New member with S90 questions before taking the plunge

[anotherv60]

Have you joined the Volvo Owners Club? - if your buying new there are huge discounts off a new S90.

[Turboman6680]

Originally Posted by St Evelyn

I run a V90 D4 and occasionally use it to tow our 1500KG caravan - only occasionally as I generally use the wife's XC60 as she doesn't like to drive my car.

I traded in an S80 D3 for a 520D, which was quickly changed for the V90; I have to say that both the BMW & the V90 were streets ahead of the S80 for towing ability, but then they both have around 190BHP as opposed to the 163 I had in the S80. All 3 cars are more than capable of towing the 'van without issue - in fact, I find the V90 to be a more compliant ride when towing than the XC60 D5! Seems a little more settled on the road and don't notice the 40BHP deficit. Big bonus of the XC is that it's AWD against the S/V90 D4 being FWD - that said, I've not consciously felt a difference from that perspective, it's just nice knowing that all 4 wheels will give traction where necessary.

Thanks! That's encouraging.

[Turboman6680]

Originally Posted by cassell

Hi,

Enjoy your new S90 when you get it, a good choice.

To echo what some others have said, I fitted a full set of Chinese mud flaps from ebay, they are exactly the same as genuine ones even down to the Volvo logo and part number embossed into them. Fitting is simple, they re-use the wheelarch liner torx screws and the best bit is the amount of money saved!

I tow a 1600kg caravan with my D4 without any problem, I previously used a phase 1 XC90 D5 and to be honest I reckon (apart from the obvious AWD difference) the V90 is a much smoother, quieter tow car. My average fuel consumption when running solo is 43mpg, this drops to just over 30mpg when towing.

I would question having an alternative make tow bar fitted by a 'fitting agent', the Volvo genuine electric folding tow bar with the associated towbar software upgrade is superb in both it's stowage and operation.
Remember that these cars are very technologically advanced and the thought of someone hacking into the electronics to wire up a tow bar is worrying. With the Volvo system the car senses when a trailer is coupled and gives such functions as caravan light checking, rear parking sensors disabled, cross traffic alert disabled, pilot assist disabled, gear changing adjusted to suit the additional weight etc etc.
If you have a rear camera fitted the towbar software upgrade even gives you a reversing alignment marker to guide your towball directly under your caravan hitch.

It certainly sounds like a very well integrated tow bar. Thanks, I'll look more in to it.

Also, 're the mud flaps, I'll be sure to get the Chinese copies. I'm a Scotsman afterall and therefore stingy! Lol.

[Turboman6680]

Originally Posted by Jcbrown

Average mpg with 25K on the clock for my D4: 47mpg, so would say you are on the money. mixed driving: Solo, 2-up, 3-up + boot & rear jammed with luggage, long motorway slogs, stop start town, Dad's taxi, … Have seen over 70mpg on some early morning 100mile+ motorway trips (no traffic, long stretches of camera enforced 50MPH zone,). that drops considerably of course if I put it in dynamic and "push it through the twisties"

Enjoy it when you get it, you should not be disappointed. Still like getting in and driving mine after almost 2 years. Still get the occasional person saying something like "No way is that a Volvo", ...

I love having a car (and motorbike) that is not run of the mill. Definately will enjoy not just 'blending in'.

High 40 mpg would be ideal and I reckon achievable given the driving I do.

Thanks for your reply.

[anotherv60]

The affinity deal on the S90 is over 20% off and includes 0% APR with no minimum deposit if your going to buy and own a new S90 it is probably be worth joining the Volvo owners club to access the discount.

[Jcbrown]

Originally Posted by Turboman6680

I love having a car (and motorbike) that is not run of the mill. Definately will enjoy not just 'blending in'.

Same, and it was one of the things which drew me to the S90 in the first place.

Bikes to i liked to be different. Just sold the Honda VFR1200 - no time, too old, illness starting to kick in, … a slightly left-field choice, but I liked it. Kwak ZZR-1400 before that (just f*****g mental ) and Kwak ZX-12R before that (in the lovely black/gold) plus a few others before (mainly Kwak's)

But this is a car forum, not a bike one

[volvocat]

Originally Posted by anotherv60

The affinity deal on the S90 is over 20% off and includes 0% APR with no minimum deposit if your going to buy and own a new S90 it is probably be worth joining the Volvo owners club to access the discount.

But remember you need to have been a member for at least six months to qualify...

[AB-UK]

Originally Posted by Jcbrown

Bikes to i liked to be different. Just sold the Honda VFR1200 - no time, too old, illness starting to kick in, … a slightly left-field choice, but I liked it. Kwak ZZR-1400 before that (just f*****g mental ) and Kwak ZX-12R before that (in the lovely black/gold) plus a few others before (mainly Kwak's)

But this is a car forum, not a bike one

Did you ever subscribe to "Motorcycle News"?
If so, do you recognise the irony here?

[Jcbrown]

Originally Posted by AB-UK

Did you ever subscribe to "Motorcycle News"?
If so, do you recognise the irony here?

The irony of a motorcyclist buying a Volvo was not lost on me, or many of my
friends with bikes, who (still) take the micky

One close friend (and biker) always swore he would "never, ever get in a f*****g Volvo". He was happy enough for me to take him to the airport at 2AM in one though