Things to look for when looking at an XC90

[Fulham]

Hi all,

A recent back injury has prompted me to look for a higher car, and since i have outstanding finance on my v70 i figured it simpler to just look at an xc90/60.

I'm looking at 2011-2014 plates, and am wondering what i should be looking for? I understand coming from Volvo direct i needn't look for much, but i want to find out the following:

- What are the major service periods

- Are there any model years to look for or to avoid

- Any decent facelifts around the periods i'm looking at

- What optional extras should I ensure I have?

- Were there any 215bhp versions of this car?

- Anything else I should know?

[colinbos]

History, work done, history, continuity in ownership, history and work done !

Don't bother with one with part or missing history, unless the current owner has spent a BOMB since they got it bringing it up to scratch.

Thats what I would do next, and despite the burn, id still buy another XC90.

[toby1479]

I have a 2011 (61 plate) SE model. The only optional extras that I wish that mine had are the ABL Xenons.

Personally I wouldn't bother with the Sat Nav, by all reports it's not that great and expensive to update. I use a Tomtom GO 6000, it comes with lifetime map updates, and has it's own data connection for traffic info included. Plus the 6 inch screen works well with such a deep dashboard.

With regards to facelifts, as far as I know the only facelift after mine gives you LED DRL's in the foglight positions, rather than having the Headlights on constantly. But other than that there is no other change.

Also the 200 BHP engine was as powerful as it got.

It's a great car, and suffers none of the issues of the earlier cars, such as AWD failure.

[volvoid]

Your bank balance. Its going to cost you.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Fulham

Hi all,

A recent back injury has prompted me to look for a higher car, and since i have outstanding finance on my v70 i figured it simpler to just look at an xc90/60.

I'm looking at 2011-2014 plates, and am wondering what i should be looking for? I understand coming from Volvo direct i needn't look for much, but i want to find out the following:

- What are the major service periods

- Are there any model years to look for or to avoid

- Any decent facelifts around the periods i'm looking at

- What optional extras should I ensure I have?

- Were there any 215bhp versions of this car?

- Anything else I should know?

There was a facelift with new bumpers, rear lights and wheel arches for 2007 model year.

Exec models have very good spec, SE good also, S and Active are poverty spec. There were also R design versions with lower suspension etc.

The XC90 did not get the twin turbo D5, but there was a version with 200 odd bhp but with laggy single blower.

Search the forum for buying guide/tips/advice, there have been some good posts in the past.

Good service history is highly desirable buy as with any car over a few years/100k get it inspected if you are not sure. You should have good protection with Volvo selekt however.

As it's the last model year, there are stunning deals available on the XC60, and the 2wd versions are cheaper to run if you don't need AWD. I've just ordered a SE LUX D4.....

[ts72]

Physically see any car you are looking at hooked up to a VIDA so you can see any fault codes.

[colinbos]

Originally Posted by ts72

Physically see any car you are looking at hooked up to a VIDA so you can see any fault codes.

That is definitely the best suggestion on here.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by colinbos

That is definitely the best suggestion on here.

....assuming that the prospective purchaser understands how to use VIDA sufficiently to know that they are not just looking at a stored profile or specific CSC.

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by colinbos

That is definitely the best suggestion on here.

Personally, I would not let anyone near my car with a scanner nor in this instance VIDA, the uncertainty and potential damage that could be caused in an inexperience DIY'ers hands ..... not worth thinking about IMO.

If you want that detailed info, get the AA, RAC, or a Volvo dealer to do an inspection ... that way the seller is protected against any unintentional or otherwise damage that may be inflicted due to improper operation.

Certainly a topic for some serious opinions I'd guess.

[colinbos]

Someone turning up with VIDA has to have half a clue, you would think.

I didn't know what it was until I got on here and wouldn't have known otherwise.

However, i do see your way of thinking, both of you.

If I was going to view another car, I would definitely ask if i could scan it, and tbh, if I was refused, given how much I have spent on my car since purchase 6 months ago, Id walk away from the potential cash cow.