V70 to XC90

[LardFather]

Has anyone made the jump from a Phase1 V70 to a Phase1 XC90 or does anyone have both at the moment? I'm toying with the idea of making the jump from my 1999 classic 140 auto v70 to a pre 2005 d5 auto XC90 and would appreciate the input/advice/views/findings of my fellow volvo-ers.

[daniel mossey]

I have both a v70 r and an xc90. Both very different to drive. The gearbox on the v70 I feel works better and smoother. Obviously handling is more wallowed, and to plan your exit from standstill on the Xc say on roundabouts takes some practice. I like being that much higher up if I'm honest. I think the ground clearance is over 330 mm on the Xc where as on the Volvo I have to plan more as its lower the route ahead. Fuel is good being an auto on the diesel compared to the petrol. I like both but as I've got older and the room to appreciate on the Xc is great. Higher up I feel more safer and I think in an impact you are.
Very different cars so both are good in their own right but you can't compare them as both provide diffrent needs.
Dan

[LardFather]

I currently have two V70s and I'd be keeping the R if I get an XC90, planning movement at a roundabout is something I've come to accept in the V70 (n/a) anyway. The reason for the move or possible move is the rear row of seats in the V70 isn't really suitable for the kids anymore as they're growing and something more efficient on the motorway would be better for the commute which is now 40+ miles each way.

[JMP]

Until recently I had both a 53 reg XC90 and a 99' V70. They are totally different beasts. Our XC90 served us for 10 years and was fantastic but it had a few problems in that time (core plug 2k, awd transfer box 1k, mice invasion for two winters £££, plus a few other bits we could forgive it for) it did take us to 180k in that time though so not too bad really. The V70 I bought from my father in law to make him give up driving... this was a fantastic car until the cam belt slipped killing the engine (a shame as only 85k).

I decided to go down to one car and tried a later 2011 XC90 as replacement for our XC/V70... it was utterly terrible!!

I have now ended up with a 2012 Mercedes R350 CDI (a great and underrated XC90 alternative but not well known... I'll await the abuse...) but with another almost identical V70 to go with it.

Obviously it is the V70 I have the most love for... it was always totally dependable but I neglected the maintenance as always more concerned with the XC and it's possible fragility. Needless to say the V70 I have now will be cared for as carefully as the rest of the fleet.

In my opinion a good XC90 is a fantastic family car, especially if you need the space with child seats etc but the V70 is also great and I will always have one as a back up car on the drive. I'd agree with the previous comments on the XC90 feeling safer though!


If you have a well set up V70 I'd take your time over deciding to make sure you tick all required boxes before making the change.

[daniel mossey]

Just out of interest why was the later xc90 2011 in your view terrible?
Dan I'm just about to buy newer myself.

[DunkinBiskits]

all I know about the XC90 is to avoid the T6 due to the GM slushboxes shi*ting the bed and the 2.5t is awfully slow

[doingitsideways]

Originally Posted by DunkinBiskits

all I know about the XC90 is to avoid the T6 due to the GM slushboxes shi*ting the bed and the 2.5t is awfully slow

The V8 isn't

I have an 850 estate and the XC90, although Mine's a V8.

The 850 is utterly and completely bombproof, there's no two ways about it, but the P80 chassis design is showing its age now.
Simplicity is most definitely on it's side though.

The XC90 though is a fantastic family bus.
The chassis is pretty good although wallowy as said, but still manages to feel planted.
Lots of kit available to keep the kids entertained and the boot is ridiculously big. Adequate with 3rd row up too.
3rd row seats are adequate, but would probably feel cramped for large teenagers or adults on a long run.
Far more electrical things to go wrong, so investing in a Vida setup pays for itself in about 5 minutes flat. Lol
Early D5s suffer from core plug failure inside the bell housing, losing all the oil in seconds if they go properly.
Also early 5spd autos can be troublesome.
Aux belt failure often caused by a bad idler/tensioner bearing takes out the cambelt with it.
Angle gear that sends power to the back wheels fails. Will still drive fine but only have FWD.

Erm... It's late so can't think of any more

[LardFather]

So one hand we have new toys, modern-ish design, more technical gizmos and the like but on the hand we have a whole new list of things to go wrong and a more 'small French car' approach to build quality compared to my V70s, I do enjoy working the V70s myself and feeling like a mechanic but the prospect of new Volvo style Chelsea tractor is appealing too. I do have another option here, my wife has Honda crv that could go, allowing me to keep my V70s and get the XC90, I'll have a look at that option.

I guess the next question is which XC90 to get, I'd prefer diesel for the motorway miles and auto is in my blood now but trim, year and so on are all open to suggestion

[JMP]

Originally Posted by daniel mossey

Just out of interest why was the later xc90 2011 in your view terrible?
Dan I'm just about to buy newer myself.

There were a number of problems with the car which came up from the day we purchased it. The reverse cam failed to operate, anti-skid issues, door locks with a mind of their own, a ride quality that made the kids feel sick everytime we used it, excessive oil consumption, slow gear changes... the list goes on. In my opinion the last of the 1st gen XC90 were punching slightly above their weight. The quality of the seat leather was also not really the standard you would expect from such a premium car.

A good earlier version is in my opinion more worthwhile compared to paying the £££££ premium for a later one which has nothing different really apart from the more powerful engine and a few more toys.

We went for an R-Design which looked fantastic but just wasn't anywhere near as good as our old XC (only traded in as the mice had done their work and the rear end was starting to rot). If I'd had my way we would still have it.

More toys, more problems I suppose. I think we probably brought a lemon to be honest and there are probably some well set up later XC's out there. Our earlier XC drove much better than the later one and was so good I forgave it all it's problems (though these were years apart not days apart like the later model). Test drives and doing a deal with 3 kids running about just doesn't make for doing things in a composed and methodical manner!

We're happy now in the R-Class as the rear seats have more legroom than the XC so with growing kids that can only be good. An adult could sit in them for a long distance no problem. The 3.0 V6 diesel is wonderful too giving 7.5 sec 0-60 and giving mpg on a par with the XC. I always thought Volvo missed out here with a punchier engine giving better performance/refinement. If it lasts the 10 years our old XC did then I'll be more than happy.