Buying A Secondhand XC60.

[ajbayram]

Perhaps in the next couple of months or so it will be time to upgrade from my V70 (D5 on 04)

It would be appreciated if forum members could give some guidance on just what to look for.

It's quite likely my budget will be around £20K maximum and I'm considering 2 wheel drive over the 4wd version (unlikely to go mincing across fields...).

Obviously you can't choose your ideal options but, what should I be looking for as a mnimum?

Do I avoid the first year of production, to allow for bugs to be sorted?

Have been advised to go for the 2.4L engine.

Prices on the 'net fluctuate wildly for same year/reg and some seem to have hung around for ages without shifting.

I welcome comments etc. If preferable, please send a PM.

Regards... Andrew.

[stu0710]

Hi - I have the 2WD version and am really pleased with it. The 2.4L Drive versions were the earliest 2WD variants and were replaced in 2010 by the 5 cyl 2.0 litre Drive and D3 (automatic) versions. The 2.0L produces the same power and is supposedly the better choice. Your budget should enable a choice of either. I have a manual for economy (and because I prefer them). Options are down to personal choice -as all versions including the base ES get alloys and aircon.

[ajbayram]

Thanks STU, much appreciated.

[redlol03]

I have owned my 2011 D3 ES for two weeks now and am very pleased with it. I test drove the 2.4L and found it 'too powerful' if there is such a thing- it wheelspun far too easily but probably would be better once you got used to it. The clutch also had a strange 'sticking' feeling when released, found this on two cars I tried. By comparison the D3 2.O drove with the same powerful acceleration but no wheelspinning problems or clutch sticking. Mine has added Bluetooth, rear park assist, tinted windows and heated seats. Got mine within your budget.

[carlh]

I recently bought secondhand (2 weeks ago) and asked some questions of forum members which might be useful - http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=169637

I was looking for a D5 AWD Auto - I had a similar budget and found I was in the 2009/2010 second hand market with roughly average miles (36,000) - if you're going manual and lower engine size, then could be a better variety out there.

There are plenty of cars around (Autotrader, etc), I went with Volvo Selekt as I wanted to have some piece of mind that they offer. In the end, I created a huge spreadsheet and did mileage / year / cost / options and whittled it all down.

Yes, some of them have been around for a while, mine was - went to see and it had lots of bodywork damage - which probably put people off (so maybe similar reasons). I agreed for it all to be fixed as part of the deal and it was like brand new when I picked it up. If it's on Selekt then it should be an ok car.

Wait for some responses from wiser members, I'm still a newbie.

[John Steed]

Ajbayram,

AWD or 2WD is largely a matter of personal choice if you don't really need off-road ability. I haven't driven the 2WD XC60 so can't really make a fair comparison, but there are some suggestions on this forum that the sheer power of the D5 to front wheels only can lead to loss of traction. I have had no such problems with a D5 AWD XC60, although I spun the front wheels of my previous V50 D5 quite frequently when making quick getaways (could have been the cheap tyres the previous owner fitted, of course!).

I would inclined to consider Volvo Selekt if you can find a car to match your price and requirements, as you can be sure that the car has had all the relevant software updates and any recall work done (although a full Volvo service history should also cover those anyway) and there should be absolutely no problem in getting any minor problems dealt with quickly. I bought my last Volvo through an independent specialist, and my latest through a Volvo dealer, and although there was nothing wrong with the former, the Volvo dealer definitely gave a better level of service (and a surprisingly decent trade-in on my old Volvo as well).

SE Lux trim is a pretty good standard spec. The XC60 feels big and wide, and you might want to consider front parking sensors (or get them added) as these are an option. I find them very useful, both for parking and feeling the way through narrow openings.



Hope this helps, and good hunting!

[mc72]

Hi John,

I saw your post in reply to another member who was asking for information on the xc60.

Due to the journeys I'm doing I'd like the security of 4wd so my preference is for a D5 AWD. Could you confirm the sort of real world economy you get and the sort of driving you do?

I'd also be grateful if you could confirm how the car is to live with.

Thanks

Mark

[carlh]

@mc72 - second opinion. I have a D5 AWD auto. Drive from west London round north circular and up A10. Average speed between 40 - 50 mph. 70 mile round trip. Returning 35-38mpg until you get stuck in traffic and that falls to around 29-30mpg. Motorway is actually fairly similar. If you look at continuous mpg, at 50mph on the north circ, can see it above 60mpg. Car has 34k on clock, so well run in. In reality, if you check the mpg sticky on the forum the average figures are accurate I would say.

AWD feels very solid in wet and is a joy to drive. Very comfy with plenty of grunt when you need it. Again check out the fwd vs awd post, as many are very happy with fwd and lower bhp, but more economical engine.

It's all very personal when it comes to opinions. I wanted the bigger engine and AWD - I'm happy with it, knowing that the mpg wouldn't be great compared to other cars I've driven - but one makes the choice in advance.

[mc72]

Thanks Carlh,

I was initially put off the auto due to forecast drop in mpg. I also prefer manual anyway,but that's obviously "each to their own".

The feedback on the car itself seems to mirror what I've read elsewhere in terms of general satisfaction. I'd like to get a car with decent spec so, like the original poster am probably looking at an SE/SE Lux.

Thanks

Mark

[John Steed]

mc72,

I seem to be getting slightly better mpg than carlh, but that could be because a. most of my driving is longer distance/ motorway and b. my XC60 is the 2012 auto model (11 reg) which I believe is slightly more fuel efficient than the earlier ones. There is definitely a marked difference between local and longer driving. I haven't kept an accurate log, but with half a tank of fuel my system estimates around 200 miles range on a local trip on congested roads, but up to 350 miles after half an hour or so on a motorway (ie 400/700 respectively for a full tank).

I agree with carlh's remarks on the D5 AWD. It gives great performance and feels really good to drive. If you have adult children (if that makes sense!) it might be worth noting that Volvo insurance said they won't insure anyone under 25 on this car. I don't know about the the smaller engines/ 2WD.

As far as living with it is concerned, it's about as good a car as I can imagine, and certainly the best I have owned (including other Volvos and Mercedes). SE Lux has just about all you could want (but see my comment on front parking sensors). Seats are superb. If buying used I would suggest looking for integrated Satnav (an expensive option on a new car) although some people on this forum do not like it. Sunroof is another attractive extra if you enjoy wide open spaces, but again expensive on a new car.

I have had the car for just over 6 months, and on experience so far will probably keep it for the foreseeable future.