Used XC60 Buying Advice

[Walker20]

Hi Everyone,

I've just joined as I had some queries regarding a used XC60 purchase and this seemed the best place to seek advice.

My father is contemplating a XC60 purchase and has itchy ‘buy’ fingers. I want to make sure this is the right car for him and that there are no future regrets! He is looking for a SUV type vehicle and has pinned down the XC60.
This will be used to tow a Bailey Verona Caravan – MTPLM 1448kg.

He test drove an XC70 2.4 D5? and it seemed a nice car, but he then drove a XC60 and seems to prefer that. I preferred the XC60 too. The D5 engine seemed a bit rougher/noisier than the D3. The XC60 is a 2011 D3 Geartronic model in SE Lux spec, FWD 52k @ £16,500 from the Volvo dealer, full history and a Volvo 12 month warranty. It also has a factory fitted detachable tow bar on it, which adds to his appeal!

He doesn’t do allot of miles, so whilst fuel economy is always helpful, it’s not a deal breaker. He wants an automatic and I think it’s a wise choice. Main considerations as far as I can see is whether he should look for a D4 or D5 engine instead and whether it’s worth having AWD over FWD? I think he will be avoiding the R-Line models as apparently the ride is harsher due to the sport set-up. Anything else he should consider?

[Stevelimabravo]

Don't tow but can't fault my xc60, get @35 mpg, mainly on motorways, auto is smooth and ride not too harsh.

[GJB]

Have XC60 my 2012 R design d5 polestar to 230hp am over 70 and use it for towing and find it great ,had XC90s for the last 10 years and I consider it far superior and also a lot more economical, cannot fault it.

[GJB]

Have XC60 2012 R design d5 polestar to 230hp am over 70 and use it for towing and find it great ,had XC90s for the last 10 years and I consider it far superior and also a lot more economical, cannot fault it.

[Walker20]

Do you find the R Design ride harsh? Lot's of the reviews seem to indicate it's a harder sportier ride and with the state of UK roads that maybe makes for a more uncomfortable drive. Reviews seem to steer people away from the R Design cars.

[Thrustyjust]

R design is fine. Not driven an SE, but they look so much smarter and the seats in ours are great ( premium leather) and cant fault the ride at all. We have 18 inch wheels on it. I can make a slight comparison to 17 inch, when the winter wheels go on.
From my fingers getting burnt with main dealers , if you are contemplating buying the car, please, please get an independent inspection done. Dealers love hiding things that will cost them money, so it would money well spent to check the vehicle over, including if its a Selekt car. I would never trust a dealer again.

[uniqueue]

Check out the Towing weights\noseweights - I recall a thread some time ago which suggested that there were some interesting differences between the FWD and the AWD, manual and auto and the 2l and 2.5 l engines. - which at the time no one seemed to be able to explain -

I don't have all the data to hand, but I recall that there is a range between 1500kg and 2000kg depending on the configuration.
With your Dad's van fully laden he will be getting close to the mfg limit if its 1500kg

[uniqueue]

I think this is the summary - all autobox - the manual box is different

D3 - FWD - 1600KG 75kg
D4 - FWD - 1600Kg - 75kg
D4 - AWD - 2000Kg - 90KG
D5 - AWD - 2000Kg - 90KG

[Walker20]

Originally Posted by uniqueue

I think this is the summary - all autobox - the manual box is different

D3 - FWD - 1600KG 75kg
D4 - FWD - 1600Kg - 75kg
D4 - AWD - 2000Kg - 90KG
D5 - AWD - 2000Kg - 90KG

The 2000Kg / 90Kg combo would be a better match to the caravan. It seems there isn't allot of difference in terms of fuel economy between the D3 and D5 (205) Geartronic. On that basis, the D5 AWD maybe the better choice? An older engine, but an extra 40+ BHP and a little more torque.

When was the D4 engine introduced? Budget is around £20k max.

[675rrr]

Buy an ML, Im going to sell my XC60.

Tensioner bolt snapped even though it was recalled 20000 kms ago.

Auto box is slow

Engine noisy.

Sensus system, no one understands.

Ride hard.

Electronic handbrake useless

Dealers useless.