Buying a 2nd hand car

[VillageContractor]

I wanted a seven seater, went for the Qashqai+2 over the XC90, all the bells and whistles you can imagine and it came out a lot cheaper than the Volvo

Looked at it but the boot space is pretty small.

[VillageContractor]

Mitsubishi Outlander?
Mitsubishi Outlander di-D Gx 3 AUTOMATIC 2.3 5dr
(Or a Shogun)

Toyota Landcruiser?
Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 D-4D Icon 5dr (7 seat) Huge Spec

Not a fan of the Outlander and the Landcruiser is too expensive for me

[SimonMac]

Looked at it but the boot space is pretty small.

I guess with 4 kids you will have the third row of seats up all the time? If so yeah the boot space is a bit pants but still enough to get shopping in etc, is the XC90 really that much better with all seats up all the pics I've seen show zero boot space with all seats up

[maccas99]

I guess with 4 kids you will have the third row of seats up all the time? If so yeah the boot space is a bit pants, is the XC90 really that much better with all seats up?

Exactly this. With 4 kids the XC90 isn't going to be a logical choice as the third row are meant for occasional use rather than all the time. You would be far better off going for an MPV like the S-Max or the Touran/Sharan. These have been designed as genuine 7 seaters and some have very handy sliding doors.

In addition - the XC90 you are talking about buying is a 16 year old design with the replacement having recently come out. The running costs are far higher that the MPV style vehicles listed above - high mileage T5 models have potentially ruinous levels of bills for replacement parts when things go wrong.

I would consider your requirements carefully, e.g. if you need 4 x 4, think about fitting winter tyres to a front wheel drive car if that is what you are worried about, it's far more effective that running a 4 x 4 on summer tyres.

[woohoo]

Hi,

Any advice on buying a 2nd hand car? Most likely will buy from a trade seller. In case anyone cares it's not a Porsche, going for a XC90 to fit all the damn kids.

Thanks

VC

Miss WooHoo has the xc60, Volvo have done a good job on their current crop of cars. Not sure where you are based but don't go anywhere near volvo dealership in Warrington, right bunch.

[VillageContractor]

I guess with 4 kids you will have the third row of seats up all the time? If so yeah the boot space is a bit pants but still enough to get shopping in etc, is the XC90 really that much better with all seats up all the pics I've seen show zero boot space with all seats up

From what I've seen (pics) it looks bigger but guess I need to view it in person

[VillageContractor]

Exactly this. With 4 kids the XC90 isn't going to be a logical choice as the third row are meant for occasional use rather than all the time. You would be far better off going for an MPV like the S-Max or the Touran/Sharan. These have been designed as genuine 7 seaters and some have very handy sliding doors.

In addition - the XC90 you are talking about buying is a 16 year old design with the replacement having recently come out. The running costs are far higher that the MPV style vehicles listed above - high mileage T5 models have potentially ruinous levels of bills for replacement parts when things go wrong.

I would consider your requirements carefully, e.g. if you need 4 x 4, think about fitting winter tyres to a front wheel drive car if that is what you are worried about, it's far more effective that running a 4 x 4 on summer tyres.

See comment about looking like an Uber driver. It's a more expensive car to run but something I'd be like driving

[ChimpMaster]

Have had an S-Max for 8 years and it's done us proud. Very good car for the money and plenty of space with 3 proper seats in middle row and comfy back 2 seats when needed. Reasonable boot space if you have 6 seats in use.

The new XC90 looks awesome but it is pricey. Personally I don't like the old shape one.

[Willapp]

I'm no mechanic but I remember reading somewhere that a lot of cars are due things like cam belt changes around 60-80k so it's definitely worth checking when major wear and tear components are due to be replaced and ensure they've been done or get done when you buy.

[VillageContractor]

I'm no mechanic but I remember reading somewhere that a lot of cars are due things like cam belt changes around 60-80k so it's definitely worth checking when major wear and tear components are due to be replaced and ensure they've been done or get done when you buy.

Good shout