you own opinion. The only thing I would suggest is that whatever you choose, with the very limited mileage that you do, be mindfull of things getting clogged up (EGR valves particularly). They need a bit of stick now and again (not abuse, just made to work a bit) just to keep things working properly.
Good luck in your quest and enjoy your purchase whatever it is.

 

[Martin24]

Glad you could see why I said I'd probably regret asking!! Teehee!! I do give it bit of a run from time to time

 

[MichaelE]

Wise words from Nigel.
The XC90 was due to be facelifted last year but it was shelved in 2009,but a facelifted/new model is on its way as Volvo realise it is an important model in their line up.
I think it is due to be released in 2013.
Sales have dropped as it is perceived to be an old model (8 years now) and other makes have new models out facelifted/new and better engines etc, it still looks good and does the job intended.
Last year they were knocking 8k off, but too get a brand new 4x4 that is solidly built for the price of a family saloon sounds like a no brainer to me?

 

[xtrailman]

What about running costs?
Plus second hand values?
I think now a days buyers are looking really hard at costs.
For that reason i would never buy such a car.
Which i suppose is one of the reasons, bargains? are to be had.

 

[Martin24]

Lets face it running costs of any 4x4 are higher than we would like but that's the price you pay for a heavy van and a family. A car is something that does the job you want it to at the price you can afford. As far as residuals go, I'll keep which ever I get till it drops so irrelevant really. Hmmmm the road fund price of 310 less than the disco is appealing too!!

 

[MichaelE]

Ironically 4x4 used prices have gone up,
1.because of the reasons that Ray mentions, new sales are down but the secondhand demand is very high so it has pushed prices up and 2. a couple of bad winters and 4x4's are in demand.
Good thing about getting a big discount is it helps absorb the immediate loss with a new car.
New cars are getting lighter but caravans are still as heavy.
Im pretty sure people do look into the running costs of a big car? I accept i get 20 mpg towing and running costs can be high, but i choose to tow a heavy twin axle as do many others.
You would be happy with either car , just comes down to personal choice if money no object or your wallet if it isnt.

 

[otherclive]

I have a 2010 XC70 with the 205ps twin turbo D5 engine which is very good. However Volvo, as others too, have been having some problems with diesel DPFs and rising sump levels. Mine has done 15k and not been affected but low mileage (journey cars) or ones not run at any speed have also been affecetd. look at Telegraph Honest john and Volvo Owners Club Forums. Low mileage journeys ina large diesel are not good news for Euro 5 cars. The towing may alleviate the problem but that will depend on how much and how far.

 

[Martin24]

Probably 5000 miles per year towing. Will look at those web sites. Suppose the problem will be the same for most then. Do give it a bit of a blast from time to time but probably not often enough.

 

[otherclive]

Martin, with 5000 miles a year towing I don't think you should encounter any DPF issues as the filter regeneration would take place with a hot exhaust gas supply. Cars affected seemed to be ones where owners just kept nipping to the shops and doing short journeys in towns. As I say mine has done a good mix of driving over the last 12 months with no DPF issues.

 

[Surfer]

DPF issues are having a knock on effect on tghe second hand market as peopel realised that the low mileage diesel may not be such a good bargain after all when they a re presented with a bhill for £1500 for a DPF system because the DPF is too far gone for regeneration. High mileage diesels are probably a better bet. If you are only doing 50 - 100 miles a week, you may be better off with a petrol version or a older second hand vehicle that does not have DPF issues.

 

[ChrisUK]

I have a 2010 XC70 with the 205ps twin turbo D5 engine which is very good. However Volvo, as others too, have been having some problems with diesel DPFs and rising sump levels. Mine has done 15k and not been affected but low mileage (journey cars) or ones not run at any speed have also been affecetd. look at Telegraph Honest john and Volvo Owners Club Forums. Low mileage journeys ina large diesel are not good news for Euro 5 cars. The towing may alleviate the problem but that will depend on how much and how far.

