Expert answer

Hi Michael,

They’re pretty solid, but watch for issues with the 1.6-litre diesel engine (exhaust filter, water pump, turbo) and the ignition and central locking system. Make sure it has a full and complete service history and don't ignore the warning lights.

Expert answer

Hi Frank,

It depends on the condition and service history, but I would suggest it’s worth around €4,000.

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.

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Hi Rosemary,

This car was built between 1997 and 2006 so it's on the pre-2008 tax regime, which is done according to engine size. The 2.0-litre C70's capacity is actually 1,984cc, meaning an annual tax bill of €710.

With regards to the roof, it's pretty durable, but best to avoid any cars in which it looks torn or in need of repair, as it's an expensive job.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Sue,

I think you might need to look for a big seven-seat MPV, so. Have a look for a Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhambra. Both are exceptionally roomy, and both are reliable and good to drive. A touch on the thirsty side though. The only ‘conventional’ car I can think of that might fit the bill would be a Volvo S80 or V70, which have just about enough space across the back seat for three child car seats, and plenty of legroom up front.

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Hi Dino,

It’s actually a very common engine, the PSA DV4 unit, also shared with Ford, Volvo, Peugeot, Citroen and MINI. It’s a four-cylinder turbodiesel, usually with 110hp, although some later versions had 115hp.

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Hi Kevin,

Our research suggests this is worth in the region of €9,000 to €11,000 depending on condition, history, specification and who it is doing the buying and selling.

Hope that helps

Expert answer

Hi Kevin,

The Volvo S40's engine is susceptible to a few issues that are, unfortunately, quite expensive to fix. Without seeing the car or message for myself, I'd suspect that it means turbocharger failure due to build up of sludge in the oil supply pipe to the turbo.

You'll need to get the car along to a good mechanic to confirm this for you before deciding on how best to remedy it.

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Hi John,

I'm afraid we'd need to know a little more, such as condition, mileage, which of the petrol engines is it (2.0- or 2.4-litre?), etc.

A rough estimation would be between €3,000 and €4,000.

Come back to us if you'd like us to narrow this down.

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.