Is a Used Volvo XC90 SUV a Good Choice?

Beautiful, classy, safe, and spacious are terms that describe the Volvo XC90 quite accurately. If you are looking for a luxury Volvo model that can accommodate your family and cargo, rest assured, the XC90 is the real deal. Indeed, according to the Volvo XC90 manual, it has over 49.6 inches of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which should be more than enough for any weekend in the woods with the family. However, to buy a brand-new one, you’ll need a budget well over $50,000, which is definitely on the high side—and that’s for the base variant.

Quite expensive, right? So you might ask if you are better off buying a used Volvo XC90 instead? Of course, whether or not you should buy a used vehicle depends on several other factors aside from the price tag. To help make an informed decision, we will highlight some of the XC90’s best features but also the worse drawbacks of going used—because yes, there are some. 

Let’s go!

Why You Should Buy A Used Volvo XC90

Of course, buying a used Volvo XC90 is a lot more cost-effective than a new one. Why? Well, mostly because used cars depreciate over time, especially in the very first years of ownership. 

Secondly, although it’s old, that doesn’t change the fact that older XC90s still look quite modern and didn’t age that much. They are also just as spacious as the newer ones, and also big enough to carry up to seven persons. On the other hand, with a used model, you won’t be able to enjoy the same tech features you’ll find in the most recent models. So yeah, that’s to be considered.

Thirdly, you have a wide range of XC90 models to choose from. The first XC90 was produced in 2002 and was made available in numerous trims since then. Ok, a 2002MY might be getting kinda old by now but you can still easily lay your hands on 2007-20 XC90s online and most of them should still be in really good conditions. Of course, as with any other used car, you might need to fix a couple of things here and there, but all in all, it will still cost you significantly less than buying a new one.

In all cases, we would strongly suggest you get your hands on a Volvo XC90 owner’s manual like those sold by eManualOnline if one didn’t come with your new purchase. It’s not rare for car owners to take the manual out of their car and forget to put it back in once they sell it.

Aside from car information, the owner’s manual is a handy guide explaining how everything works in the car, which is especially useful when you didn’t buy it in a dealer and consequently missed the orientation tour. The manual is also helpful to stay on top of regular maintenance and repairs since it contains everything you need to know about the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Used Volvo XC90

If you buy a used XC90, it is essential to know that the new XC90 covered most deficiencies of the older models. For example, the 2007 model used a V6 engine that many drivers complained was slightly underpowered.

The 2008 model used a more powerful but thirstier Yamaha-sourced V8 engine. If you choose to go for the 2008 model, keep in mind that you will be visiting the fuel pump a little more than with a more recent model. Still, this mill is known to be much more reliable than its predecessor.

Again, a used car might have had some of its components wear out over time, which means you may need to carry out some repairs and spend extra cash. The higher the mileage, the more money you will likely have to pay. And it’s worth mentioning that Volvo parts are definitely not on the cheaper side—quality comes at a price.

Things To Consider When Going For A Used Volvo XC90

Owners Review Are the Key

Getting information on how the MY you have your eyes on performed is a key to finding the right one, at least with fewer issues. And the best way to do that is to rely on honest feedback from owners’ reviews (try to stay away from automotive critics. We all know these are paid reviews anyway).

Moreover, while owner reviews won’t provide a fix, they will frequently highlight the pros and cons of a specific model but also the most common repairs and how efficient was the manufacturer’s warranty in addressing those issues (unfortunately, if you buy a used model, it might not be covered by the warranty anymore).

Condition of the SUV

There’s no way around it, used cars will always have some worn-out components needing to be replaced. Indeed, it’s fairly rare to see a car owner spend hard-earned bucks to fix a car that he plans to sell anyway.

This irremediably means you will have to do some maintenance and have some things fixed. However, you are aiming for worn-out brake pads, leaking suspensions, loose ball joints—easy stuff. You don’t want to buy a car needing an expensive catalytic converter replacement. Consequently, make sure to have the vehicle inspected. If the wear is minor and on cheaper parts, no problem here—just negotiate the price lower and use that money to have it fixed. 

Volvo XC90 manuals also have a specific chapter for services performed by the owner. Ask to have a look at the registry and make sure the owner had his vehicle serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or you might run into more problems in the long run. 

 

Previous History of the Vehicle

A vehicle’s history will give you a good idea of its current condition. Information like previous owners, registration details, gas mileage, and repairs performed will go a long way in preventing expensive repairs in the near term. The best way to do this is to use services like Carfax. All you need to do is subscribe to their service and provide the plate number or VIN and you’ll have a ton of helpful info at your disposal (and if you are lucky, some used car dealers often offer this service for free).

Final Words

There is nothing wrong with buying a used Volvo XC90 if it suits your need. It is relatively cheap, classy, and spacious. However, opting for a much older model may mean spending more than expected on repairs and maintenance. 

If you ask us, we would suggest you refrain from buying anything older than the 2007 model. And even then, you’d be much better off getting your hands on a 2007 Volvo XC90 manual beforehand. We will never say it again: no matter the used car you choose to go for, regular maintenance and checkups is your best bet to keep ownership costs as low as possible—and when you go for a Swedish manufacturer with replacement parts costing more than most, it’s even more crucial.