Buying Volvo V90

francis1978

Hello everyone,

Looking for some opinions on buying a Volvo V90 in the UK.

My situation is as follows; baby #2 due in December, just moved back to Ireland, my wife has an Astra but it wont take 2 x car seats, pushchairs, etc etc. Considering buying a 2018 Volvo V90 in the UK, price wise they seem to be the best value compared to Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Skoda Superb. Can pick up a 18 plate with below 30k miles for approx €26/27 k, this includes VRT.

My plan is to buy the car from a main dealer to avail of Volvo guarantee etc. Will still get a 3rd party inspection, due to Covid I am not keen on travelling over to view or collect so have spoken to a few car transportation companies who can collect and deliver to me in Dublin for €300 - 700.

I am angling towards a V90 R design as I think they look nicer than the other two spec options. Can anyone see any major flaws on the above, any comments on my choice of car also appreciated

Regards

Tabby McTat

Was in the same position as yourself at the start of the year. 2nd bambino on the way and looking for an estate. Options were'16/17 V90 and E class. Ended up going for the E but was very taken by the V90.

I sound like a broken record on here but an estate is so good with all the baby cr*p. The boot has swallowed buggies, travel costs, suitcases and still space for more.

I bought from the UK as well. Main dealer for the some reason as yourself and went for an RAC inspection. Money well spent IMO. There were a few small things they picked up on that the garage fixed up for me.

Others have said it here as well but make sure you get your hands on the full V5 when you are buying. It's a world of pain if you don't (personal experience of it).

kirving

Something certainly different to the majority, really comfortable and nice place to sit. Having just had a full sized estate, the extra space will be a godsend.

I just bought a car online from a UK dealer - no issues at all. Probably still go with the inspection for peace of mind.

beggars_bush

Is there a reason you are going for the V90?
A superb L executive trim would be better value and probably have better level of spec

listermint

Is Nox charges calculated in to this?

francis1978

beggars_bush wrote: »

Is there a reason you are going for the V90?
A superb L executive trim would be better value and probably have better level of spec

Hi, I am very taken with look of the volvo both internally and externally, I had a Skoda Superb years ago and loved it, however the price of a 2018 V90 is cheaper than the equivalent Skoda Superb in some cases - R Design Vs Sportline

francis1978

listermint wrote: »

Is Nox charges calculated in to this?

Yes, I was getting quotes from the Revenue website of circa 5.5k VRT for a 2018 R Design with roughly 30k miles

beggars_bush

francis1978 wrote: »

Hi, I am very taken with look of the volvo both internally and externally, I had a Skoda Superb years ago and loved it, however the price of a 2018 V90 is cheaper than the equivalent Skoda Superb in some cases - R Design Vs Sportline

Fair enough.
Try and get someone to source a v90 direct from a leasing company or volvo uk leasing

Oafley Jones

Considered buying one when they first came out. Lovely car, but was just a bit small for our needs back then (needed to fit three full sized baby seats). There’s a Cross country version around us and it’s stunning. Keep looking at them on autotrader. The CC is really appealing as I don’t think I’d every return to a lower down driving position now.

Said this before, but I hate the R designs though. I don’t think the tacky chrome mirrors, shouty plastic bits etc. suit the character of Volvos at all. Also I’ve no time for the actual harsh suspension that comes with these cars. They’re not sports cars.

nsnoefc1878

Oafley Jones wrote: »

Considered buying one when they first came out. Lovely car, but was just a bit small for our needs back then (needed to fit three full sized baby seats). There’s a Cross country version around us and it’s stunning. Keep looking at them on autotrader. The CC is really appealing as I don’t think I’d every return to a lower down driving position now.

Said this before, but I hate the R designs though. I don’t think the tacky chrome mirrors, shouty plastic bits etc. suit the character of Volvos at all. Also I’ve no time for the actual harsh suspension that comes with these cars. They’re not sports cars.

