Pre ‘15 or Post ‘15?
 

So this I know is probably subjective and dependent on the vehicle(s) looked at. But I’m wanting to go back to an XC90 (currently on a 67 plate XC60). But not wanting to spend up. In fact as I still have some finance on the XC60 part of me is thinking take the equity out and reduce the debt.

So the question is, buy a pre 2015 model XC90 with 50-60k on the clock (appears to be some good examples for sale, so far as photos on Autotrader show), typically around the £15-£17k for a late model good spec, good condition.

OR

Go for a post 2015 model XC90 with up to 100k on the clock, decent spec, but expect to pay around £27k or so.

E.G., low mileage older car, or high mileage newer car?

I still love the shape and specs of the old XC90, and having owned one for 6 years previously I know what I’m getting.

I have a current design XC, so again, know the specs and capabilities.

I would love to get rid of the finance, and prepared to spend on any repairs if going for an older car (e.g. 2013/2014 model). A big part of me thinks that an 8-9 year old XC90 with 50-60k on the clock is still potentially a very, very good and reliable car.

Your thoughts?

The way the world is going at the moment. Reducing your debt, saving money and having excess funds in your back pocket sounds like the best option to me.

You could always upgrade again at a later date if things start to improve.

I believe that an older car with lower mileage and a good history always trumps a newer car with higher miles and less history, but that's just my opinion.

I bought mine 5 years ago when it was rather new. I was offered a very good deal in 2018 on the new model and test drove it (brand new).

The later model pilot assist 2 was wonderful however…..

The mk1 to me is very characterful and very utility based whilst doing a fine job of being a luxuary car. The mk2 was however very very car like and I didn’t really fancy it…

The £17,000 will be the start of it (£10,000 saving!). What is going to go wrong on a late mode 2012 mk1? Not much.

The D5 engine is extremly reliable, and if you change the gear box and AOC pump oil you do not really have a great deal of expensive repairs. Service parts are very cheap also.

The Mk2 starts to get sensors in the windscreen, power pulse garbage etc etc.

I think you will save £10,000 on the purchase, have a much lower milage vehicle and have lower maintenance and repair bills.

There is of course 1 other fact that may be important to you. A 2018 mk2 has really wonderful tech! The mk1 will have blue tooth connectivity and a say nav system which will never really work as well as your phone. Also a 3” screen.

I think the 2012 models (all mk1 really) are very basic and we’re even basic back in 2012 with regards to technology.

^^^ That.

Two entirely different cars sharing the name only, I don't think there will be a single switch or electric motor in common between them.

The new XC90 is very good I think, don't get me wrong, but it's more Ranger Rover than Discovery and for my uses I need the latter.

You will find more local garages and indies that can deal with a Mk1 XC90 if you don't fancy dealer prices for every job.

Having owned 3 from new and having been extremely happy with all of them, I'd say find the best mk1 model you can.

When on a budget, and particularly with the aim ofmssving a few shekels, you can't afford to be too clever. The mk2 is a superb car, but youre only going to get a leggy one for that money, so youll be buying someone elses years of condensed wear and tear.

Unless youre in a ULEZ zone mk1 is the way to go.

Really interesting posts above. I totally understand about the Range Rover/discovery comment also!

Access to Volvos own VIDA system is very cheap and easy and in fairness I have access but rarely need it.

I would ask really… ‘should I pay £27,000 and then take it to supplying dealers/highly skilled and specialist Indis’ or should I spend £17,000 and then have something that is easy to work on.

The fuel efficiency on the new 90 is better but I would be shocked if you ever got an additional 10mpg out of it.

The £10k plus price difference will pay for a lot of fuel and ULEZ charges.

The other point is a 2014 XC90 was the last of a 12 year production run, and hence all issues and weaknesses (not the there were many at all) had been ironed out. The 2015 XC90 was the first incarnation of that platform - mechanical & electrical.

Indeed, and come 2025 all ICE cars pay ULEZ anyway, so any reprieve from spending on the later model would be merely temporary.