General: Xc 70 or Xc 90 ?

[Dicky Boy]

Nice looking thing but way too small for my needs I'm afraid. Thanks for the info though.

[Dicky Boy]

I hope not ! lol The worst stuff for me is going down muddy tracks, some of which are well used and getting back up some steepish hills to get back up from the rivers. The mud worries me more as it's the most common adversary.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Nowt wrong with the '55 box either, as long as its fluid's changed on (say Saab's) schedule. It wasn't the autobox that killed our Euro 3 XC70 at knocking 190K, it was a transfer box that was an uneconomic repair.

Trouble is, these 70s & 90s have the capability at almost any time to throw a big bill without trying, hence me going down a completely different rabbit-hole for the OP's requirements.

Agree wuth everything you said.

I sold my 2005 XC70 with the 55 box at 182k and it was perfect. The box had been looked after with regular (every 30k ) sump dumps and I know for a fact that the car is still going strong with over 200k.

I much prefer the 6 speed box in my Euro 4 XC90 and again that has had regular changes. I do a single sump dump when I change the engine oil every 10k. Makes sense seeing as the undertray is already off.

If cash is a major concern , any elderly XC can easily give you a big bill even with good maintenance .

[Dicky Boy]

Brilliant information, just the kind of stuff I need to know to steer me in the right direction.

Thank you so much for your help, very very helpful.

[skippyfox]

Having owned all three of the cars you have mentioned, for what you are looking for I'd definitely go for a younger Grand Vitara LWB. Whilst the XC70 and XC90 are very good awd cars, when it comes to the rough stuff the Suzuki will beat them hands down. Also, when , not if things go wrong the Suzi will be a cheaper fix of the three.

Only My opinion. Been there done that.

Suzuki 413 Santana. Spanish built
Suzuki 413 Samurai. Japanese Built
Suzuki 413 with 2ltr Fiat engine conversion, that was fun.
Suzuki Grand Vitara GV2000
Suzuki Grand Vitara V6
Hyundai Santa FE. Bit of a mistake!
XC90 D5 06 plate
XC90 D5 14 plate
XC70 D5 16 plate
Currently running around in a V90 D5 awd R Design 68 plate
Got My eyes on a V90 CC Ocean Race, just don't let the wife Know...

[Thekilt]

one thing to note regarding XC70/90, is if you intend to put anything on the roof, the XC70 will be easier to access. Getting gear off the roof on any proper size SUV is a nightmare.

[Dicky Boy]

As well as Mercedes Vito's. They dont have a auto transmission dip stick but Main dealers are quite happy to take £225 off you to do an oil and filter change. Do you thing the Volvo's would benefit from doing that ? TIA.

[Dicky Boy]

That's a major reason I like the XC90, so much room in the back for fishing gear that there is no need to leave very valuable kit on the exposed roof rack. Getting a bit paranoid in my old age about armpits stealing my hard earned kit! ;-)

[Dicky Boy]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for all your invaluable information. I am leaning towards a Xc 90 with about a 7K budget but I am still a bit foggy on what year and model would be best in the reliability stakes? Is the euro version any good what years are better.... Oh and can you lend me a tenner to buy it please ?

I am still amazed at how much you guys know about all these bit's n bobbs and how generous you are when sharing your much appreciated help.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Dicky Boy

As well as Mercedes Vito's. They dont have a auto transmission dip stick but Main dealers are quite happy to take £225 off you to do an oil and filter change. Do you thing the Volvo's would benefit from doing that ? TIA.

Yes they do, for sure (but bear in mind that whilst there are filters in these autoboxes, they're so deeply embedded that they are not service items).

Lots (and lots) of relevant threads about gearbox ATF changes...

PS
A 90 is surely overkill for your requirements