Where is that? My brother has a silver one, he lives in Kildare, Ballymore Eustace.
@OP - drop me a message if you need any info on them and I'll ask my brother.

intro

I purchased a V90 Momentum 2018 in Agnews , Belfast last month. I was originally looking for a 2019 because the front parking sensors were a standard fit on the 19 but not on the 18. I test drove two S90's, a momentum and an R type on Athlone last year but Covid changed the plans. My wife and child sat in the back and they both said that the momentum was the more comfortable.
There are three driving modes on the momentum: eco, comfort and dynamic. I'v played with the last two and there is a difference but I tend to leave it on comfort most of the time. Lots of personalisation of all functions on it. Standard sound system is very good.
I had searches saved on Volvo UK but the cars coming up in the Northern Ireland were higher specs (and prices). I eventually rang Agnews to see if they had anything coming in and as luck would have it they had one coming off a transporter as we spoke. This was an 18 but had the front sensors fitted as extra. I got to see it before it had been valeted so that was good. Its running around 43 mpg at the moment but I have had very few long journeys.
Its very comfortable. The pilot assist is interesting. Works well on good roads. Plenty of power for me paticularly for overtaking. Theres a spare wheel which was a must have for me.
I have bought cars from Britain previously but I was wary about travelling at the moment. I asked the salesman when I was in Belfast about looking for a specific model and specification and he said about accounted for 30% of their sales. They could get whatever you want. Got £300 off list and a full tank of diesel. My VRT was 5K (119 CO2) while a 129 CO2 version would have been 5.4K. I think it needs sensors front and back as its a big car. I thought pricewise its good value used. Best of luck.

beggars_bush

intro wrote: »

I purchased a V90 Momentum 2018 in Agnews , Belfast last month. I was originally looking for a 2019 because the front parking sensors were a standard fit on the 19 but not on the 18. I test drove two S90's, a momentum and an R type on Athlone last year but Covid changed the plans. My wife and child sat in the back and they both said that the momentum was the more comfortable.
There are three driving modes on the momentum: eco, comfort and dynamic. I'v played with the last two and there is a difference but I tend to leave it on comfort most of the time. Lots of personalisation of all functions on it. Standard sound system is very good.
I had searches saved on Volvo UK but the cars coming up in the Northern Ireland were higher specs (and prices). I eventually rang Agnews to see if they had anything coming in and as luck would have it they had one coming off a transporter as we spoke. This was an 18 but had the front sensors fitted as extra. I got to see it before it had been valeted so that was good. Its running around 43 mpg at the moment but I have had very few long journeys.
Its very comfortable. The pilot assist is interesting. Works well on good roads. Plenty of power for me paticularly for overtaking. Theres a spare wheel which was a must have for me.
I have bought cars from Britain previously but I was wary about travelling at the moment. I asked the salesman when I was in Belfast about looking for a specific model and specification and he said about accounted for 30% of their sales. They could get whatever you want. Got £300 off list and a full tank of diesel. My VRT was 5K (119 CO2) while a 129 CO2 version would have been 5.4K. I think it needs sensors front and back as its a big car. I thought pricewise its good value used. Best of luck.

they are a huge car
what is the driving position like?

intro

Driving position is good for me. When I sat in it first I thought there wasnt great adjustment on it but its actually good. Easy to get comfortable. Good visability all round.

nsnoefc1878

beggars_bush wrote: »

they are a huge car
what is the driving position like?

My brother's cross country has a great driving position, the extra height makes a huge difference. They are very easy to drive, don't feel their size at all.

Rrrrrr2

Sounds crazy a premium make and large car in 2018 had no front parking sensors?
Had a 2012 Insignia that had them all round!

copacetic

intro wrote: »

I purchased a V90 Momentum 2018 in Agnews , Belfast last month. I was originally looking for a 2019 because the front parking sensors were a standard fit on the 19 but not on the 18. I test drove two S90's, a momentum and an R type on Athlone last year but Covid changed the plans. My wife and child sat in the back and they both said that the momentum was the more comfortable.
There are three driving modes on the momentum: eco, comfort and dynamic. I'v played with the last two and there is a difference but I tend to leave it on comfort most of the time. Lots of personalisation of all functions on it. Standard sound system is very good.
I had searches saved on Volvo UK but the cars coming up in the Northern Ireland were higher specs (and prices). I eventually rang Agnews to see if they had anything coming in and as luck would have it they had one coming off a transporter as we spoke. This was an 18 but had the front sensors fitted as extra. I got to see it before it had been valeted so that was good. Its running around 43 mpg at the moment but I have had very few long journeys.
Its very comfortable. The pilot assist is interesting. Works well on good roads. Plenty of power for me paticularly for overtaking. Theres a spare wheel which was a must have for me.
I have bought cars from Britain previously but I was wary about travelling at the moment. I asked the salesman when I was in Belfast about looking for a specific model and specification and he said about accounted for 30% of their sales. They could get whatever you want. Got £300 off list and a full tank of diesel. My VRT was 5K (119 CO2) while a 129 CO2 version would have been 5.4K. I think it needs sensors front and back as its a big car. I thought pricewise its good value used. Best of luck.

