New vs used Volvo S90: What are the 4 top differences?
Buy used, and you save money. Buy new, and you can also save money, thanks to a timely campaign by Volvo Cars South Africa. We also consider three other differences between a new and pre-owned S90.
The very desirable Volvo S90 sedan is a prime example of the progress Volvo has made under Geely’s ownership. There are huge S90 bargains to be found second hand, but there are considerable advantages to buying new.
1. Price
This is a very obvious difference, but we want to show you how much you can save by going the pre-owned route. Keep the starting price of the S90 model range in mind: R757 800, for the S90 T5 Momentum.
On AutoTrader we found seven S90s for under R500 000 (each). The one with the highest mileage was a 2017 S90 T6 AWD R-Design with just 72 000 km on the clock. The others had only done around 25 000 km. The list price for a 2020 T6 AWD R-Design, the same derivative as the one above, is R972 550, and that’s before adding options.
Luxury sedans like the Volvo S90 are sensible used buys, because they usually live pampered lives – sleeping in a garage, driven conservatively and never missing a service.
Related: Top 5 things you need to know about the Volvo S90 sedan
2. Warranty and maintenance
A pre-owned Volvo between 18 and 30 months old is of a desirable age. It has lost a chunk of value, benefitting the used-car buyer, but there’s still lots of life left in its warranty and maintenance plan. The maintenance plan means services won’t cost you a sent, even when wear-and-tear items need replacing.
A Volvo carries a 5 year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan (Volvo Plan). The service intervals are either annually (from date of first registration) or every 20 000 km.
Those who want to plan ahead can ensure hassle-free motoring beyond those 5 years or 100 000 km. This can be done by extending the maintenance and warranty plan by two years, 40 000 km or 60 000 km.
Volvo Cars Roadside Assistance consists of value-added services that come standard with a new Volvo. It includes a Skytrax tracking device, Connected Roadside Assistance, smash-and-grab protection, Datadot vehicle ID and the Tracker smartphone app.
Related: Which Volvo S90 is better: petrol or diesel?
3. Cash back to new buyers
Volvo has launched a campaign that give buyers payment relief or cash. The programme applies to the S90, XC40, XC60, XC90 and V90CC.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, says in the case of payment relief, the customers will receive a refund of up to five months’ instalments, paid directly into his or her bank account.
With the second option, customers who buy qualifying vehicles will receive cash up front. “Someone buying an XC40 will receive up to R20 000 in cash. An XC60 buyer will qualify for up to R30 000 in cash. Someone who buys a XC90, S90, or V90CC will get up to R160 000 in cash,” Maruszewski explains.
Volvo expects a high level of customer interest in these offers. Volvo dealerships have been open since 14 May. The “payment relief” or “cash in your pocket” campaigns will run until 30 June 2020.
4. Engine recall on four-cylinder diesels
Volvo Cars has issued a global recall of certain models with four-cylinder diesel engines. In South Africa, some S90, XC60, XC90, V40 and V40 Cross Country models – registered between 2014 and 2019 – are affected.
The recall is precautionary. A total of 507 353 vehicles are being recalled globally after investigations by Volvo Cars identified that, in very rare cases, the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform. In the very worst case, there is a possibility that a localised engine-bay fire may occur.
While no incidents have been reported, Volvo Car South Africa is recalling these models. Owners affected by the recall will be contacted by their dealers. However, Volvo customers are welcome to call 0800 698 6586 for clarification.
Make sure the car you want to buy has had this dubious part replaced.
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