2014 XC90 Volvo - talk to me
Discussion
Despite hating such things it may seem sensible to purchase our family's 'big car' for my OH and our holidays/family time leaving me now home based and able to have a smaller car with some fun credentials.
For her I have been looking at low mileage circa 40k 2014 XC90's, they seem very compelling for a family wagon with load space or the ability to cart aged grandparents round on day trips etc.
What are they like reliability wise, running cost wise etc, any horror stories (please dont recount horror stories of buying cheap high milers that were poorly maintained though!)
For her I have been looking at low mileage circa 40k 2014 XC90's, they seem very compelling for a family wagon with load space or the ability to cart aged grandparents round on day trips etc.
What are they like reliability wise, running cost wise etc, any horror stories (please dont recount horror stories of buying cheap high milers that were poorly maintained though!)
I have had two xc90's - first a 2006 with 60k I bought 6 years ago.
Ran it for 5 years and took it to 120k and other than servicing and one rear suspension bush it was 100% reliable.
Traded it in for a 2013 model with 50k miles last year.
I don't like buying the same car twice - variety is the spice of life etc - but after driving a toureg, Merc ml, BMW X5, Kia Sorrento and a disco - all had their positives, such as faster or better handling or easier luggage space - but all had compromises that the XC90 met or exceeded in spades!
On balance the XC90 with the 200bhp d5 was just the better overall package in terms of size, boot space, 7 seats, power and ease to drive as a daily. They also do very well in terms of reliability with a moderately simple engine that's stood the test of time and fairly basic suspension that limits budget busting repairs of hydro-auto-pnuemo-adjusting-switchable suspension.
Until lockdown, mine did Leeds to Manchester twice a week commute, general ferrying kids about, shopping runs and towing a 6.5m twin axle caravan once a month and averaged 31.5mpg over 12000 miles.
There are a couple of gripes - they are very sensitive to wheel alignment and handle like s
t if not perfect. They are very particular about tyres. Some, even premium, make it handle like st. Check the ovlov forums for recommended rubber. They eat brakes...A LOT of brakes. Don't use aftermarket, I have never gotten more than 10k out of a set of aftermarket disks before they warp and start juddering, even ebc disks/pads. Genuine only and don't cry too much at the price. But that's offset by you being able to change them on your drive as it's piss simple. 2hours for all 4 corners at most! Don't buy one without premium sound. It's awful and I promptly upgraded all the speakers in my first one. Don't worry about satnav, it is laughably rubbish, just use waze on your phone.
But otherwise it's a great car, epic sized boot, great 5 cylinder gruff noise and delightful to drive about. Way more grunt than you realistically need and can really be hussled about that belies its size. Build quality and cabin ambience is easily on a par with the krauts and the seats are the best seats ever. Fact. Ever.
Ran it for 5 years and took it to 120k and other than servicing and one rear suspension bush it was 100% reliable.
Traded it in for a 2013 model with 50k miles last year.
I don't like buying the same car twice - variety is the spice of life etc - but after driving a toureg, Merc ml, BMW X5, Kia Sorrento and a disco - all had their positives, such as faster or better handling or easier luggage space - but all had compromises that the XC90 met or exceeded in spades!
On balance the XC90 with the 200bhp d5 was just the better overall package in terms of size, boot space, 7 seats, power and ease to drive as a daily. They also do very well in terms of reliability with a moderately simple engine that's stood the test of time and fairly basic suspension that limits budget busting repairs of hydro-auto-pnuemo-adjusting-switchable suspension.
Until lockdown, mine did Leeds to Manchester twice a week commute, general ferrying kids about, shopping runs and towing a 6.5m twin axle caravan once a month and averaged 31.5mpg over 12000 miles.
There are a couple of gripes - they are very sensitive to wheel alignment and handle like s
t if not perfect. They are very particular about tyres. Some, even premium, make it handle like st. Check the ovlov forums for recommended rubber. They eat brakes...A LOT of brakes. Don't use aftermarket, I have never gotten more than 10k out of a set of aftermarket disks before they warp and start juddering, even ebc disks/pads. Genuine only and don't cry too much at the price. But that's offset by you being able to change them on your drive as it's piss simple. 2hours for all 4 corners at most! Don't buy one without premium sound. It's awful and I promptly upgraded all the speakers in my first one. Don't worry about satnav, it is laughably rubbish, just use waze on your phone.But otherwise it's a great car, epic sized boot, great 5 cylinder gruff noise and delightful to drive about. Way more grunt than you realistically need and can really be hussled about that belies its size. Build quality and cabin ambience is easily on a par with the krauts and the seats are the best seats ever. Fact. Ever.
Edited by Nicks90 on Monday 10th August 20:17
Had a 2010 d5 as a family bus for three years, bought cheap with 133k on, now budging 160, superb family bus! Needed a water pump and general servicing. My wife initially “hated it” (she wanted a Porsche!) but now loves it and is happy to keep it forever. Sees all her friends with much newer 4x4s suffer with constant issues.
On top of that I decided to replace my van with one, load bay as big as a small van but can take much more weight, drives like a luxobarge, bought a 2004 with 70k. It’s developed a clonk we can’t trace and are working thru the whole front end replacing bits! Don’t resent it tho, love it. I have other cars for fun but these things just soooooothe.
On top of that I decided to replace my van with one, load bay as big as a small van but can take much more weight, drives like a luxobarge, bought a 2004 with 70k. It’s developed a clonk we can’t trace and are working thru the whole front end replacing bits! Don’t resent it tho, love it. I have other cars for fun but these things just soooooothe.
We are the same as Nick. Had the 185 model then moved on to the 200 model. It's my wifes car so gets a fair about of abuse with the kids in tow. The only thing I don't like about ours is that it's on 20" alloys - but that they came with the model she was after (a red R-design). Agree with the wheel alignment and brakes!
I think we'll change next year and will no doubt end up in the new shape XC90.
I think we'll change next year and will no doubt end up in the new shape XC90.
Edited by Ciaran on Tuesday 11th August 15:45
Always a lot of love for the XC90 on here 
We've had 2, both 185s (06 & 07).
Used for towing, general family duties for 3 kids, taxi for mates/family etc..
Ours weren't low mileage but were still reliable with only brakes, tyres and occasional suspension bushes needing changing.
Gearbox is a little slow but you get used to it.
Avoid the Sport/R Design with the big wheels, it spoils the ride compared to the normal wheels IMO.
Or maybe I just had crap tyres, test drive cars with both and see for yourself.
The 200 is meant to be a step up engine wise but they were just outside our price range.
Both of ours averaged 31-33 mpg, I think the 200 will do a little more.
We've had 2, both 185s (06 & 07).
Used for towing, general family duties for 3 kids, taxi for mates/family etc..
Ours weren't low mileage but were still reliable with only brakes, tyres and occasional suspension bushes needing changing.
Gearbox is a little slow but you get used to it.
Avoid the Sport/R Design with the big wheels, it spoils the ride compared to the normal wheels IMO.
Or maybe I just had crap tyres, test drive cars with both and see for yourself.
The 200 is meant to be a step up engine wise but they were just outside our price range.
Both of ours averaged 31-33 mpg, I think the 200 will do a little more.
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