How do you find the sensor sensitivity? I’m thinking about changing from a6 estate to a 2019/20 cross country. I have a very tight driveway for parking and exiting, basically all the sensors come on entering driveway and stay on full so worse than useless, Graphic display not much better, reversing cam only thing keeping me sane for getting back out at least.

Ive had a6 allroad, and a6 estate last two cars, would like another allroad, but it’s crazily priced compared to the cross country.

Bren_C

I'm just finishing a 3 year lease and ~100k in my company V90 R-Design, cracking car, looks great (I still have random people comment on it when clean!) comfy and lots of space for the kids etc. I did miss the front sensors at first but a month (was in an A6 estate) in I barley noticed. Getting into a 5 touring in Jan but only as the lease payments were lower on the 5 so I could add some toys. If it was my own car I'd be holding onto it. I did go for the D3 (150bhp) and would avoid that and nab at lest a D4 (190bhp) if you can

intro

I think the parking sensitivity is pretty well balanced. Its a graphic display on mine so no reverse camera. The rear display comes on "full red"when your about 9 inches from something. I read somewhere that this is to allow for the presence of a tow bar. They dont stay on like your describing. They switch off when clear of the obstacle.
I don't think the D3 tuned engine is sold in the UK. As Bren C experienced, you probably would get used to not having the front sensors but theres a lot of bonnet in front of you. I think they are very useful. Best of luck.

deandean

I bought a 2018 V90 Cross Country a few months ago.
I was looking in the UK and NI for ages but I got fed up of the COVID limitations, and sourced one in Ireland.
It's a rare car. I see a good few V90s around, but I've never met another V90CC on the road!
I went for the CC mainly because I really like the look of them, and I wanted something different.
The interior is I understand, the same as the normal V90. I upgraded the map, and I can now enter an Eircode into the Nav system which is really useful.
This is about my 5th big estate car. I've had older Volvo estates, a 5-Series Touring, etc. They are miles ahead of 'SUVs' when it comes to practicality, and value for money.
And for sure I'd recommend both the V90 and the V90CC. Superbly comfortable. It's a BIG CAR! I use the Prodrive most of the time when on Motorways and it really does reduce driver fatigue on a long days' drive.

copacetic

intro wrote: »

I think the parking sensitivity is pretty well balanced. Its a graphic display on mine so no reverse camera. The rear display comes on "full red"when your about 9 inches from something. I read somewhere that this is to allow for the presence of a tow bar. They dont stay on like your describing. They switch off when clear of the obstacle.
I don't think the D3 tuned engine is sold in the UK. As Bren C experienced, you probably would get used to not having the front sensors but theres a lot of bonnet in front of you. I think they are very useful. Best of luck.

Thanks for that, what I meant was I have less than 9inches clearance pretty much all around car so once enter driveway they all go off and keep going off! Would love to be able to set them to 4 inches or so before go solid beep.

nsnoefc1878

deandean wrote: »

I bought a 2018 V90 Cross Country a few months ago.
I was looking in the UK and NI for ages but I got fed up of the COVID limitations, and sourced one in Ireland.
It's a rare car. I see a good few V90s around, but I've never met another V90CC on the road!
I went for the CC mainly because I really like the look of them, and I wanted something different.
The interior is I understand, the same as the normal V90. I upgraded the map, and I can now enter an Eircode into the Nav system which is really useful.
This is about my 5th big estate car. I've had older Volvo estates, a 5-Series Touring, etc. They are miles ahead of 'SUVs' when it comes to practicality, and value for money.
And for sure I'd recommend both the V90 and the V90CC. Superbly comfortable. It's a BIG CAR! I use the Prodrive most of the time when on Motorways and it really does reduce driver fatigue on a long days' drive.

