2003 Volvo XC90 d5 SE review from UK and Ireland

When I picked the car up from the dealer, the anti skid pan service light illuminated.

After a week of driving I took it to my local Volvo dealer to take a look at the steering, which was doing some funny things ie adjusting itself on bends (strange).

The Volvo dealer diagnosed that there was a steering fault, which was probably due to a worn rack. When he plugged his laptop in, it came up with 6 faults ie yaw sensors flow sensors etc.

I promptly took the car back to the dealer I bought it off, who changed the rack (no change to me of course). I also got the faults cleared bar two.

The two in question were yaw and flow rate sensors. The car is back in the dealers at the moment having the sensors replaced.

Other than the above faults, which are being dealt with, I cannot really complain about the XC90.

I do have a couple of issues ie pulling off from a stop start; the gearbox does tend to have an alarming delay before you actually pull away; a bit frightening sometimes!

I am told this can be remedied by Volvo with their magic box of tricks for a price. I suspect also rear vision is very limited when reversing. Thank god for the r.p.s.

I haven't owned the car that long to make a really honest opinion of ownership, but for what little time I have had the car, I have enjoyed it, except for the above comments.

I have calculated mpg around town is about 22mpg, and on a run about 32. I am hoping on the run to Devon from brum to average 35mpg+ @ 70mph. Would this sound about right?

One last thing. I must admit when driving this car I feel really safe, unlike my 94 Range Rover classic, which does tend to wallow a bit, but that's what makes a Rangie fun I suppose!