Thirsty Swede - XC90 V8
Discussion
I seem to have an addiction to Swedish bricks… and rare ones even better.
I’ve had a XC90 D5 manual for years, used as family transport and caravan towing. It’s fine at those jobs, but a bit underpowered and…. boring.
My ‘daily’ is a 2003 V70R manual. I’ve overhauled all of the active suspension so it handles as it should and shifts far better than you’d expect an old barge to.
Manual ones are pretty rare, and to most people it’s just an old Volvo estate, doesn’t register as anything unusual. Perfect.
I recently put it up for sale, planning to sell both it and the diesel XC90 and replace both with one car to do both jobs. Got a good offer on it, but pulled out of the sale. I couldn’t do it, I’m too attached to that car. I think it’s one of about 30 manual examples remaining.
Also no idea what I could replace both cars with to give similar fun to the V70R and be large/heavy enough to tow the (big) caravan, as well as being within budget. Maybe an older Audi S6?
So I ditched the plans to reduce to 1 car.
Then this late 2009 XC90 V8 (4.4L petrol, Yamaha engine) came up for sale, at a reasonable price (for a V8, anyway). It’s 2 years younger than the D5, 50k miles less and in better condition. However, due to the increased road tax and terrible MPG it makes no financial sense to replace the D5… so I bought it!
So far I’ve only driven it a handful of times, but it’s a different world to the D5. Loads of power, silky smooth auto box, quieter, firmer suspension.
According to howmanyleft, it’s one of 11 2009’s currently on the road.
I’ve found a few small faults, parts ordered, will resolve them soon.
I’ve not towed with it yet, but I’m not expecting any drama. I’ve ordered a transmission cooler for it.
I now need to sell the D5, and put the money into petrol to keep this one going!
I’ve had a XC90 D5 manual for years, used as family transport and caravan towing. It’s fine at those jobs, but a bit underpowered and…. boring.
My ‘daily’ is a 2003 V70R manual. I’ve overhauled all of the active suspension so it handles as it should and shifts far better than you’d expect an old barge to.
Manual ones are pretty rare, and to most people it’s just an old Volvo estate, doesn’t register as anything unusual. Perfect.
I recently put it up for sale, planning to sell both it and the diesel XC90 and replace both with one car to do both jobs. Got a good offer on it, but pulled out of the sale. I couldn’t do it, I’m too attached to that car. I think it’s one of about 30 manual examples remaining.
Also no idea what I could replace both cars with to give similar fun to the V70R and be large/heavy enough to tow the (big) caravan, as well as being within budget. Maybe an older Audi S6?
So I ditched the plans to reduce to 1 car.
Then this late 2009 XC90 V8 (4.4L petrol, Yamaha engine) came up for sale, at a reasonable price (for a V8, anyway). It’s 2 years younger than the D5, 50k miles less and in better condition. However, due to the increased road tax and terrible MPG it makes no financial sense to replace the D5… so I bought it!
So far I’ve only driven it a handful of times, but it’s a different world to the D5. Loads of power, silky smooth auto box, quieter, firmer suspension.
According to howmanyleft, it’s one of 11 2009’s currently on the road.
I’ve found a few small faults, parts ordered, will resolve them soon.
I’ve not towed with it yet, but I’m not expecting any drama. I’ve ordered a transmission cooler for it.
I now need to sell the D5, and put the money into petrol to keep this one going!
Edited by aland75 on Tuesday 8th February 23:44
Nice I fancied a V8 to replace my SAAB but could only ever find imports.
In the end, traded the missus Fiesta for a 2011 D5 R-Design (200ps) will be mapping it soon as 200 aint enough at 2.1 tonne. Get some more pics up.
Here's my two thirsty Swede's (XC90 now has a black front grill and no roofbox)
In the end, traded the missus Fiesta for a 2011 D5 R-Design (200ps) will be mapping it soon as 200 aint enough at 2.1 tonne. Get some more pics up.
Here's my two thirsty Swede's (XC90 now has a black front grill and no roofbox)
Brilliant plan OP - man-maths at it's best! 
