Expert answer

Hi Andrew,

We asked Volvo Ireland this for you and here's the response:

"The Volvo XC90 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2014. We expect first deliveries of the car in early 2015.

We expect to have prices confirmed in time for the Paris Motor Show.

Please contact your local Volvo Dealer to be kept updated on the latest news.

www.Volvocars.ie/findadealer

 There is also a link on our website to keep the customer updated on any XC90 information that gets released:

 http://www.volvocars.com/ie/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90/pages/keep-me-updated.aspx"

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Anne,

An all-new Volvo XC90 is due in Ireland in 2015 so the current car is being phased out. The last examples sold in the country are in either D4 or D5 diesel spec with a Geartronic automatic gearbox. They both sat in Band F for road tax, costing €1,200 per annum.

Expert answer

Hi Peter,

It depends on the year but with that sort of mileage XC90s seem to vary from as little as €9,000 to as much as €19,000 for a fully-loaded model from a main dealer. I'd say a safe enough bet would be to ask for around €11,000.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

Safety record? Not really. The XC90 was first crash tested back in 2003 when Euro NCAP only gave stars for overall performance and pedestrian impact. At the time, the XC got a full five-star rating (rare at the time). Since then its score has only been matched in the class by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg in 2004, the BMW X5 in 2003 and, in the past couple of years, the new Mercedes M-Class, the new Range Rover and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Out of those, only the X5 and the Santa Fe come with seven seats (optionally in the case of the X5) and neither can match the space or comfort of the Volvo.

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

There's only one serious recurring problem and it's an issue with the diesel injectors that can be very expensive to fix. If the car is reluctant to start or accelerates sluggishly, leave it and walk away. Otherwise, you just have to make sure that it has a full Volvo service history - the XC90 is quite a complex vehicle and needs to be properly cared for, so if any servicing has been skipped, it's starting on the road to trouble. Likewise, have a careful check for ill-fitting body or interior panels. Everything should be straight and true (XC90s are high in quality) and if it isn't then you need to suspect accident or off-roading damage.

Expert answer

Hi Heather,

We spoke with Volvo Ireland about this and apparently it could be one of a handful of things wrong, ranging from inexpensive to quite costly. The best thing to do is bring the car into your local Volvo dealer so it can be hooked up to a diagnostic machine. This will quickly tell you what is wrong and they'll then tell you the price.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Justin,

The nice folks at Volvo Car Ireland helped us out with this one, and the advice seems to be very up-front. Here's what they had to say:

"Key areas to look at include the gearbox: make sure it's smooth and pulls correctly in every gear. These can be big money to replace if there are problems. The D5 engine is fairly reliable - it and the XC90 have been around for a long time and any bugs have been ironed out. Service history is essential (Volvo preferably) with these vehicles. Lots of UK imports about so I would advise a history check [we recommend Cartell.ie]. Recalls are specific to the vehicle so can't really comment here although your local Volvo dealer will be happy to look these up with a reg or a VIN number."

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Rory,

Normally, I would say the Volvo hands down. But, at that kind of budget, you're looking at an older car and the XC90 is a complex premium car, which needs looking after. Tread carefully at that price level, which is why I'm suggesting you should go for the Nissan. It can't hold a candle to the Volvo for cabin ambience, comfort or on-road dynamics but it's simpler and more rugged, and therefore less likely to give any problems.

Let us know how you get on

Expert answer

Hi Ronan,

Thankfully the potential glitch list on XC90s seems to be pretty small, especially if you go for the diesel engine and the Asin-Warner automatic gearbox. Apparently most XC90 problems relate to the petrol engined versions, running a GM gearbox.

Make sure that the timing belt has been changed at 100,000-mile intervals. Check for outer-shoulder tyre wear caused by suspension mis-alignment. The top suspension mounts can be weak on the early models, but as the one you're looking at is a 2008, you should be OK, as Volvo replaced many under warranty. Wheel bearings can wear, so listen for rumbling noises and the brakes pads and parking brake mechanism are both prone to early wear.

Hope that helps; let us know how you get on.

Expert answer

Hi Piotr,

The XC90 is perennially popular, but as you say this one has a big petrol engine (normally a no-no) and it’s a 14-year-old car now. I’d say it would be worth about €2,000 on a trade-in. Maybe a little more if the dealer has someone looking for something similar.