I have a 2017 cc, the eircodes do come in very handy, they are a bit more inaccurate than google maps but overall fine. For example, my house is 700 meters up the road according to the cars mapping of the eircode, google maps its right to the door. Might just need an update tho.
I got mine in Belfast in July. Only let downs are the boot could be a bit bigger, my dogs certainly agree. I am by no means good at parking and reversing, I got the reverse camera fitted when i bought it, but even without it I find the car very easy to manage. The steering is so light, and the turning circle is great for the size of it. I've no issues with the size of it at all really.

nsnoefc1878

copacetic wrote: »

How do you find the sensor sensitivity? I’m thinking about changing from a6 estate to a 2019/20 cross country. I have a very tight driveway for parking and exiting, basically all the sensors come on entering driveway and stay on full so worse than useless, Graphic display not much better, reversing cam only thing keeping me sane for getting back out at least.

Ive had a6 allroad, and a6 estate last two cars, would like another allroad, but it’s crazily priced compared to the cross country.

I think the v90 cc looks far better than than the a6 allroad. Am I right in saying the a6 allroad doesnt have increased ground clearance over the standard a6?
I think the interior of the volvo is a lot nicer too, integrated infotainment over the a6 popup one. A6 allroad is insane money new.

copacetic

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

I think the v90 cc looks far better than than the a6 allroad. Am I right in saying the a6 allroad doesnt have increased ground clearance over the standard a6?
I think the interior of the volvo is a lot nicer too, integrated infotainment over the a6 popup one. A6 allroad is insane money new.

No, A6 allroad has increased height and air suspension all around as standard, so can set the ride height Up and down at touch of a button. Engines were always generally much bigger too, used to be could only get 2.7 or 3.0. Latest version isn’t pop up either and probably a step up on Volvo interior, but massive money as you say.

Certainly the v90cc is much improved over the v70 version. If anything the allroad has gone the other way in latest version.

nsnoefc1878

copacetic wrote: »

No, A6 allroad has increased height and air suspension all around as standard, so can set the ride height Up and down at touch of a button. Engines were always generally much bigger too, used to be could only get 2.7 or 3.0. Latest version isn’t pop up either and probably a step up on Volvo interior, but massive money as you say.

Certainly the v90cc is much improved over the v70 version. If anything the allroad has gone the other way in latest version.

Thanks for clarifying, I didnt know those things. Just after I posted I remembered that the latest A6 has fully integrated infotainment. But I think the Allroad is up near 100k isnt it?
Not sure if air suspension is available on the v90, I dont believe it is.

Casati

Another big fan of the V90 having got a 2019 last year. I wanted the R Design but heard you can't fit the factory electric tow bar so went with the cheaper Momentum and actually prefer the seats and the ride comfort. The spec is amazing, e.g. all of them have adaptive cruise and the really useful pro pilot which steers the car rather than bouncing from line to line (which I understand still isn't standard on new 5 series or A6).

From 2019 onwards as well as front sensors, they all got the brilliant bigger digital screen with navigation integrated between the speedo and tach so keep an eye out for that too - one big advantage of the digital speedo is that you can change it to km's so your not constantly reminded of the imperial measurement over the water if you import.

Mine has Volvo on Call app which I use a lot and really like - if you leave a window open or leave the car unlocked it reminds you, also its basically a tracking device and will also alert you if the standard fit alarm goes off. I generally use the google maps function via Volvo on Call to enter a destination and the app sends it to the car. I know somebody with a 2019 Inscription that doesn't have this function so its worth checking the exact spec of any car.

Ive the D4 as the D3 is a bit lacking- I also got Polestar tuning and think its well worth it, especially if you need to overtake on secondary road a lot.

I had a Superb previously and although its capable the newer Skoda's don't seem as well stuck together- mine had a good few rattles and squeaks. Overall it feels like a class below the Volvo. The value proposition that Superb was known for has slowly disappeared imo.

The V90CC looks lovely too but economy suffers quite a bit with AWD but that's probably worth it to most owners, I will defo consider one next time around though the pricing is going to get a beating with the WLTP changes

PowerToWait

Casati wrote: »

Another big fan of the V90 having got a 2019 last year. I wanted the R Design but heard you can't fit the factory electric tow bar so went with the cheaper Momentum and actually prefer the seats and the ride comfort. The spec is amazing, e.g. all of them have adaptive cruise and the really useful pro pilot which steers the car rather than bouncing from line to line (which I understand still isn't standard on new 5 series or A6).
l

I had this on my shortlist but was put off slightly by an autogefuhl comment on the Volvo diesels not being very economical. What has your experience been in this regard?

