Brit newbie attempting to buy XC90 in Portugal

[jamesm123]

Hello all

I’m a Brit recently relocated to Portugal. I’m about to go on the XC90 journey and hope to have bought my first Volvo in the next few weeks. 2nd hand cars here and generally on mainland Europe are depressingly expensive and most have very high mileage.

That said I’ve settled on the XC90, most probably an early D5 model due to pricing. Ive always turned my head over the years when I’ve seen one and it fits all my needs. I’ve trawled this forum and found lots of helpful posts, especially A lex’s buying guide from a few years back. (The manually turning the prop shaft being a great tip).

I am a former owner of two Range Rover Classics so ive had a baptism of fire when it comes to dealing with reliability issues and it’s held me in good stead when going to look at a potential new motor.

If and when I get one I’ll be sure to post some pics, in the meantime if there’s any other advice I’d be very grateful. Luckily I have a Portuguese pal who will be coming to the viewings with me for translation.

Cheers!
James

[Moomoo]

I hope all goes well with your quest. A bit of luck can go a long way toward a venture like this , good luck chap!

A grounding in anything Land Rover prepares you for most things!!!

Andrew.

[jamesm123]

Here are links to two I’m going to see week after next. Like I say high mileage (or KM) and expensive compared to UK but that’s just the way it is. I’m currently driving a 2010 Citroen C4 and I hate it ha. Google chrome automatically translates the pages

https://m.olx.pt/d/anuncio/volvo-xc-...o-IDGGWkS.html

https://m.olx.pt/d/anuncio/volvo-xc9...2-IDGCJYY.html

[john langrick]

Hi, you could also try the uk for lhd versions. An example (although not to advocate this source), is that there currently 3 lhd models for sale on the 'bay'. I assume same would be true via other outlets too.

It might make the translation when purchasing easier, but not sure about the import logistics these days..

Cheers and good luck.

[jamesm123]

Thanks your reply. Unfortunately it’s a nightmare to import to Portugal post brexit. I came over in an old Jaguar XJ40 believing that I was allowed to import one vehicle a year as long as it had been owned for more than twelve months. I ended up selling it back to the guy I bought it off as I was looking at around four grand in taxes and what they call matriculation.

And now the nicer of the two XC90’s in my link is gone! Bu#*er! I’m not sure I can be arsed to drive two hours to see the one with 400,000 on the clock. That is extremely high, I’m not sure.

[john langrick]

H
Thanks for the heads up re imports post Brexit.

Yes, very annoying that you missed your preferred option but the other mileage is a tad high I would say..

There are other European countries that might make it easier and may be worth trying.

But good luck..

Cheers

[jamesm123]

Yes I’ve explored that option. You get 90 days from another EU country then it’s the same import hassle. Portugal is generally cheap apart from cars, petrol and electricity. A pint of lager at 90p helps soften the blow.
That example with the super high mileage, I messaged the guy about two weeks ago asking a few questions and he never bothered to reply anyway. Best swerved I think!

[john langrick]

I guess you need to wait until a suitable car comes along. In the mean the enjoy a couple of largers!

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Cheers

[jamesm123]

I’m going to look at a 2009 Momentum 125k miles example on Thursday. It’s the nicest looking example I can find within my budget. All the others look ok but massive mileage, olde etc. I guess the old adage spend a bit more to find the nicest example affordable etc. Will this be a 185bhp one? If there is anything else I should look out for any advice is greatly appreciated.

[jamesm123]

Upon closer inspection I think it’s a manual, looking at the third pic I posted. I’ve read lots about the auto boxes, are the manuals any more robust?