Potential Purchase
 

Hi guys

I am viewing a 2011 D5 XC90 SE Lux with 136k miles on it tomorrow.

Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for?

Thanks

The auto gearbox does not have a service interval (technically it says to service if used for towing or taxi work but dealers just say it doesn’t need doing).

The auto box is good but clearly at that distance the fluid is fully degraded (mine was filthy black at 70k). If the box has not had a fluid change (and you need to see specific evidence of ‘AW1’ fluid then it will likely fail soon and you don’t talk in £000 but £0000 for even minor issues.

The haldex 4x4 system on the rear ditto.

The cam belt is due 108,000 miles so has that been done with genuine parts? The AUX belt needs doing every 54,000 miles. If it fails it will often wrap around the cambelt and write the engine off.

Other than that it’s simply a case of usual brakes, bearings etc etc all of which are suprisingly reasonable.

Mine has 120k on the clock (I bought at 60odd k). It’s cost £140 in repairs and never broken down. They are excellent vehicles. But if you buy cheap without a fully documented history then put aside the sale price for repairs (not joking!).

Don’t worry about the milage at all but absolutly worry that it has been serviced on the button always without any fail or you will buy a money pit.

The rear shock absorbers are very robust and reliable however if you see evidence of problems they are over £500 odd each. So watch out for those also.

Having just gone through a purchase too...

• Bushes: My MOT history had, well, a hostory of highlighting the bushes
• DIM: The speedo unit has a habit of breaking, which is a dry solder issue, easily resolved, but still...
• brakes: It's a heavy car
• Anti skid service required: This can be due to water getting into the yaw sensor from the sunroof (under the driver's seat) or from the steering wheel angle sensor (of from other issues too)
• CV joint boots
• Suspension Bushings too

Just a few things :-)

^^^^^ All been said

I'd also keep £500-£1k aside for getting it "up to spec" - i.e. getting any niggles sorted.

As said above, at 136k if it's not been done then get the gearbox juice changed, will cost £180-£250 at a garage.