Contemplating XC90 purchase, which year to go for?

[singlecoil]

By reading these pages I have learned that the earlier cars had problems with the splines etc, I understand these were addressed in later cars. At what age point would I be reasonably safe from those issues, and is there anything else that I need to watch out for?

TIA

It's a question of striking a nice balance between outlay and value (to me (as I don't really care about having a new-as-possible car, my current Volvo is about 18 years old)).

Edited by singlecoil on Thursday 15th November 14:02

[A993LAD]

i dont know much of the background on model changes but I've got a 2006 D5 which I've had froim new and cant fault it. About 90k on the clock and the faults really have been few and far between.

Only probs so far are:

Swirl control rod (very common well known silly component design)

Throttle body failure (also well known)

both the above at 80k miles and easily rectified.

Plus one front wheel bearing

Thats it in 6 years and 90k miles

[A993LAD]

Another thing I just thought of is that I have to pay £400+ road tax on mine.

But I believe they tweaked the power delivery on later models to get them under the threshold and into the lower tax bracket - £250 I think.

Worth baring in mind

Marc

[mattman]

We have an 04 d5 se and its been great - no spline issues. Just had Cambelt, water pump and new aux belt fitted as we've just turned 95k.
Highly recommend them, just have a real good look everywhere before you buy, they are mostly kid carriers so interiors don't get the easiest life.

[cuneus]

Foot operated parking brake on manuals can make hill starts tricky.

Water ingress if there is a sunroof.

Delaminating handbrake shoes can destroy a hub

Check for worn bushes listen for grumbles from bearings.

Go for the best spec you can find - Executive

[singlecoil]

Thanks for the info chaps. I think I'm going to wait a bit longer and go for a newer car, the depreciation curve doesn't seem quite as drastic as it is with some makes/models. It's evident they don't make them like they used to, though.