XC90 buying help

[hyphen]

Hello,

Thinking of picking up an old shape XC90 for family weekend trips use. Only downside is that it won't be ULEZ exempt.

What is the sweet spot in-terms of age and engine? As these go for a few k all the way up to £15 ish so not sure which will be the best buy. Was there a date by which most production niggles were ironed out/facelift changes.

Also what options would you recommend as must-haves?

And with regards to the trim, what are peoples preferences R Design Vs Exec? I'm not looking for spirited driving but reduced body roll is always very welcome, but then the exec appears more comfier to drive for longer trips?

Thanks

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Also what mileage are the engines/gearboxes good for? As a lot 150k+ ones about.

[S100HP]

Facelift 06 onwards are better cars from memory, the angle gear was upgraded and the D5 auto was mated with a 6 speed TF-80 box rather than a 5 speed AW-55 which is a bit flaky. They are good for moon miles, so I wouldn't worry too much, saying that I'd struggle to buy one much over 150k just because come resale it gets harder.

I wouldn't touch the 2.9 T6 as they come with the 4 speed gearbox. The D5 auto is probably the best bet.

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Thanks

[999gsi]

I would buy as new as your budget allows. The xc90 does hold its value quite well considering the new shape has been out 3 years. The 2011 model year has led drl’s( where the front fogs are) the D5 was updated to 200 bhp and it has rear led tail lights. We have a 10 plate D5 r design. Love it, very comfortable,quiet. Quick,Averages 33mpg easily,nothing has broken or gone wrong with it,huge boot and fairly low running costs as I don’t service it at a dealer. Down sides..it has lower profile tyres and sports suspension so has a harder ride,my biggest gripe is that it has the turning circle of a narrow boat so multi-storey car parks are best avoided (it’s a wide car). As previously mentioned,avoid the petrol T6 and unloved examples... we will keep ours until it dies....

[SteelerSE]

It is a very comfortable car. We have the executive and love the various toys - heated seats; cooling seats etc. Our journey to the South of France and back was blissfully easy.

The only downside other than the ridiculous turning circle is the poor standard of media integration. It is clunky, awkward, and years behind its competitors. My 2005 Audi A6 was light years ahead.

The sound system is great and I like everything else about the car but I'd suggest you check that out before buying.