Volvo XC90 or other large 6+ seater

[Robson Valley]

My GMC Suburban 4x4 has 8 seatbelts plus luggage space. Rear seat overhead controls for the rear winter heater.
Shift on the fly (below 70kph) and the 454 gas engine. I'm lucky to see 17 mph on the highway. A daily driver it is not.
You would love this but the daily operating cost would cripple you. I use it 2-3 times a week.

The XC90 looks wonderful but don't plan on bouncing across the plowed fields and rocks.
My greatest concern would be load space. I'd be bolting a pod to the roof rack ASAP.

 

[Janne]

You need it for your Bison meat!

Cost of fuel is crippling in Europe.

 

[Robson Valley]

Yes, I do. The village of Valemount is about 120km further east into the mountains. Good butcher.
One time, I hauled all 4 quarters of a big 2 yr old bison over there to get cut. We loaded at the ranch and
I took off for Valemount. November, -10C cold and dry.
I had to drive for maybe 90 minutes+ with the extraordinary smell of 700+lbs raw bison laying right behind me.
Couple of local kids went to butcher school and have a plant here. I use them now. Fairly good cutters.

 

[ValeTudoGuy]

Hows Bison taste? Much like cow?

 

[Robson Valley]

For both looks and taste, you got it right = "much like cow."
It all began as a sort of compensation for bird hunting (Canada geese & ducks) priviledges
over the crop fields next to the bison pasture. I bought a 1/4 just to see what it was like
and bought whole sides from then on, approx 15 years now.
Almost fat free so in cooking anything the least bit overdone become woody-tough.

I think I saw one of those Volvo XC90 yesterday. You can fit 6 adults inside?

 

[ValeTudoGuy]

I only need 4 adults and 2 children. Having seen a couple of my options in the flesh now the Pathfinder is by far my favourite... But the transmission issues worry me.

This might be on hold for a couple months now anyway, it looks like I might be able to make the Yukon trip and will need to eat some of my budget.

 

[Leshy]

I only need 4 adults and 2 children. Having seen a couple of my options in the flesh now the Pathfinder is by far my favourite... But the transmission issues worry me.

This might be on hold for a couple months now anyway, it looks like I might be able to make the Yukon trip and will need to eat some of my budget.

Marc ! Good choice on the Yukon trip!!👍👍👍

That will be awesome!

Make sure you take plenty of pics , I'd love to see your trip report!

 

[Robson Valley]

I agree = skip the car. Do the Yukon trip so you can cross that adventure off your bucket list.
Last year(?), I saw Fabian's activities list. Top notch educational experiences.

 

[ValeTudoGuy]

Thanks guys! Im VERY excited 😃

 

[Arya]

I own an older XC90 and I love it most of the times. I've had it for many years now.
I have the 5 cylinder petroleum engine (180 horses).
It is super reliable, very nice to drive, spacious and it's also surprisingly grateful. Few nasty surprices!

It's not the cheapest car when it comes to it's need for fuel. It is quite thirsty, but on long trips it's not bad at all. Mine runs at 0.6-0.7L per kilometer, on highways.
It is very expensive with a heavy horse trailer attached though... I know that all cars use more with heavy load, but this one is significantly more expensive than others I've had before.

It is a sweet ride even at high speed, despite it's heavy body. It is still very precise at 180 km/h, and you can drive it for hours without feeling exhausted.

I'm not impressed with the All-Wheel-Drive, but the newer models are supposed to be better. I still prefer good old fashion 2WD-4WD high and low gears, so I'm biased anyway.

Many of the Diesel versions have their gear box broken. Some say it doesn't take the heavy torque from that engine very well, but I only have experience with my petroleum engine. It has passed 300.000 now, and the gearbox is still there...

The chassis is good, with no rust so far

 

[Janne]

A year back, I had a look while in Norway on the new 90, as renting is a pain and expensive there. Holy cr@p, it is expensive!
Renting while I fix the Wehrmacht G for export to N. became very acceptable.

 

[Paw Print Paul]

Hi, I have been driving my Nissan Patrol 2005 for 7 years now and find it a remarkable car. It has been everywhere taking 7 people in comfort. It has not broken down and being able to drive in 2wd gives better fuel and tyre economy. Stick it in 4 low with diff lock and you won't get stuck. Its driven from Nordkapp to Dunkirk via Finland in February in 42 hours.
If you want a luxurious, comfortable car that can do it all, seriously consider a Patrol.