XC70 - v - XC90

[Driver09]

Having always driven petrol Volvo' for the last 40 years, 145/245/V70 I am now seriously researching to buy either XC70 or XC90 in D5. Any advice on what to look for and pro's and con's on both models would be much appreciated. I would prefer the 180bhp or higher models.
So far in my researches there appear to be a veritable mountain of XC90 D5' on the market all circa 160k miles give or take, why? Have all the school runners suddenly abandoned diesel or are company fleets having a clear out?

Thanks in advance for your input

[luggsey]

Depending on how big a car you want really?
The 70 was my choice for low boot floor height for making loading a heavy disability scooter easy and the 'just right' seat height for my disabled Mum to easily slide in or out without climbing up to the seat or being too low.
I like the look of the 90 but it's heavier as well so didn't suit me.
Maybe my reasons for going for a 70 help you a bit?

[999gsi]

We picked up our xc90 r design 3 weeks ago.. 10 plate 80k on the clock,Traded in an Insignia Elite Turbo (Petrol). We love it, best car I have ever owned, Quiet, comfortable,does more mpg than the Insignia. Never thought I would own a diesel but although it’s nowhere as quick as the vx it has plenty of torque especially mid range. Our plan is to buy a caravan hence buying an suv. I cannot recommend the xc90 enough.. Buy one and you won’t look back.. ps Carscene Norwich have a couple in stock with low mileage. I bought mine from here and would definitely deal with them again..Phil.

[JGTTDI]

I purchased my XC70 2005 D5 lux two weeks ago and love it. A very nice place to be but with the added ride height speedbumps are a breeze. The D5 is a nice engine, mine is the 163bhp so no issues with DPF filter etc. It has a nice torque curve and is also quite quiet considering it's a diesel. Average around 35mpg from mixed driving.

My brother has the XC90 D5 and he also has nice things to say about it.

Thanks Jonathan.

[Driver09]

Thanks for that guys, a bit of help. Here's what I'm looking for.
My two main interests are fishing and falconry and exploring potential new locations for said countryside pursuits. I once took a 245 into the Cairngorms on a poor farm track, across fields and streams the only thing that stopped me eventually after a good few miles was a 20 foot snowdrift. I had to do a 3 point turn into a stream to turn around, which the car did without a a slip. So I am looking for a practical car on and off road and one that's not too sluggish on the highways. I'm leaning towards the XC70 simply because it appears to be like a 245/V70 on steroids. However, the XC90 might be the ticket as long as it's not just another school run or Waitrose 4x4? I don't expect Range Rover or Hummer performance off road but I need a reasonable degree of performance off road, better than the average non Volvo estate.

[Driver09]

Thanks Jonathan,"so no issues with DPF filter etc" what are these about please? I'm NO mechanic I just put the right fluids in the right places and drive

[reggit]

Originally Posted by Driver09

Thanks Jonathan,"so no issues with DPF filter etc" what are these about please? I'm NO mechanic I just put the right fluids in the right places and drive

Diesel particulate filter - fitted from 2005 to the euro4 engine and (I assume) later. They're only troublesome on cars that are only used for short 'school and shopping' runs. Anything that gets a good blast weekly shouldn't have a problem.

[tt82]

Originally Posted by Driver09

So I am looking for a practical car on and off road and one that's not too sluggish on the highways. I'm leaning towards the XC70 simply because it appears to be like a 245/V70 on steroids. However, the XC90 might be the ticket as long as it's not just another school run or Waitrose 4x4? I don't expect Range Rover or Hummer performance off road but I need a reasonable degree of performance off road, better than the average non Volvo estate.

Volvo refer to the XC70 as their most capable off road car.

[JGTTDI]

With lots of start stop journeys the Diesel particulate filter can block up causing running issues. The 163bhp Xc70 isn't fitted with this but the euro 5 185bhp is (would imagine same goes with the XC90)

From the requirements you need from the vehicle I think the xc70 is the better option. It's lighter and in my opinion more nimble. Also if you need the extra ground clearance you can purchase a lift kit to raise the suspension.

Hope this helps.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by JGTTDI

With lots of start stop journeys the Diesel particulate filter can block up causing running issues. The 163bhp Xc70 isn't fitted with this but the euro 5 185bhp is (would imagine same goes with the XC90)

From the requirements you need from the vehicle I think the xc70 is the better option. It's lighter and in my opinion more nimble. Also if you need the extra ground clearance you can purchase a lift kit to raise the suspension.

Hope this helps.

Fitted from Euro 4 onwards. Grey engine cover's the giveaway.

OP, we went the XC70 route. It's all the car we need for family, dogs, light off road. I don't see the 90 adds anything except a certain clumsiness caused by extra bulk. Others' views will vary