XC90 D5 2003-2004 buying advice

[danxc90]

Hi guys, looking for a bit of advice, in the market for a diesel xc90 budget of 6k, I've seen a few ones on autotrader starting at 5k, any particular issues to look for? Read about awd transmission problems but anything like turbos, dpf or something else expensive to sort out? Never had a volvo but heard they're great cars and mileage shouldn't be an issue if properly maintained. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Dan

[Clan]

you will need to put aside £2000 for getting it up to scratch for that kind of price ... unless you are very lucky .. these older ones are generaly very poorly maintained

[ianu]

...or it'll be enoromous mileage like mine and been very well maintained :-)

Have a read though some of the other posts on mileage reports, or buying advice requests - service history will be an important measure, but as Clan says have a bit in reserve just in case.

Cheers
Ian.

[D5Gill]

209,000 miles and still going strong!

[Carrizos]

I spent 12k and the car needed a new diff and parking sensors within a few weeks, I believe that cost the garage £3000+ My advice is not to buy private unless you are very sure of the car. They are great cars when they are working well and they do have a high build quality / last well if regularly serviced but if there are any major mechanical probs you might face a fairly hefty bill.

[searider]

At that age it won't have a DPF.

You can check the AWD by getting underneath and trying to turn the propshaft. If it turns then AWD is broken.

My advice would be to buy one that has a very good history with evidence of plenty having been spent on a regular basis.

I bought a cheapish one (04) and needed over £2k spending on it, had only budgeted £1k.

Rear brake calipers
Front lower wishbones
Brake pipes
Gearbox oil
Full service
Some rear suspension bushes

It all mounts up.

[ianu]

Originally Posted by D5Gill

209,000 miles and still going strong!

Show off ... 177k ;-)

[danxc90]

Thanks for advice guys, much appreciated

[zaker]

if it helps, when i was looking for one i wanted 1 not only with fsh but also WITHOUT a towbar fitted. I just thought a car with excess of 100k must of had an easier life than 1 with 1 fitted !! Having said that they are 1 of the toughest cars out there.

Gud luck

[REDSHEEPRIDD]

Service history & receipts and owner knowledge.

I recently sold my 54 reg with 106k in excellent condition and WITH a towbar, but with ATF changed at 2 year intervals.

Check this forum and ask the questions, the owner should know & have plenty of receipts - brakes/discs/track rod ends/tyres etc etc and anything more major & why.

Use your judgement and walk away if necessary - there are plenty more. You may pay more for the right one - I didnt budge much because I knew what I was selling.