VOLVO XC90 Mk1

OUR PICK 2010 (10) D5 SE AWD, 57,000 miles, £15,180

THE Volvo XC90 has been a staple of the school run since its launch back in 2002. And now that the second-generation version has established itself as a front-runner in the large SUV class, the original model is even more of a used car bargain.

Thanks to the XC90’S longevity, there’s a wide range of cars on offer. There are mega-mileage diesels, and even a thirsty V8 model if you’ve got money to burn. But as with any used car, it’s well worth sourcing the newest car you can for your budget. And if you’ve got £15,000 to spend, you’ll get a lot of SUV for your money.

Volvo’s D5 diesel is the engine of choice. While it’s not the cleanest or most frugal engine around, and the XC90’S permanent four-wheel drive only makes matters worse, it delivers the best balance of performance and economy. You can get a 2.4-litre petrol and even a larger straight-six, but these are pretty thirsty. While the 4.4-litre V8 is rapid, claimed economy is 20mpg, so you’ll be lucky to be dipping into the teens in realworld driving. The XC90 is a comfortable cruiser, so it makes sense to go for the Geartronic auto gearbox.

SE models deliver the best value if all you need is seven-seat versatility, while the upmarket Executive spec is luxuriously appointed, with kit such as climate control, leather and parking sensors. The R-design version adds a sporty look to the XC90, including larger wheels, although these combine with a stiffer suspension set-up to ensure they’re not the most comfortable versions on sale. Ocean Race special editions are worth seeking out for their extra kit.

Whichever car you choose, you can be certain that the XC90 is one of the safest cars on sale, and if past Driver Power surveys are anything to go by, long-distance comfort and carry-all practicality mean you can while away the miles in a luxury bargain.

SE models deliver the best value if you just want the versatility of seven seats, while upmarket Executive versions come luxuriously appointed “SIX years of use is nothing to a car that was built to survive a head-on collision with an elk. There are over a decade’s worth of used XC90S to choose from, too. You can expect some issues with older versions, but owners told Driver Power that electrical issues or worn upholstery are often easily fixable.”