200k Mileage Car-What Needs Looking At?

[zakmuh]

Hi Guys,

I bought this 2007 Volvo XC90 D5 4x4 from a well known local garage. The car has a very high mileage, 215000 miles. Its in immaculate condition and it has been serviced at Volvo at regular intervals. Everything working fine-AWD, auto gearbox etc. Cambelt has been changed at 155k miles. I got this car for £2400 with 3 months warranty. So in my opinion, it is a very good deal.

I'm seeking some advice.....even though its been regularly service and no obvious mechanical or electrical problems currently, should I do a thorough check/replace/service any parts, to make sure nothing could possible go wrong in the future?

Any advice would be highly appreciated

Thanks

Zak

[kiethton]

At that value and mileage I’d apply a semi-bangernomics approach; only replacing items when they break or fail an MOT, keeping a wider view on the cost/benefit analysis of moving the car on for more substantial £££ repairs.

At the end of the day and as with all cars an auto box or differential/transfer/electrical problem could appear randomly and without warning, Sod’s law says this will be just after you’ve invested heavily in the car...

[steveo3002]

refresh all the drivetrain fluids , otherwise repair it as it breaks

[tight fart]

Piston heads classified?

[zakmuh]

Thanks all

steveo3002 said:

refresh all the drivetrain fluids , otherwise repair it as it breaks

This is a good point actually. The fluids in differential, transfer case, gearbox would have lost its viscosity. So yup, I'll change them all.

This is my first XC90. I'd use this for a year or two and then go for a 2011/12 one.

Cheers

[S100HP]

Having done similar on my 150k XC70, I'd suggest changing both vacuum engine mounts and top mount if not done recently. Makes a massive difference to vibrations throughout the car. Hint: It shouldn't vibrate

[Steve_D]

Do a little research on your particular auto box as I have heard of advise being given to not change the fluid unless it has been done previously on a regular basis.
The reasoning is that sediment builds over time and sits undisturbed in the corners so to speak. New fluid has detergents etc in which lift the sediment which then blocks the valve block etc.

Steve

[zakmuh]

S100HP said:

Having done similar on my 150k XC70, I'd suggest changing both vacuum engine mounts and top mount if not done recently. Makes a massive difference to vibrations throughout the car. Hint: It shouldn't vibrate

Oh yeah actually, I missed this point earlier. It does vibrate, especially at cold start and then whenever I put my foot down for overtaking. It makes a growling kinda noise when overtaking. I'd thought its to do with the vibration?

Whats and where is this 'vacuum' mounts please?

[S100HP]

Two at the bottom of the engine. £100 each to buy. You'll then need to replace the top one too, which is another £50.

[stevieturbo]

If there is a trustworthy and reputable service/work history...that will be worth an awful lot.

But regardless of age, all the usual things need checked. 200k really isnt a big deal to a good car these days that has been looked after.

[zakmuh]

Yeah, it has full Volvo service history. I think the previous owner must have done loads and loads of motorway journeys. I've booked the for a thorough inspection with my mechanic. So I'll get a good report on this car this weekend.

If I give a call to local Volvo and give them my reg, could they tell me all the repair history?

At the moment I've stripped the interior panels and working on installing reverse camera + double din head unit. I've managed to get the parking sensor to beep as well

[zakmuh]

Hey Guys

A quick update. The air-intake system, ie intercooler, EGR and intake manifold all is heavily clogged up with carbon + oil. Though the car runs all fine, its advised to give all these three a good cleaning.

There is this radiator engineers near my place. I'll get this sorted with them. The quote is £120, not bad I guess.

Thanks

[trickywoo]

zakmuh said:

I'd use this for a year or two and then go for a 2011/12 one.

In that case I’d not spend a penny on it.

Nothing you can do at this stage will help you if you are not have it a year.

Don’t even fill the washer bottle if you don’t have too.

[zakmuh]

I see your point mate, but it's good to keep things in better condition so that the engine would run with better efficiency, and the new owner after me will have a good car.

Cheers

[Penelope Stopit]

You could fit new starter bushes and brushes and new alternator bearings and brushes

[zakmuh]

Thanks, I did actually check the brushes in the starter- its not bad. They must have reconditioned or replaced it with a new one. I'll check the alternator