Possibly buying an XC60, is the D4 (2.4) a good engine?

[AndyNorthYorks]

Hi all, I think I've just about settled on getting an XC60, it'd be replacing my aging (and now quite costly) 17 year old Nissan X-Trail.

I was initially looking for a manual AWD diesel, most likely the D4 (2.4) version, but manual gearbox XC60s seem to be quite a rarity unless you want 2 wheel drive?

A local garage has a 2017 D4 AWD auto with 105k on the clock, they also have a 2013 D5 AWD with a similar mileage. I'm leaning towards the D4 purely based on fuel consumption, but from what I've read here and there, the D5 seems to be very popular.

Is the D4 (2.4) a good engine choice? I don't drive that many miles if that matters?

Thanks

[Kev0607]

It depends what's important to you. Will this car be travelling to ULEZ/clean air zones like Birmingham or London? If so, the 2013 D5 won't be ULEZ/euro 6 complaint and would be subject to fees. The D4 would, as its a 2017 model with euro 6 emissions rating.

Both vehicles having 2.4 litre engines have 5 cylinder engines. These are very good. If you said the XC60 had a 2.0 litre engine, that would be a VEA engine and they just aren't as good as the older 5 cylinder ones. I would have told you to be prepared for high oil consumption and EGR/EGR cooler issues with a 2.0 litre D4, which are expensive fixes. Going for a 5 cylinder 2.4 is definitely the better option.

If the price was right, the 2017 is the one to go for. It'll have the newer dash and headlights.

[Tannaton]

Assuming they are both Mk 1 XC60 (2017 was the change year) - it's the same engine, but with a different turbo and state of tune.

On the Mk 1 XC60 with AWD, both the D4 and the D5 are 2.4 5-cylinder. On 2015 MY and later, D4 2WD cars are the 2.0 4-cylinder VEA engine.

On the 2013 car check it's the facelift with new headlights and dash with Sensus - much better than earlier cars.

As he said ^^^ the 2017 car will be Euro 6 compliant if you ever have to venture into a city with a low emission wallet emptying zone.

Engine wise, there is nothing to choose from between them - it depends if you want a little more oooomph. Difference in economy will be small.

What are the specs? LUX models preferred with nicer instruments and much better headlights.

[GrahamBrown1]

Having guessed which garage you mean and had a look, the 2017 is a much nicer car. The wheels won’t corrode like those fitted to the 2013. I have same on our XC70. The 2017 also is facelifted and has the nice digital TFT display dash.

The engine will be spot on as all ready mentioned.

[Tannaton]

If it's Hutton Bros - the 2013 car is pre facelift (but does have sensus) judging by the number plate it's an ex-Volvo staff/press car so will have every extra - but it's the older model.

Personally I'd got the for 2015 SE Lux, everything you need, the 2017 R-Design will have harder suspension and a harsh ride (but more sporty...)

[AndyNorthYorks]

Thanks all, that's very much appreciated. I hadn't realised that the D4 2.4 was also a 5 cylinder engine.

I prefer the look of the 2017 model, well the colour is more to my liking anyway and it's a bit newer too. It does have a bit of damage to the paint on the near side rear wheel arch and I'm waiting to hear if the timing belt service has been done. I'm sure they'll do the timing belt and service if needed though.

One minor thing that I noticed, the electric boot opening motor seemed a little noisier than I'd have expected (at least I could hear it operating). Is that normal?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by AndyNorthYorks

Thanks all, that's very much appreciated. I hadn't realised that the D4 2.4 was also a 5 cylinder engine.

I prefer the look of the 2017 model, well the colour is more to my liking anyway and it's a bit newer too. It does have a bit of damage to the paint on the near side rear wheel arch and I'm waiting to hear if the timing belt service has been done. I'm sure they'll do the timing belt and service if needed though.

One minor thing that I noticed, the electric boot opening motor seemed a little noisier than I'd have expected (at least I could hear it operating). Is that normal?

Hutton Bros do have a good reputation, a few other members on here have bought cars in the past and I believe happy with the experience.

Cambelts are due at 108k or 10 years (whichever is first) so it's quite reasonable to expect that a car for sale with 105k on it would have it done (it's a £1,000 major service at a dealer, you don't want to be paying for that a few months after a new car purchase).

The electric tailgate does make a whirring noise when in operation - like an electric motor, that's quite normal.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by AndyNorthYorks

Thanks all, that's very much appreciated. I hadn't realised that the D4 2.4 was also a 5 cylinder engine.

I prefer the look of the 2017 model, well the colour is more to my liking anyway and it's a bit newer too. It does have a bit of damage to the paint on the near side rear wheel arch and I'm waiting to hear if the timing belt service has been done. I'm sure they'll do the timing belt and service if needed though.

One minor thing that I noticed, the electric boot opening motor seemed a little noisier than I'd have expected (at least I could hear it operating). Is that normal?

In the MK1 XC60 its a 5 cylinder. When the MK2 came out, they changed to 2.0 litre 4 cylinder VEA engines. The VEA engines are completely different to the older 5 cylinder ones. The VEA's aren't as good, in my opinion and I've had Volvo mechanics tell me the same. Shame really... Some people have been okay with them and not had too much trouble, but some have had costly repairs due to their known issues with oil consumption and EGR problems. It wouldn't be a chance I'd take personally... I wouldn't buy a VEA. I'd still go for the 5 cylinder 2.4 euro 6 (if that was required) or a euro 5 or something with the 5 cylinder engine if ULEZ didn't matter. Alternatively, if they weren't options, I'd buy another car. I won't have a VEA Volvo... No chance. No offence to anyone that does, of course.

[AndyNorthYorks]

I've been over to Hutton Bros this afternoon and had a test drive of the 17 plate XC60, the drive seemed fine and I've put down a deposit on the car.

I'd just like to say thanks again for your thoughts and advice, it's put my mind at rest.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by AndyNorthYorks

I've been over to Hutton Bros this afternoon and had a test drive of the 17 plate XC60, the drive seemed fine and I've put down a deposit on the car.

I'd just like to say thanks again for your thoughts and advice, it's put my mind at rest.

Marvellous - welcome to the club. You will find it very addictive after an x-trail I think....