General: Xc 70 or Xc 90 ?

[Dicky Boy]

Hi Guys and Girls,

Volvo newbie here.

I am looking to upgrade my 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara that I use mostly for fishing trips which means the odd trip off road but nothing too serious as in regards to terrain but there is often the muddy paddock or field to cross or steep hill to descend/climb to and from a river. I am torn between the XC 70 or the XC 90 but as either will be around a 2008 ish (Budget allowing) I was wondering if you wonderful people could steer me in the right direction regarding off road performance and of course the maintenance of either one.

As either will be a bit old, reliability will be a major issue as a pensioner I wont have lots of money to throw at it.

So any recommendations of model and year will be most helpful.

Thank you.

[S60D5-185]

I have had all 3 vehicles that you mention ( currently running an XC90 ).

Our 2004 Grand Vitara had all terrain tyres on it as does my XC90 and I would say that the Vitara is way more capable off road than either of the Volvos.

On the road, both Volvos are in a different league in terms of comfort and refinement BUT with that comes complexity and potential costs that your Suzuki does not have.

[Bonefishblues]

Buy a Fiat Sedici - a petrol one, not diesel. Job jobbed with the correct tyres, but also civilised on road.

Worth a look to see what the heck I'm on about

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Buy a Fiat Sedici - a petrol one, not diesel. Job jobbed with the correct tyres, but also civilised on road.

Worth a look to see what the heck I'm on about

Good little car 👍

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

Good little car 👍

One of the best I ever ran - with Nokian Winters on it was unstoppable, switchable 2wd/4wd/locking diff, the whole 9 yards (Vitara underpinnings courtesy of Suzuki who engineered it)

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Dicky Boy

Hi Guys and Girls,

Volvo newbie here.

I am looking to upgrade my 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara that I use mostly for fishing trips which means the odd trip off road but nothing too serious as in regards to terrain but there is often the muddy paddock or field to cross or steep hill to descend/climb to and from a river. I am torn between the XC 70 or the XC 90 but as either will be around a 2008 ish (Budget allowing) I was wondering if you wonderful people could steer me in the right direction regarding off road performance and of course the maintenance of either one.

As either will be a bit old, reliability will be a major issue as a pensioner I wont have lots of money to throw at it.

So any recommendations of model and year will be most helpful.

Thank you.

I've never owned an off-roader, but the terrain that you describe sounds a bit more XC90 than XC70 to me.

Will you be trying to cross that river?

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

One of the best I ever ran - with Nokian Winters on it was unstoppable, switchable 2wd/4wd/locking diff, the whole 9 yards (Vitara underpinnings courtesy of Suzuki who engineered it)

My problem is that I have a huge soft spot for little Fiats. Great cars.

[EssexExile]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

My problem is that I have a huge soft spot for little Fiats. Great cars.

The trouble is that little Fiats have tended to have too many soft spots in their bodywork over the years.

[Bonefishblues]

It's a Suzuki in Fiat drag, made on the same Eastern European line as the SX4, and isn't frangible in any way

[T5R92011]

Honestly I'd say buy a newer Suzuki or keep the old one if you want to keep costs down.

If you do go for a Volvo, realize that they can be a bit expensive to own BUT they will do big mileage. Make sure the AWD is working before you buy it as there is a part that can wear out, putting into FWD only mode.