Back in 2008/9 when all my work colleagues were running diesels because of BIK and mileage rates we had an Aussie join us on an ex-pat deal and for some reason he bought a V8 XC90. I seem to remember his rationale was that he couldn't afford to run one in Oz.
Back in 2008/9 when all my work colleagues were running diesels because of BIK and mileage rates we had an Aussie join us on an ex-pat deal and for some reason he bought a V8 XC90. I seem to remember his rationale was that he couldn't afford to run one in Oz.
The XC90 D5 that this was bought to replace had it's MOT today and passed without any advisories, so will go up on Autotrader over the weekend.
One of the issues with the V8 is a wobble on one of the aux drive belt idler pulleys, accompanied with a squeak, assume the bearing is failing.
Ordered both idlers, which arrived today, so will get those fitted over the next few days, which should resolve that.
The V8 came with a towbar but 7-pin electrics, the D5 has 13-pin as my caravan and trailer are 13-pin. I've swapped around the towbar wiring harnesses, so now the V8 has the 13-pin. I'll take out the caravan for a test run with it when time allows.
One of the issues with the V8 is a wobble on one of the aux drive belt idler pulleys, accompanied with a squeak, assume the bearing is failing.
Ordered both idlers, which arrived today, so will get those fitted over the next few days, which should resolve that.
The V8 came with a towbar but 7-pin electrics, the D5 has 13-pin as my caravan and trailer are 13-pin. I've swapped around the towbar wiring harnesses, so now the V8 has the 13-pin. I'll take out the caravan for a test run with it when time allows.
aland75 said:
I've got zero experience/knowledge of Cayennes, what issues have you had?
Water pipes in the middle of the V blowing out - Gearbox needing a refurb, centre propshaft bearing mount and an ABS error that is ongoing....all good fun!(none of it cheap)
Lovely when it runs, although probably not as comfortable as the Volvo.
I have a rather long thread on here if you want the gory details!
aland75 said:
One of the issues with the V8 is a wobble on one of the aux drive belt idler pulleys, accompanied with a squeak, assume the bearing is failing.
Ordered both idlers, which arrived today, so will get those fitted over the next few days, which should resolve that.
Got similar on my D5.Ordered both idlers, which arrived today, so will get those fitted over the next few days, which should resolve that.
BenjiA said:
Water pipes in the middle of the V blowing out - Gearbox needing a refurb, centre propshaft bearing mount and an ABS error that is ongoing....all good fun!
(none of it cheap)
Lovely when it runs, although probably not as comfortable as the Volvo.
I have a rather long thread on here if you want the gory details!
I've just read the whole thread. Wow.(none of it cheap)
Lovely when it runs, although probably not as comfortable as the Volvo.
I have a rather long thread on here if you want the gory details!
I realise I may be in the same 'at risk' boat, buying an older V8 SUV... however i've had the D5 XC90 for ~9 years, done everything myself apart from a service or two - including a gearbox swap with clutch, DMF etc a few years ago on the drive. I've overhauled pretty much all of the brakes & suspension in that time, and swapped the interior. Because i've DIY'd so much, it's cost me peanuts to maintain over that time, and I expect the depreciation to be around £4k when I sell it, therefore under £500/year. If I added another £500/year for maintenance I would be exaggerating, as it's somewhat less, overall.
I'd much rather do this than be tied to a monthly finance deal on some modern car, which overall would cost me far more, for far less.
The V8 is pretty much the same car, but with a different engine and auto box, which are both considered reliable. Time will tell.
I'm hopeful, that with only 2 previous owners and service history, that it hasn't been passed around because of faults lurking.
I read the fault codes when I first viewed it and since getting it home, none both times, so that gives some encouragement.
Let's see how this thread is looking in a year's time!!
I also have a project XKR, that was bought with a fresh MOT that appeared to just need some tidying.
I'm now 2 years into a full restoration (significant rust problems) and serious £ouch as I refurbish everything along the way.
Grab a beer before you follow the link:
https://www.jaguarforum.com/threads/2004-xkr-rust-...