I'l second that. Ask the dealer how the XC90 regenerates its DPF (self cleaning cyle) some are not very convienient. My Xtrail, when the light comes on you have to drive at 50mph for about 10 miles. Not convienient in a city! Mine seems to need it about every 12 months but I have no experience of the XC90. I try not to use the car for shopping instead we use the trusty (yes!) 14 year old Saxo.
I wanted to buy an XC90 or XC60, but on both it was imposible for my 5ft wife to drive it, the head rest which is not adjustable pushes her head down. Two sales men at different dealers could not help on this. I suppose Sweds are all tall.

 

[xtrailman]

I have a 2010 XC70 with the 205ps twin turbo D5 engine which is very good. However Volvo, as others too, have been having some problems with diesel DPFs and rising sump levels. Mine has done 15k and not been affected but low mileage (journey cars) or ones not run at any speed have also been affecetd. look at Telegraph Honest john and Volvo Owners Club Forums. Low mileage journeys ina large diesel are not good news for Euro 5 cars. The towing may alleviate the problem but that will depend on how much and how far.

I'l second that. Ask the dealer how the XC90 regenerates its DPF (self cleaning cyle) some are not very convienient. My Xtrail, when the light comes on you have to drive at 50mph for about 10 miles. Not convienient in a city! Mine seems to need it about every 12 months but I have no experience of the XC90. I try not to use the car for shopping instead we use the trusty (yes!) 14 year old Saxo.
I wanted to buy an XC90 or XC60, but on both it was imposible for my 5ft wife to drive it, the head rest which is not adjustable pushes her head down. Two sales men at different dealers could not help on this. I suppose Sweds are all tall.

I only do under 6.5k miles a year and my T31 xtrail 2009 has never had a dpf light on.
I consider that short journeys? As always don't believe ever thing that is written, or spoken.

 

[ChrisUK]

Ray
My DPF light in my T31 Xtrail, 171bhp has come on:
10 july 2009 12173 miles, IO Mull
25 july 2009, IO Mull
12 Aug 2010, 23582, Daventry

Each time driving at 50mph for 10 miles has succesfully regenerated the DPF and the light has gone off.
To occure twice within a few miles is apparently not that uncommon (ref. Xtrail forum) probably caused by an incomplete regen.
If you google DPF problems, you will come across a host of manufacturers with problems. I'm told, but can not prove it, that later XTrails, have an additional feature? which helps the regen.

 

[JohnDavo]

I own an 05 XC90 diesel ( D5) auto 7 seater which I use to tow my Sterling Europa 530. Its a brilliant tow car, very stable, and the boot is huge too.
However, the best thing in my opinion is that it is also a very accomplished road car for normal use. I used to have a Sorento, again a great tow car, but the XC90 offers so much more when not towing.
Fuel consumption is not bad. I get 32mpg solo and around 25mpg towing, all great improvements over my old Sorento and better than the Disco you mentioned. XC90 also scores better for reliability.
Overall its a quality car and is the best compromise between a full blown 4X4 and a road car. If you want to climb hills or go green laning get a Disco other wise I would go for the XC90.

 

[xtrailman]

Ray
My DPF light in my T31 Xtrail, 171bhp has come on:
10 july 2009 12173 miles, IO Mull
25 july 2009, IO Mull
12 Aug 2010, 23582, Daventry

Each time driving at 50mph for 10 miles has succesfully regenerated the DPF and the light has gone off.
To occure twice within a few miles is apparently not that uncommon (ref. Xtrail forum) probably caused by an incomplete regen.
If you google DPF problems, you will come across a host of manufacturers with problems. I'm told, but can not prove it, that later XTrails, have an additional feature? which helps the regen.

Hello Chris,
I'm not doubting what you are saying.
But not everyone is affected, my self included. Never had any light up on the dash.

Same with the T30 xtrail, i had the xtrail from 2004 to 2009, and never had a failure with the turbo, the intercooler was replaced in the first year, and never leaked again.
While many people did have turbo failures.

 

[Martin24]

Thanks for that. We're still dithering between the two but at least we seem to of got it down to two!!!!!!