USED Volvo XC90 4x4 (02 - )

My car

I have a large dependent family, and do more than 15,000 motor-way mileage per year, so issues of safety and reliability made the big Volvo our obvious choice.

It is an excellent motorway cruiser with fuel economy that improved with time, helped no doubt by the excellent BP diesel Altimate. In town, it is also vary impressive returning a combined 32mpg.

It is supremely comfortable and quiet even for a diesel. At low volume levels, you can still appreciate the minutest nuances of the orchestra pieces. The seven seats also come in handy in ferrying the clan around.

My only grouses have been the fading facia: ugly black appearing under the cream colour of the horn-pad. The dealer have also not been able to rectify an irritating, squeeking noice from the front wheels when reversing.

Overrall verdict? Each time I have taken my family to test-drive other popular 4x4s, there have always been a unanimous vote for keeping the Vovo.

My car

I am now on my third XC90, and they seem to improve each time.

I do a lot of long motorway journies and cover around 50,000 miles a year. I have previously had a BMW X5 and new Land Rover Discovery, which from past experiences are not only a worse car than the XC90 but also a lot dearer and not at all worth it!

I have had a few minor problems with my first one, but Volvo did tell me I was one of the first people to own the car in the UK. My current XC90 has covered 70,000 miles and the only work done to it is to have its tyres changed twice!

Another major advantage is the service offered by Volvo. Not only are they the most direct and genuine sales people ever, but their after-sales support is excellent (they pick up my car from my house for service!) which is why have just ordered my fourth one!

Thanks, Volvo!

My car

After reviewing this car on the 17th. of February 2005, I am pleased to say that I have done 24000 miles. Had to have the tyres changed after 22000 which is not bad at all. Was quoted £580 for all four to be replaced. Managed to get a deal for £340 for the same Continental tyres the car came originally with.

I am surprised that people have given it a three star on the running costs. I don't understand why as its a big car and one must not compare it with smaller cars.

All in all. its so far so good as far as my XC-90 is concerned.

My car

I have owned this car for a couple of years now and I have found it to be an excellent family car. I have now covered 30,000 miles and the fuel economy is a respectable 33.4mpg on average. That's not bad considering most journeys are short.

Yes, there have been a couple of trips to the dealer but these were dealt with quickly and under warranty - in fact, the dealer service has been excellent.

Servicing is expensive and tyres have worn quickly, but then it is an expensive car. Build quality and refinement are top notch and the flexibility of the cabin is brilliant.