Introduced locally in 2017, Volvo's V90 Cross Country is one of the last estate cars sold in South Africa, but is it a good pre-owned buy?
Is a used Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?
While the Volvo V90 Cross Country has sold in exceedingly low numbers since its introduction in 2017, there are still a handful of pre-owned examples for sale on AutoTrader, but are they worth looking at as a used proposition? We have compiled a list of pros and cons.
Known problems
- The air suspension system in early models was known to collapse on one side, but this issue was fixed under warranty.
- The Engine Control Module (ECM) has been known to not depressurize the fuel system, causing tank deformation, but this was replaced as part of a recall
- There was a recall on the models due to a bad welding point between the engine rotor shaft and the hydraulic brake unit, which was known to cause brake-related issues
- The fuse that runs the fuel pump is known to blow, meaning the car will not get fuel and therefore will not start
- There are some electric problems known to plague the V90, including a glitchy instruments cluster, sunroof malfunctions and issues with the start/stop system
Pros
- Pre-owned diesel derivatives can be had for roughly 35% lower than a new mild-hybrid model
- The V90 Cross Country is exceptionally practical with a 560-litre boot and seating for five occupants
- Reasonable off-road ability with impressive on-road dynamics
- The vehicle is incredibly safe and is packed with semi-autonomous driving features
Cons
- As an off-road estate car, it may prove difficult to sell in the local market
- The V90 is not known to be very efficient
- The infotainment system on pre-facelift models will feel dated by today’s standards
- Some of the models have large wheels and low profile tyres which are less than ideal for off-roading
Verdict
So, should you go out and buy a pre-owned V90 Cross Country? In short, yes, if you are after an off-road-ready estate car, the V90 is essentially your only option locally, however, since they are scarce, getting your preferred colour and engine may prove difficult.
Keyword: Is a used Volvo V90 Cross Country a good car?