USED Volvo XC90 4x4 (02 - )

My car

I got my 'baby' whilst working in Munich in 2005.It was a present to myself so we opted for the 2.4 Exec D5 with all the bells and whistles plus all the extras I could get.Myself and my boyfriend decided to bypass the dealers as there was a huge waiting list in the UK.Since we picked it up from Gothenburg,it has been an absolute joy.As a [very] small woman,I was at first intimidated by the sheer size of the beast but I was amazed at just how user friendly she was to handle;she's responsive,smooth and and has this amazing ability to make me feel like a teenager in a real grown-ups car. My boyfriend was amazed at the ammount of interior space (that 3rd row of seats comes in handy for when the pubs kick out and I have to collect the tribe). I could go on and on and on.And on.This car is the best car I have ever owned and as far as i'm concerned,the boyfriend will go before my 'baby'.(I love this car TO BITS !!! XXX)

My car

The D5 unit has opened up nicely after 10,000 miles and pulls such a large car very well, although there is some hesitation from standstill.

There are no interior rattles, despite a very firm suspension (which Volvo calls 'Comfort' on non-Sport models!). Come on Volvo, it's time to offer air suspension.

I've had a few options fitted by my dealer: front park assist (to supplement rear park assist, which is standard) is vital for such a large car, but Volvo lists this at £589, which is outrageous (Volvo Owners Club owners do get 10% discount - I recommend you join up at www.volvoclub.org.uk).

There has been one recall concerning the fuel cover lock.

The wheels have to be realigned after going over relatively small pot holes, which the dealer claims the XC90 is sensitive to.

At around £90 a go, this could be expensive over the next few years.

Did I mention the car has no hill start assist - not even an option - which is a serious omission and tricky if driving off on a steep hill.

Standard (on SE) halogen lights are near useless - I recommend you specify xenons.

New tyres were also required after only 10,000 miles, but the cost was minimised after buying online.

Overall, due to the faultless reliability, top build quality, fantastic sound system, premium cabin, and huge cargo area, I still rate this car. With air suspension, hill start assist and some choice options from the new XC70, this car would be unbeatable.

My car

This is my fourth XC90, the latest being the SE Lux version. I wasn't looking to buy just yet, I went to see the dealer on some other matter and was invited for a test-drive.

The first impression was the extra acceleration the engine had over the last model, which I always thought was a bit sluggish pulling away from standing starts.

The interior has been much improved on the Lux - the leather interior has not two, but eight colours to choose from with higher grade leather. We chose the Chestnut brown leather which I must admit does look very classy. I would not have chosen it from the brochure, but as it was there on an XC to see, we are pleased with the choice.

It's a shame the front seats are not as comfortable as the V70's, as your backside still slides about when cornering. It's too soon to tell what fuel consumption the car returns, but in the old XC90 I got 35mpg on a 1500-mile round trip to Scotland and I don't dawdle.

It's the best SUV for price, size, style and safety. Now it has the better engine, and I have tried them all. Don't have the speed-sensitive steering, though - it's a total waste of money. The best extra is the aluminium side bars - they're great door protectors - and the intergrated hands-free phone.

My car

With regards to Volvo price fixing I am on my 3rd one and due to purchase my 4th. I always ask about a discount but have never been offered one.My SE, 54 reg is at 18.000 miles and in supered condition and was quoted £23.750 against the SLux at £41.250, there is not that much between a new SE and the Slux in price, making a loss of £17,ooo in 2years I siad no thanks.2 days later they upped the offer and re arranged the PX to £24.500 and £2.500 discount off the Slux so there are dicounts but you get robbed on PXs