Used Volvo XC90 pictures

Fuel consumption can be very heavy, even on diesels, and particularly if you’re towing.

Make sure there’s plenty of life left in the tyres, as a new set will cost you the best part of £600.

It feels solidly built, but there were some sub-standard materials on early cars, which marked easily. Versatility is excellent, with three individually adjustable sliding seats in the middle row, but the third row – which pops out of

Geartronic automatic box is good, but can feel sluggish.

If you’re looking at a D5, try to start the car from cold. If it struggles to fire up, it could be injector problems. Repairs are costly.

Check the state of the interior trim, as it doesn’t always wear well. Leather trim gets scuffed, while the carpets can look tatty.

Issues with the electrics are common on early cars. Often it’s just a question of attaching battery connections more securely.

Check exterior brightwork isn’t cloudy; chemicals used in car washes can attack the metal. Replacement is the only cure.