Vee_Que;75633 wrotebumperplates;75424 wroteThanks for the fantastic advice! I guess Diesel might be the way to go.
Would I be able to do the minor servicing myself or Do you need specialist skills/tools to service them at home?
If I was after a D5 model, then what should I look at to make sure one big maintenance bill with Volvo doesn't give me a heart attack?
No
Minor servicing on modern cars isn't just an oil change. Further, with a diesel, its very important to change the diesel fuel filter as often as once a year, and aviod just topping the tank up and having the level constantly low! That is the best way to end up on a tow truck imo. Also aviod just bouncing between the cheapest service stations. Use only BP or caltex at newer stations. It does make a huge difference.
Further, if only doing short trips most of the time, you need to change the oil half as often, its the same for all cars, its the worst thing you can possibly do to an engine other then racing a car.
The Fuel filter only needs to be done once every 2-3 years
The Volvo units (like the stupid BMW) do not have a proper Fuel/water separator
The fuel filter can absorb a few ounces of water at most... if you get a single bad tank of diesel the motor is toast no matter what
XC90 suspension stuff needs to be inspected once a year during a RWC and most of the front end will need to be replaced once a decade on average (Like every Volvo ever....)
It does not need to be looked at during normal servicing