XC90 Buying Advice

[GeoW151]

Hi all, new here so go easy!

I've been looking at getting a new car for a while and need something bigger with a big boot and have settled on the idea of an XC90. I've just come across a 2014 SE Lux on 96,000 miles today for £11,995. It was only down the road from me so I went and viewed/test drove it. The general condition is pretty good with no major damage and just a few small age/usage marks. Engine and gearbox sounded and drove smoothly and all the gadgets seemed to work, plus tyres were all decent and Falken branded so not budget.

The only thing bothering me slightly was a lack of paperwork and service history. There are gaps for a few years from 10-40,000 miles and 40-66,000 miles and then it's been yearly again to now. There's no history of cam belts or other service bits etc. but in the dealer's defence, they have agreed to put it through a full service again, including a cambelt/tensioner/waterpump kit and put a new 12 month MOT on it.

Should that be enough to make me walk away from this or is it worth a punt considering the car looks decent? If there's anything else I should be specifically looking out for on these then let me know! I can always go back and have another look.

Cheers.

[keith240]

I know it's an odd one but check the 12v (cigarette) lighter is working. I thought I'd gone through everything but found it wasn't working some time later. Thing is it is powered from the CEM under the dashboard which if water damaged from sunroof or screen can muck up odd bits.

[GeoW151]

Cheers Keith, I'll be sure to check that if I go back. There's no sunroof to worry about on this one (although I must admit I'd like one) but everything else appeared to be working.

[GeoW151]

Wondered if anyone else had any thoughts? I'm probably going back to see the car again today and might end up taking a gamble...

[Matty71]

Just had a quick look on Autotrader with about 35 for sale there. The price seems reasonable in reflection with the miles. The cam belt is a must although according to some the water pumps are pretty bomb proof on these vehicles. But if they’re paying get it done. Make sure you check the A/C and climate is all fully functioning and have a good check of the discs and pads all round. Give it a proper test drive and if possible get it to motorway speeds. Is there a duel carriage way near by? Just want to listen out for any drones ( noisy wheel bearing) or knocks(engine mounts) , especially under load. Other than that if it looks good and drives ok I’d say the lack of service history isn’t a major thing and who knows the previous owners might have been hands on and serviced it themselves. Good luck 🤞

[GeoW151]

Thanks Matt, appreciate it. Gonna go back and have another look in a min so will have another good look over and check these bits as well. There is a motorway nearby and I took it on there last time. Didn't hear any unwanted noises but can't hurt to check again. I'll let you know how I get on!

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by Matty71

Just had a quick look on Autotrader with about 35 for sale there. The price seems reasonable in reflection with the miles. The cam belt is a must although according to some the water pumps are pretty bomb proof on these vehicles. But if they’re paying get it done. Make sure you check the A/C and climate is all fully functioning and have a good check of the discs and pads all round. Give it a proper test drive and if possible get it to motorway speeds. Is there a duel carriage way near by? Just want to listen out for any drones ( noisy wheel bearing) or knocks(engine mounts) , especially under load. Other than that if it looks good and drives ok I’d say the lack of service history isn’t a major thing and who knows the previous owners might have been hands on and serviced it themselves. Good luck 🤞

Re the water pump, I guess its not a Volvo dealer, as you said the pumps are fairly bomb proof and a Volvo dealer is unlikely to change the pump unless it is running rough. so if whoever it is that is changing it I would insist on a genuine Volvo water pump otherwise all you are likely to get is a pump with a less than optimal lifetime.

Just an opinion.

[GeoW151]

Thanks all. I ended up purchasing it for £11,895 as the dealer was pretty firm on price. They have agreed to do a full service, full cambelt kit and a 12 month MOT, plus a few other minor details I spotted. They said they use genuine parts too so I can't complain too much.

I pick it up in a week or so when the work is done and hopefully get many happy miles of motoring!