hi guys, anyone tow with a xc90 diesel auto or an x5 auto diesel , nothing newer than a 2012 with around 130k on the clock. getting rid of my passat and looking for a reliable towcar, i dont do may miles when not towig as i work from home but we like our trips to bude and that around 300miles each way - roll o summer. how reliable are they and how expensive are the spares.
We had a 2008 plate XC90 D5. It was a great tow car. Very stable very comfortable. We had it from 9 months old 13k miles until we sold it in Feb this year for 5.5k at 89k miles. Was a great family bus.
It had just started to get expensive with a new prop shaft in the last year, new intercooler (holed by a stone) and a couple of other bits. However, our mechanic reconned we were unlucky and they are usually bullet proof for well over 150K miles.
We sold it to make room on the drive for an EV company car.
Its to be expected that once any car gets to 10 years old and well over 100k miles it will need money spending on it, or will have had money spent on it.
A friend had an XC90 which was starting to get very expensive at about 120k miles. Dash was like a Christmas tree and he was constantly chasing faults.
Both these were expensive vehicles when new and the costs to repair don't depreciate like the cars do, which is why cars that were very expensive when new are so cheap at this age, repairs can be eyewatering.
What ideally you need is one which has been properly looked after with all the receipts for work done. MOT history will provide you lots of info in this regard before you even decide to go and view. Anything with very few advisories and no failures over that time and mileage is usually a good indicator.
With both being 4wd tyre depth can be critical. Any discrepancy across axles can lead to very expensive transfer box failure, so check each tyre and see if they look like they have been changed as a 4. The tyres aren't cheap, changing four is expensive so owners do skimp.
Gearbox and diff oil changes are also things to look for, as sealed for life means a failure ends the cars life!
A friend went down the route of a 7 year old Range Rover Sport V8 for towing his twin axle van. As well as servicing other repair costs (generally electrics) were at least £1,000 a year.
My personal view would be to find something younger and far simpler.