XC90 163 Vs XC90 185 - What should I look for?

[Green George]

We are on the verge of replacing our family car. We like the XC90 and have a budget of 8k to 10k. I would ideally like a manual but would be happy with an automatic ( Are there two types? i.e. automatic + gear tronic).

I am not sure whether to go for a sub 80k earlier car like: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

or a higher milesage car from a non-franchised dealer / marque expert like: http://www.pwcars.co.uk/used_car_volvo_xc90_estate... Should I be concerned about the mileage?

Or higher mileage from a franchised dealer like this one: http://www.selektvolvocars.co.uk/selekt-search-res...

Edited by Green George on Sunday 3rd February 19:06

[A993LAD]

I have got a 185. It has been no trouble at all and now has done 91,000. We have owned it for about 6 years and it has been a main family car and also used for towing a horse trailer

Apart from the regular servicing for the maintenance costs have been minimal

[Green George]

Are there two marques of 163 engine? I have seen are Euro III and others are Euro IV compliant. It seems the Euro III has less emissions gubbins fitted; so less to go wrong.
Haven't seen any mention of model years so not sure how to work out which engine (163) is fitted.
Anyone able to shed some light?

[GhiaX]

There was the D5 165 engine, when that was superceeded by the D5 185, the old 163 engine was renamed 2.4D.

[Throttle Body]

If your annual mileage is low, consider the 2.5l petrol version. You will pay a lot less for it, and I think it is much nicer than the diesel.

[y2blade]

The Chocolate AWD System on the pre 2007 cars would be the main worry.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=xc90+awd+failure...

Great cars though, our T6 (AKA The Timebomb) has been faultless.

[burgo74]

Hi,
I have a 53 XC90 D5 163bhp geartronic and have owned it for 3 years,If I was looking again for another one I would make sure the infotainment(radio) display is working correctly and the parking sensors.Also have a look to make sure there are no oil leaks from under the under tray(telltale drain on bellhousing).
My 100,000 mile one is currently in the garage(1st time in 3 years) for a replacement crankshaft seal.It's a huge job £12 seal £600 labour!!!
Anyway,apart from that I tow the caravan with it and it is an amazing wagon. The only downside is the huge hesitation with the geartronic auto when you are pulling away from a standstill. It's about 3-4 seconds sometimes and takes a bit of getting used to when you first buy it. Apart from that I regularly get 33MPG around town and about 42 MPG on a run @ 65-70mph,average 25-28mpg towing. As mine is a 53 plate my road tax is about £245 instead of the £400+ for post 55 reg. I have also fitted WR2 Nokian winter tyres and its amazing in the snow!!
good luck
mike

[mattman]

we have a 04 D5 SE, bought at 85k and approaching 100k - no major problems to report other than previous owner filling CD changer with coins - dealer fixed under warranty. Did find a leak on the sunroof drain but was an easy DIY fix although removing the drivers footwell carpet was a bit of a faff.

We looked at an 07 before buying with 89k for £3,000 more - it was nice, slightly quicker but not sufficent to warrant the extra outlay (and the £440/yr tax)

Don't get any hesitation when pulling away, certainly not 3-4 seconds - its by no means a sports car, but neither is it dangerous. checked the AWD system when we got it and all works fine. Just replaced the Scorpions with 4x General Grabbers for £550 fitted and they seem to be a lot better in the wet.

Also tow with it and its been great - 7 seats used more than expected and when not in use a massive boot space too.

highly recommend them, just have a good look around before you part with any cash or get a vehicle inspection

[Roger Woods]

We have an 03 Derv Auto that we have had since 3 years old (25000 miles now 72000) and I have to say we have had a couple of bills in the last 18 months that would make your hair stand on end but that said its been a great family car that we would only replace with another XC90 but that said the cost to change would be vast to get another 2 or 3 year old XC so I think we will be keeping for a while yet.

I have just bought a 05 V70 as well so Volvo must be doing something right!

[dave_s13]

Good pal of mine recently went through this process and looked at the XC90.

But, he ended up buying a Lexus RX400h. I'd never even considered one before but I was very impressed with it, definately an alternative. Possibly more reliable??

[dumpy]

Believe your right about the euro 3 being better bet than euro 4. You can tell from colour of engine cover. If its black its a 3 and if silver its a 4. Thats as long as its the same as a v70d5 though. Believe the change was around 2005.