Casati

PowerToWait wrote: »

I had this on my shortlist but was put off slightly by an autogefuhl comment on the Volvo diesels not being very economical. What has your experience been in this regard?

Average since start of this year has been 6.1 l/ 100km inc v mixed town driving, fast cross country and fast motorway, maybe with bike rack or trailer attached too. Looking at trip history a drive from Killarney to Shannon was 5.3 l/ 100km, another drive from Dublin to Cashel was 5.8 l/100km. In heavy traffic obviously that can plummet and be prepared for 8l/100km if your commuting in city gridlock traffic

PowerToWait

Tvm, this sounds quite decent.

nsnoefc1878

Casati wrote: »

Another big fan of the V90 having got a 2019 last year. I wanted the R Design but heard you can't fit the factory electric tow bar so went with the cheaper Momentum and actually prefer the seats and the ride comfort. The spec is amazing, e.g. all of them have adaptive cruise and the really useful pro pilot which steers the car rather than bouncing from line to line (which I understand still isn't standard on new 5 series or A6).

From 2019 onwards as well as front sensors, they all got the brilliant bigger digital screen with navigation integrated between the speedo and tach so keep an eye out for that too - one big advantage of the digital speedo is that you can change it to km's so your not constantly reminded of the imperial measurement over the water if you import.

Mine has Volvo on Call app which I use a lot and really like - if you leave a window open or leave the car unlocked it reminds you, also its basically a tracking device and will also alert you if the standard fit alarm goes off. I generally use the google maps function via Volvo on Call to enter a destination and the app sends it to the car. I know somebody with a 2019 Inscription that doesn't have this function so its worth checking the exact spec of any car.

Ive the D4 as the D3 is a bit lacking- I also got Polestar tuning and think its well worth it, especially if you need to overtake on secondary road a lot.

I had a Superb previously and although its capable the newer Skoda's don't seem as well stuck together- mine had a good few rattles and squeaks. Overall it feels like a class below the Volvo. The value proposition that Superb was known for has slowly disappeared imo.

The V90CC looks lovely too but economy suffers quite a bit with AWD but that's probably worth it to most owners, I will defo consider one next time around though the pricing is going to get a beating with the WLTP changes

My 2017 d4 v90cc has the updated 12 inch dash, it's so much better than the previous version with the single dial.
I've done 6000km in just over 3 months, getting 6.7l/100km right now which isn't too bad at all, I'd be in Econ a fair bit but switch to polestar a bit too. Agree totally that polestar is great, in fact I'd say it's a must. The difference is night and day. It was on mine when I got it so a nice plus. The pan roof is awesome, I really wanted that for my dogs when they are in the boot! Keeps them much more comfortable ☺️

t8010789

Would a v90 owner be wiling to measure the internal width across the rear seats at its narrowest point (door handle to door handle on my A6)? Would like to know how it compares as I’m struggling to fit three car seats across the back of the Audi. TIA

Casati

t8010789 wrote: »

Would a v90 owner be wiling to measure the internal width across the rear seats at its narrowest point (door handle to door handle on my A6)? Would like to know how it compares as I’m struggling to fit three car seats across the back of the Audi. TIA

The seat base is 136cm and the distance from armrest you armrest one each back door is also 136cm. Volvo sell a narrow high back booster seat that I think will fit in the middle allowing you to put in two isofix seats in each side

intro

Hi
I got 1.33m at the narrowest point between the door handles. This was on a 2018 Momentum.
There is an optional extra where there is two build in child seats in the rear. Dont know about the distance between them to fit anotherchild seat . There seems to be an option to get them retrofitted if I remember. Not sure which forum I saw that in and it seemed to vary from dealer to dealer. Its an option that does not seem to be fitted to many of them. The forum at volvoforums.org.uk might have more information.

t8010789

Thanks for the info folks. The measurement is much the same as the A6. I think I have found a high back booster seat that will squeeze between the two isofix. I would defo consider the v90 as my next family car, I presume it’s a match for the A6?