Edited by aland75 on Thursday 10th February 19:38
Edited by aland75 on Thursday 10th February 19:39
Man maths is a wonderful thing. I recently bought a 4.8 V8 Cayenne having started looking at the 3.2 V6 versions "for reliability".
Loving thesmoothnes and reasonable rapidity.
I forgot about the Volvo V8 in my search but I'm still happy with my choice. I just don't let anybody else see the fuel bill.
Loving thesmoothnes and reasonable rapidity.
I forgot about the Volvo V8 in my search but I'm still happy with my choice. I just don't let anybody else see the fuel bill.
where did you find that and how much?? First dibs please if you sell.
I've had 3, an 05 D5 auto, 09 D5 R Design and the latest one which left me cold with the little 2 litre 4 cylinder which although I pole-starred and was rapid enough, I never felt suited the car (needs a 5 or 6 or 8 cylinder!). So currently XC90less.
I've had 3, an 05 D5 auto, 09 D5 R Design and the latest one which left me cold with the little 2 litre 4 cylinder which although I pole-starred and was rapid enough, I never felt suited the car (needs a 5 or 6 or 8 cylinder!). So currently XC90less.
240Cup said:
where did you find that and how much?? First dibs please if you sell.
Autotrader. I've had a favourite search running for 2 or 3 years looking for a XC90 V8, most that come up are 2006 or 2007. This was the first 2009 i've seen. The prices vary wildly, but they are always more £££ than an equivalent D5.I know the earlier V8s can suffer problems with the balance shaft bearings failing (fixed 2007 onwards I think) and the auto box on earlier ones had some problems. Hopefully i've avoided those issues.
This one was a 2009/59 reg, FSH, 2 owners, 129k, 2 keys and great condition with wheels just refurbished for £8800.
If the seller is to be believed (a 1-man-band trader in Slough), he had many enquiries for it and could have sold it several times over after I left a deposit.
No idea if that's true, but I know it's a rare beast (12x R-Design V8's registered according to howmanyleft) so I jumped on it when I found it.
Edited by aland75 on Monday 14th February 16:27
Done a few jobs:
Fitted the centre console fridge that I had in the D5 into the V8, both black interiors so the colour matches.
Fitted the 2 belt idler pulleys I bought. Access is tight and getting the tensioner released is a pain.
Annoyingly the fault remains, so i'll need to change the tensioner (expensive) and on closer inspection, the belt looks tired also, so i'll replace that also, (looks a PITA because of poor access).
Picture with phone looking into gap between inner wing and engine:
D5 was sold yesterday so down to only 3 Volvos!
Fitted the centre console fridge that I had in the D5 into the V8, both black interiors so the colour matches.
Fitted the 2 belt idler pulleys I bought. Access is tight and getting the tensioner released is a pain.
Annoyingly the fault remains, so i'll need to change the tensioner (expensive) and on closer inspection, the belt looks tired also, so i'll replace that also, (looks a PITA because of poor access).
Picture with phone looking into gap between inner wing and engine:
D5 was sold yesterday so down to only 3 Volvos!
aland75 said:
The prices vary wildly, but they are always more £££ than an equivalent D5.
I looked at one and the dealer was asking a lot more than the diesels were going for. Maybe he was right?!? (This was before diesels became less popular.) Hilarious to drive, particularly accelerating with the incongruous woofle, pace and bonnet rising.AJB88 said:
Nice work, don't know if my D5 has the centre console fridge haven't looked.
Have a look inside. The fridge looks like this, with power switch and fan at the bottom. Standard compartment is black.I think the fridge was originally fitted to the 'Executive' models, but the wiring is in all so it's easy to retro-fit.
aland75 said:
Have a look inside. The fridge looks like this, with power switch and fan at the bottom. Standard compartment is black.
I think the fridge was originally fitted to the 'Executive' models, but the wiring is in all so it's easy to retro-fit.
Yeh haven't got that but will keep an eye out for one. I think the fridge was originally fitted to the 'Executive' models, but the wiring is in all so it's easy to retro-fit.
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