Used buying guide: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014)

As for equipment, even the early entry-level models were enticing. But look for cars from 2009 for a specification sweet spot, because all were equipped with adaptive suspension, cruise control, sat-nav, climate control and parking sensors.

Fancy extras were added as you went up the range, including heated seats and leather upholstery, and SE Lux trim gained electrically adjustable massage seats as well. Executive trim meant an upgraded speaker system. For a more dynamic experience, SE Sport, on sale from 2006, had the more racy petrol V6, twin chrome-plated exhausts, larger sports seats, satin silver trim and an absence of roof rails.

When the XC90 was launched in 2002, prices spanned £28,400 to nearly £50,000. Today, you can bag one for little more than £1000 if you’re brave, although safer buys await those with at least £5000. Either way, be picky: that 14-year lifespan means there’s lots of choice.

An owner’s view

Keelan Clarke, Volvo XC90 Owners Club: “My experience with the XC90 has been absolutely fantastic. The comfort and space make it a pleasure, and even though it’s a big vehicle, it never really feels like that when I’m driving it. 

“There’s plenty of muscle in the engine, but the most appealing aspect is the room. I’ve yet to come across another vehicle that offers so much of it. It handles all that a family needs and wants. Like any vehicle, they age and that can bring problems, but generally they’re worry-free.”

Buyer beware…

Steering: A recall took place in 2006 to fix a fault that meant the steering could fail with heavy use over an extended period. A total of 18,728 cars were affected, so ensure any pre-2006 models you’re looking at have had this work done.

Body: Some owners report a problem with the tailgate that causes the metal hinge rod of the boot handle to rust, swell up and jam, meaning the boot won’t open. The fix isn’t difficult, but it is tedious, because it requires removing the tailgate’s trim panels. Volvo forum posts show how to fix it.

Engine: Some aged D5 diesels can struggle to start in lower temperatures. Beware. Starting issues can be caused by injector faults – expensive to fix. 

Drivetrain: Worn-out splines within the four-wheel drive system can make some XC90s lose the ability to drive all four wheels. The problem isn’t shown by a warning light, but one way to check is to see if the front wheels spin on loose surfaces. In a working system, all four should grip equally. Repairs can be up to £1000.

Brakes: Any heavy car like the XC90 can be hard on its brakes, so check them carefully. Don’t overlook the parking brake, either. A failure to hold the car properly or a grating noise could mean it needs rear new shoes, which isn’t uncommon with XC90s.