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Hi Does anyone tow with an XC90 Volvo 2.4 Diesel.  Looking to change to a heavier car as hope to change caravan.  Any comments would be appreciated.

thanks Sonja

I have towed a Lexon EB with our 04 D5 (163bhp) Geartronic XC90 for the last couple of years. I think its a great tow car, very stable and makes light work of towing. However our van is only 1350kg MTPLM so not much of a challenge I suppose!! I really like the load carrying ability within the large cargo bay and, even tho I didn't expect to, I have found the 7 seats very useful. When towing I generally get around 27mpg which I think is OK for such a heavy vehicle fully loaded and a caravan. With the AWD and a good set of winter tyres you can cope with almost anything

As with all Volvos some parts and repairs can be expensive and main dealer rates are high but I use an independent Volvo specialist and have had no real problems or major expenses.

Not sure what year you are looking at but some issues to note are: 06 (pre facelift) some All Wheel Drive faults caused by a weak spline shaft into the bevel gear, some early 185bhp D5 engines had a DPF problem and check the road tax group as for a couple of years engine design did not keep up with government policy. For more detail have a look at http://www.volvoforums.org.uk .

The XC90 is not an off road 4x4 but it is a comfortable and secure drive and I really do like mine even tho I know it is getting a bit dated - perhaps that's why it suits me!!!!

Hi Alan

Thanks for your reply.  Looking at an 04 SE model.  Not sure how mpg round town as not drive an automatic before.  Did test drive this one and it seemed a big sluggish maybe because not used to driving auto.  What do you think?

Sonja

If you do get 1 change the gearbox oil. Volvo say there a sealed for life unit & dont need it changing. This is rubbish & i would change it every 40/50000miles. It makes the gear changers smooth & slick. & it pulls alot better. Its a special oil (JWS 3309). My xc70 as done 190.000miles & the gear shifts are sweat as a nut.

Hi thanks for this.  Will have to test drive a manual as well to see how that drives.
thanks for all your replies

Sonja

Quote: Originally posted by SonjaH on 15/5/2011

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Thanks for your reply.  Looking at an 04 SE model.  Not sure how mpg round town as not drive an automatic before.  Did test drive this one and it seemed a big sluggish maybe because not used to driving auto.  What do you think?

Hi Sonja, same year as mine. MPG around town is generally low 30s with long runs getting up to 38+. I'm not sure what you are used to driving but the XC90 is a heavy car and does encourage a very 'relaxed approach' - it does accelerate like a glacier when pulling away from the lights!!!! However I don't see this as sluggish but well worth getting it checked. Are you buying privately or through a dealer? If private then suggest a professional vehicle check, in either case a complete and up to date service history is vital. I would not want to give up the advantages of the automatic gearbox for a gain in mpg but this is a personal choice.

I agree about checking auto box oil - I think Volvo do suggest a change at 84000 miles or more regularly if towing in extreme conditions.

Good luck with your search

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Edit to above post: Gearbox oil change should read 48000 miles

Must be my age or dyspraxia.

Dont forget if you get a puncture and it cannot be repaired, you have to change both tyres on the same axle as the dif can be damaged

That advice came from John Cleland the former saloon car champ, who owns a Volvo dealership here in the Borders

Hi
Thank you all for this info. We have a 2.0 Diesel toyota avensis verso (7 seats) I love this car but if we want to change to a bigger van then this is not heavy enough to tow (our van is now 18yrs old so a lot lighter than the newer ones).  The XC90 we test drove was from a dealer but not tried any other car yet to compare and have always had manual cars.  Will have to look into a bit more. I like the 7 seats as comes in useful for  football and grandparents!
thanks again to everyone who has replied.
Sonja

We tow with a 56 plate XC90 and it is very comfortable and easy especially with the geartronic box.Normally I just leave it in Auto mode and on motorways use cruise control. Did the return trip to Spain and averaged around 24 mpg.

Mike