XC90 question

[Desseardo]

My 2018 XC90 is going back from lease shortly and I’m thinking of buying a older Volvo XC90. Budget is around £6500ish.
Only need it at weekends to cart the family around and occasionally tow our 1800kg caravan.
What’s difference between active models and others?
Also I guess automatic versions are called geartronic?
Would I also need to upgrade the cooling if I towed?
Thanks in advance
Jamie

[Javaman365]

As I seem to recall, the Active model was essentially the entry level? Known for having "artificial leather" ( or as I knew it growing up, vinyl/plastic) seat bolster covering notorious for wear. Go for an SE, there's plenty of choice out there.

Geartronic, yes auto. Again most will be. I looked long and hard for a manual when buying the XC70, and even harder with the XC90, but they are rare. I think I've heard of one while on here.

Towing - the XC90 has cooling modules for the transmission which should ideally have extra modules added for towing work. I don't know how often it has been done by owners who tow though.

I'd also think about upping your budget a bit to get a younger/well maintained example rather than someone's heavily abused money pit. (Just like any other car)

[Desseardo]

Thanks for reply.
Matter of interest my caravan is twin wheel 1800kg. Could I get away with a xc70 D5?
I appreciate an XC90 is better but would it be too much for the smaller car?
I know there are sites out there to match vehicles, but wondering if any xc70 owners tow regularly?

Thanks

[4x4]

I would say the XC70 will be too light to safely tow an 1800kg twin wheel caravan

[Just Phil]

Ive got a 59 plate XC90 Active, had it for 5 years now and don't plan to change it any time soon. Yes its got a bit of wear on the passengers seat but that's the only problem.
It's now covered 125k miles and still drives like new, apart from regular servicing incl cam belt at 105k the only things that have worn out are the front wishbones and the duel mass clutch, both of then cost about £900 each to fix.

It's got active bendy lights, great for when you drive abroad, no more putting stickers on the head lights just push a button and the lights adjust to the right. It's got a good radio, heated electric mirrors, 7 seats and all the normal things you would expect on a Volvo. We had a one day trip to Belgium last weekend cruised at 75/80 all day effortlessly and we get 33 mpg.

The reason we got an Active was because I wanted manual and the wife didn't want leather, we had to search around a bit to find one but it was worth it, we wont be changing for some time yet.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Desseardo

Thanks for reply.
Matter of interest my caravan is twin wheel 1800kg. Could I get away with a xc70 D5?
I appreciate an XC90 is better but would it be too much for the smaller car?
I know there are sites out there to match vehicles, but wondering if any xc70 owners tow regularly?

Thanks

On paper you can but you are going well above the caravanners rule of thumb of the caravan weight being no more than 85% of that of the tow car. At and above that point - you are much more susceptible to losing control due to wind sheer or snaking.

[Javaman365]

Assuming caravan has own braking system, the XC90 is the only way forward I believe.

[gmonag]

I towed my first 1800kg twin axle caravan with a V70. All was fine until I got hit by a side wind on a motorway going downhill at 60mph. The caravan began to snake and it took me a good 1/2 mile to get it under control (I very nearly lost it).

After that I changed the car for a XC90 and have never had a problem since.

[Tannaton]

It’s also worth noting that the XC90’s nivomat suspension is hugely beneficial when towing and heavily loaded. It was not fitted as standard on any other model.