Probably going to buy a 2006 XC90

[BrightonDream]

Looked at a 2006 pre-facelift Volvo XC90 D5 SE at a dealer today and thought it looked pretty good to my untrained eye. I'm not mechanically minded so I'm looking for advice on anything I ought to look for before I hand over any money.

It's done about 80k miles. Timing belt hasn't been done but the dealer says they'll do that before I buy, along with a full service. The headlights look bad but the dealer reckons they have experience of polishing out dull headlights.

I read here that I should look for any faults appearing on the display but I forgot to do that so will do it when I go back to make a decision. I didn't try to turn the propshaft either because I'd already had a test drive when I thought about it and was worried about burning myself (and embarrassing myself fumbling about under the car!) The dealer said the awd works ok though. Dealer seems pretty straight really and has said they'll sort anything that's wrong.

I've done an online vehicle check which brings nothing interesting up.

Anything I should look out for specifically? Anyone fancy a trip out to look it over and hold my hand?

[luggsey]

If it's an auto get the car real hot and see if the gearbox gives unusual changes, like bumps between gears, also engage reverse while it's hot and see if there are any significant clunks.
The auto box is good but can play up expensively.
Handbrake can be weak, set car in neutral and pull on handbrake to see if it holds.
Check brake discs and pads, don't forget tyres, look at the spare etc.
Aircon cold?
Sat Nov working with discs?
Check the service history and get the cam belt and auxiliary belts changed.
Hope that helps!

[Shala]

2006 to 2009 models have higher road tax of over £500?

[BrightonDream]

@luggsey Many thanks for that. That'll give me something to look at when I go back.

[BrightonDream]

@Shala. Yes, £520. Gulp!

[poiuytre111]

"the dealer said ... the AWD was OK"

As a general observation, I would ignore any reassurances from the dealer unless they put them in writing in the form of a guarantee.

Given that you are looking at a 2006 car you might want to consider the pros and cos of the 163hp car (up to 2005) vs the 2006 and later 185hp diesel car. The earlier car did not use a DPF but has weaker AWD components that seem to fail, albeit not costing the earth to fix.

Again, for a car that is 10 years old I would seriously consider buying privately after an expert has looked the car over first. I have read too many posts about people struggling to get garages to honour guarantees - better to save a bit up front, which you can then use to pay for the fixes that an older car will eventually need.

[binty]

Hi,
having owned my 2006 D5 SE for over four years thought I may share my experiences if that helps. I purchased with 59 000 miles and now have 125 000.

I looked at and walked away from 10 before getting mine.

Firstly it is a fabulous car, it has needed little bits doing to keep on top of it, but nothing too major. I sold mine in principle a month ago but backed out after I looked at alternatives, think i will keep it anther few years.

For me the 185 engine with the 6 speed box is an absolute gem, relaxed and never feels short of power.

Road tax can depend on purchase date, if registered before 23rd May 2006 it gets the lower tax regardless of emission figures. (about £300 if I recall). If registered on or after 23rd May you need to check the actual emissions to get the tax.

Headlamps do polish up quite easily.

Cam belt was due at 108 000 on mine, and it still looked like new when it was changed so i would not bother changing it early. Only use Volvo parts, they are cheap enough. Ensure both belt tensioners also changed and idler pulleys if you wish. I also changed the alternator free wheel just to be sure.

Front wishbone bushes will be getting tired, £200 plus fitting for new Volvo arms but can be done when you are ready. did mine at 120 000 miles.

Tyres are about £500 a set of 4 for premium brands, cheaper is available.

Everything should work, no exceptions.

Check under the drivers carpet for any damp. Should be bone dry. (slide seat back, pull off the carpet trim on the centre console and wiggle your hand under the carpet until you reach the metal floor). If wet it can be a pig to find.

Finally check the service history, It should have receipts to back up all the stamps. If not you can either confirm with the dealer concerned, or ask any Volvo dealer to check the Volvo UK record as basic details that the service has been done is logged with them as well. (I was able to get a printout of my art first few services this way as the dealer had installed a new computer system).

The cars if looked after can hide their mileage really well, so ensure the mileage is correct.

The 2006 models do not get the AUX line in or bluetooth/ipod/usb as standard. There are a number of ways of fitting these with aftermarket bits so check out the forum for the one that suits you.

And as everyone else says, take it for a long test drive and get it nice and hot.

[BrightonDream]

Really great advice from everyone here. Very many thanks.