General: 1st one

[Foxy1970]

Looking to buy a xc90 from a Volvo dealer 10 plate 57000 miles for 18 k but I've heard mixed reports. Gearbox faults and total failure

[ianu]

Hi Foxy1970,
You'll always get mixed reports - the more you look the more you'll find, The forums are the place where people will typically share their experiences of problems and issues.
they'll also share views on what to look out for - the same if you were buying any other make of car.
18k is a lot of your money - so from a Volvo dealer I'd expect it to be a pretty spot on with a fully documented history to go with it. Normal rules apply - condition should be as good as it gets. You should be looking for its service schedule routine and non routine - ask for printouts of the schedule if they have them.
Gearboxes - (T6 excepted) I wouldn't say that they are typically problematical tbh.
At that mileage and age - I'd expect any early niggles to have been sorted by the previous owner (if any) - but other than routine wear and tear you should be OK. History is everything though (make sure you get a warranty too).

Cheers
ian.

[A lex]

There are no 'generic' problems with the gearboxes on 10 plates.

Being from a Volvo dealer it should be immaculate and with FVSH.

Like IANU says, forums are generally places where people come to report problems, rather than good experiences.

Post 2006 XC90s are generally very well made and reliable cars.

My car is a MY10 (10/2009 registered) and has 50k miles on it. Its needed nothing save a driveshaft under warranty, 1 glow plug and regular servicing.

[Foxy1970]

Thank you for the help.

What sort of mpg am I expecting realistic ......30 ?

[Foxy1970]

Apart from the obvious is there a lot of difference between the 185 and 200'bhp

[A lex]

The only difference between the 185 and the 200 is the SW map.

I have the Polestar on my 185, taking it to 205/450Nm. Well worth it

Heres my mpg record since buying - 30mpg is achievable on a steady tank - a lot will depend on how much city work you do, as once you get in to stop/start driving, the average tanks very rapidly.

http://www.spritmonitor.de/en/detail/592975.html

[AyrshireXC90]

They are good and robust cars. I have just traded in my D5 SELux after four and a half years and 42000 miles, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably the best 7 seater taking in to account cost, looks, safety and comfort.
For peace of mind, buying from a Volvo garage is probably best, although they do cost a little more.
If you were willing to travel a little, our local dealer has my old car on the forecourt for just under £19000, although I am sure there is quite a lot of wiggle room in that price. I can vouch for this car - it is in fantastic condition, with no faults when I traded it in (for a new XC70).
Good luck.

[AB-UK]

I tried to sell my 10 plate Exec (see the sell items on this forum) but couldn't sell it for what it was worth even though it has a Volvo warranty - one interested party wanted to arrange a finance deal with me as if I was a dealer.
Mine is in excellent condition with loads of extras.
No problems with it at all. Lovely car. I just wanted to swap after 3 years for a new one.
I'll be keeping it now for another couple of years, and saving up for one of the new 2015 models.

[Castlehill]

I guess you must be looking at one of the higher spec models at that price, I bought a 10 plate with 18k from a main dealer just over 2 years ago and paid £21k then.