Which XC90 to go for? older or newer?

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Mike Stead

Some advice appreciated here:

We are looking at options for getting an SE D5 auto, either

an older MY (02-05) 163bhp, 125k miles for around the £6-7k mark

Or going for a newer one - say 2006, 185bhp, around 80-90k miles for more like £11k.

My question is - if affordability isn't an issue, which represents better 'value'?

i.e. over the long run, would we be better paying more for a younger, lower-mileage car, newer design, more powerful engine etc? Would expensive maintenance items in the older car (another cambelt? brake discs etc) negate the lower purchase price over 3-4 years?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

I haven't found the maintaince costs on my 03 excessive by any means. The 163bhp also gives better fuel consumption. However the 185 is a better more technically advanced engine and it always has the better more bullet proof 6 speed auto box.

The drive train only got the new uprated sleeve for 2006, it didn't get the modified chassis and larger angle drive until 2008.

My 02 163 bhp V70 auto has over 150,000 miles on it now and still as sweet as a nut, never needs more than a routine service but that's nothing for the 163 bhp engine so a diffcult choice. On balance I'd probably go for the 185 bhp, until I had to vist the petrol station that is. ;-)

[REDSHEEPRIDD]

[QUOTE=RoyMacDonald;1078784]The drive train only got the new uprated sleeve for 2006, it didn't get the modified chassis and larger angle drive until 2008.

Roy - I thought the new lighter chassis and damper revisions were on the MY 2010 models (big badge) - what improvements were made in 2008 and did this tie in with the lower emission/tax band (58 plate)?

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by JimG

Good tip Dixie. Engine running or just ignition on?

Definitely works with key in position II but think it might also work with engine running. Lots of info on here as to what the abbreviations/categories mean. As I said it will only advise if any DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) are set in vehicle or not and in which category. I know this feature is on facelift models, not sure about whether on the older ones too.

[REDSHEEPRIDD]

Yes it works with the older 163 models & yes you can do it when it's running as well.

[Propofol]

My indy mechanic said go for the 163 as it's simpler and has no dpf or dmf on the auto. The auto gearbox (5 speed) is good providing you change the fluid. He reckoned on average new intercooler by 80K and new AWD kit £200 or so fitted. He advised against going for the 185 model and the 2005 has CEM water ingress.

You takes your chances. We got a 69K 04 plate D5 Auto and have done 5K in it since August with so far no problems. I will change the cambelt this year and flush the gearbox...the rest I hope will just be consumables which will always hit you i.e. brakes etc (which were done by dealer before we bought it).

Good luck. My only complaint with ours is that the interior door handles rattle so they are on my to-do list.

[chb]

Loving my MY2005 163bhp car.
30+mpg and fast enough. So far (touch wood) been lucky with the AWD.

[RoyMacDonald]

[QUOTE=REDSHEEPRIDD;1078834]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

The drive train only got the new uprated sleeve for 2006, it didn't get the modified chassis and larger angle drive until 2008.

Roy - I thought the new lighter chassis and damper revisions were on the MY 2010 models (big badge) - what improvements were made in 2008 and did this tie in with the lower emission/tax band (58 plate)?

I'm pretty sure the new larger angle drive was fitted from the introduction of the V8. The chassis was modified to enable it to fit. I didn't know about the lighter chassis in 2010. I hadn't noticed a weight change so I must check and see how much weight it's saved. I can't tell you about the emission bands.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Propofol

My indy mechanic said go for the 163 as it's simpler and has no dpf or dmf

What does dmf stand for?

The dpf hasn't been an issue on the XC90 judging by the forum posts.

[Mike Stead]

Thanks all, great food for thought.

Now my wife is decided on a facelift '56 SE Lux, satnav, towbar & premium sound, done 65k miles for £15k

Seems about right.

Would have liked Xenons - are they that much better than standard lights? Seemed to be interwebs confusion as to whether the SE Lux spec came with them included.

Also do they all have the reversing camera included?


Cheers

Mike

[Propofol]

Dmf = dual mass flywheel. The auto doesn't have one.