Buying a Volvo XC90 - petrol or diesel? | Ask Honest John

Buying a Volvo XC90 - petrol or diesel?

I am looking to buy a second hand Volvo XC90 Geartronic for local private use and to stand in for my business van when road conditions in the winter call for four-wheel drive. Someone I know has a V70 D5 and strongly recommends I get a diesel XC90 D5 and not a six-cylinder petrol.

I know the petrol will consume much more fuel but I am concerned that my local trips will not allow the DPF to work properly. Considering all facts, would you recommend getting a diesel or petrol?

Asked on 19 November 2013 by Chris Cansdale

Answered by Honest John

As far as I know, Volvo XC90 diesels have always had DPFs. And they can be trouble used for repeated short runs from cold starts which choke the DPF.

The petrol won't have these problems, but will be difficult to sell in years to come. From year three onwards, petrol engines are generally cheaper to maintain because less replacements are required.

Tags: buying a used car dpf technical issues petrol or diesel?

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