xc90 manual or auto/geartronic

Xc90 gearbox 

I have towed for last 3 years with XC90 with geartronic 163 D5 have had no problems have no problem with delay have fitted a KN air filter and have plenty of pull use Criuse control a lot saves fuel (35 mpg solo ) (26 mpg towing) also keeps you within law as regards speed limits. GJB

thanks i looked at one today but will still need to get a shot of both just to see what i like thanks gary

Manual gearboxes 

I purchased a XC90SE in Nov 2004 with a manual gearbox, not worried about the resale value as I intend to keep it for as long as I tow a caravan. I reckon that is about another ten years, over 70 by then. So far it has been superb, tow 25-27mpg consistently in 5th gear except for really steep hills and 40mpg solo motorway cruising at 70mph. ( On one occasion on the M1 I recorded 45.3 mpg over a 150mile journey but that must have been with a tail wind). The van is single axle, 7metre external length with top weight of 1450kg. The only slight snag is the american style parking brake, the release handle operated with the right hand is either on or off and therefore makes hill starts with the van more difficult. However the times I have had to do this the car has not rolled back so it is not really a problem but does give the 'it must be geartronic' brigade more ammunition. Watch the hitch weight, for my (Volvo) detachable hitch it is 90kg max, for the class of vehicle I think this is a bit on the low side and means that you have to take note of how the van is packed.

you could of course buy the 163bhp version and chip it to get 193bhp and 400lb torque. For pulling trailers/varacans its the torque thats more important anyway.

Towing limit is 2250kg Check this link for all you need to know.... Roy