Used Volvo Xc90 For Sale

A history lesson…

It’s hard to believe the Volvo XC90 is over ten years old now. It’s been one of the most respected and praised big 4x4s of the 21st century and, considering it’s a Volvo, it’s been dubbed as one of the more exciting big SUVs. The XC90 was never aimed at beating the Range Rover; its job was to try and appeal to those who like the idea of a 4x4 but don’t want the sheer size of a Range Rover. 

It worked, too, as the XC90 sold in its thousands. Combining excellent diesel engines with a huge load capacity, the Volvo 4x4 became something of a success for the Swedish manufacturer. 

If you wanted big V8 power, there was an engine for you; if you wanted economical diesel propulsion, there was an engine for that. It ticked the box in almost everyone’s ideal idea of a 4x4.

Bang for your buck

Good looks, four-wheel-drive, an excellent stereo system, plenty of space in the rear and the boot and the knowledge that it’s a Volvo and is, as a result, unbelievably safe; the XC90 is one of the biggest no brainers on the market. 

You don’t get anywhere near the kind of luxury you get in a BMW X5 or Range Rover, but you get a well-made interior which is practical, durable and relatively appealing to the eye. There’s more room inside than an equivalent Land Rover Discovery and, in reality, that’s all that matters.

What you’ll pay

For the first examples of a 52-plate 2.4-litre model you’re looking at around £11,400, while the D5 diesel will be £300-£500 more. Later versions are probably more desirable due to improved engines and the fact that the XC90 underwent a facelift.

What to check

Like any big 4x4, you need to check that if it has been taken off road, it’s been taken care of and looked after. The last thing you want is to drive it home and find that the underside has taken beating after beating. Make sure the alloy wheels are in good knick, along with the basic interior quality, too.

Parts

Expect to pay around £282 for a humble starter motor and a sobering £56.65 for an alternator. Prices for parts from a Volvo main dealer are not cheap, but they are of a solid quality. A head-lamp unit retails at an expensive £208, while a windscreen with rain sensor will set you back around £303.

How it drives

The XC90 drives like it looks: very impressively. Sure, it’s not as good as a BMW X5 – but what other 4x4 is? – and yes, it doesn’t look or feel as luxurious as a Range Rover, but it’s one hell of a load lugger, with the capability to carry the entire family along with the dog and all the luggage you could ever dream of.

On the road, it’s very capable and composed. It feels more like a car than a wagon – which is important – and won’t go understeering off into a tree if you do decide to give it the beans round a bend. 

The steering wheel is a tad too big and the seats aren’t as supportive as its rivals, but aside from that it’s a faultless drive with bags of grip and plenty of comfort. A true family 4x4 designed to keep you safe and entertained.