USED Volvo XC90 4x4 (02 - )

My car

I've spent a happy 75k miles behind the wheel as the sole driver for nearly 4 years. It has proved invaluable, coping with all the usual family, friends and baggage that need to be got from A to B.

The interior layout flexibility has also proved useful for moving everything from furniture to large Christmas trees. Inevitably there have been a few problems. Right from the start some of the internal headlining trim was poorly fitted and the CD autochanger was swapped out after jamming in the first year.

Mechanically the engine (D5)and transmission have been fine and I have averaged around 29mpg to date. However, I did have problems with the rack and pinion steering system (eventually resolved by a simple lube job) and a rather more annoying thump from the rear of the cabin as both shock absorbers failed at 55-65k miles.

One was replaced under warranty but I haven't summoned up the courage to replaced the other at my own expense ...be warned, repairs don't come cheaply. Otherwise, it's as pleasant, if unengaging, drive which is well suited to its duties.

One note on dealers. Most of my servicing and repair has been carried out at one dealer in the South East. Given the cost of the car and target premium buyer, I had expected service on a par with experience from BMW. Sadly this is not the case. Volvo is still a volume manufacturer with all that means in terms of service and costs. At least one dealer has not woken up to the concept of premium service for a premium ve

My car

What an excellent car! It's comfortable to drive and to be carried in. The seat is adjustable to every shape and size.

It has a huge boot space with the rear set of seats cleverly hidden, but it's still very large when in use.

The engine is very quiet, even from a cold start.

General fuel consumption is approximately 28-29mpg going up to 35mpg on a long run.

I get 24mpg when towing a Coachman 530/4 caravan. Considering the size of the car, and the weight of the car, this is very economical.

Build quality is very good - there's no rattling or creaking. Road noise is acceptable.

As you can tell, I am very impressed with this car!

My car

I waited a year from ordering for a manual version of this car and I've owned it for just over three years.

I will not be changing this vehicle. I never tire of driving it - the interior and extra seating is so cleverly designed, and the sound system is fantastic - I love my XC90.

My car

Having got three months of XC90 ownership under my belt, two trips to France, several football away days with seven up and the usual assortment of short runs and commuting, I have become completly smitten with this car. Build quality is first class, instruments clear and easy to use and the seats are the best I have ever used. They are very comfortable, even on my 12-16 hour trips to France. My only gripe with the interior are the fog light switchs which are low down and not easy to view, but this is a monor issue. The exterior is a joy, this is a very attractive car and the lovely curves really do hide her size very well. The car drives fantastically well, the 185bhp diesel pulls willingly and will move quite quickly when required. Space and practicality are first class. Economy is as claimed, I get 30-31 mpg. Servicing is every 18,00 miles so on that basis I give it five stars for running costs, as it does what it should do! My family also love this car and have christened her 'Lexie- The sexy XC'. We are already looking for another excuse to go on a trip in her and if you are a groing family who want a luxurious people carrier/SUV then in my opinion there is none better.