Looking for a large family car...
I'm looking for a family car and have two children under three.
I've had coupes (currently in an Audi A5) all my life so ideally I'd like to switch it up and get an SUV. I'm at a loss of what to get - I'd love the Volvo XC90 and can afford it, but the pragmatic side of me is telling me not waste a huge amount of money on a depreciating asset like that, no matter how great it is.
On the other end of the scale I think the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great looking car, but I can't stand the plasticky feeling of the interior and the ugly interior layout. Do you have any recommendations that would allow me to keep the luxury feel of my Audi, but not cost the earth like the Volvo?
Or... do I just compromise and get a 3-4-year-old Audi A6 Avant estate?
Rich K (Dublin)Feb 2018 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Rich,
OK, there’s a lot to unpick here. First of all, any car you buy (other than perhaps a classic Mercedes SL or an old Ferrari) will be a depreciating asset, so there’s not much point in thinking that buying one car over another will save you from that. Obviously some cars depreciate a bit less than others, but they do all depreciate in the end.
The XC90 is a cracking car, a really good one, but as you rightly point out it’s big and expensive, and if you’ve only got the two kids, you probably don’t really need the seven seats. The Santa Fe is an excellent car, reliable and hard-wearing, but you’re quite right that the cabin can be a bit low-rent at times. It might be worth having a look at the Kia Sorento — mechanically identical to the Santa Fe, but a touch roomier and we prefer the Kia’s interior. Also well worth having a look at slightly smaller seven-seat SUV rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Skoda Kodiaq, all of which have genuinely excellent interiors and are good to drive too.
Mind you, once again, you’re right — you don’t need an SUV (no-one really does, but that’s a debate for another day) so actually the idea of an Audi A6 Avant estate is a really good one. You already like Audis, they’re great for quality and reliability and look awesome into the bargain, and have plenty of space for two growing kids. Worth looking at a BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate too (the BMW’s a little better to drive, the Mercedes is bigger inside) and well worth checking out the gorgeous new Volvo V90 if the XC90 has taken your fancy. Here are all our reviews of the above cars to help you decide:
Is the Volvo XC90 a good family buy?
Hi lads,
I've 16, 15 and 5 year olds and another one on the way. I have a Volvo S80, but will need to change. I don't like MPVs as the rear seats are too close to the back of the vehicle so if you have a tip I'd be worried about the back two. I saw a 2010 Volvo XC90 the last day in a car park and it had two child seats in the back, two in the middle and a 15-year-old by the window and the two parents. I asked them what did they think of it. They said they had a Discovery before but found the Volvo more family oriented, safe and reliable. Would you agree? What else would you consider?
Oh, I've a daft labrador as well that would have to go in the boot!
Thanks
Justin McElwee (Galway)Jan 2018 Filed under: family car
Expert answer
Hi Justin,
The old-shape XC90 is definitely a good choice and yes they’re reliable (as long as you get one with a full service history and keep it looked after properly). They can be a little expensive to run, though, with big thirsty engines and high motor tax rates. It would definitely be worth considering the likes of a SEAT Alhambra or Ford S-Max as well, if you’re looking for lots of seats and space, or even a Volkswagen Caravelle or Shuttle if you want the absolute maximum in terms of seats and cargo room. Definitely room for the labrador in one of those, even if you don't like the look of the MPVs...
What is the tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
What is the motor tax on a 141 Volvo XC90?
Tom Quinn (Galway)Nov 2016 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Tom,
Assuming you mean the D5 diesel with the automatic transmission, then €1,200.
Have you reviewed the FWD Volvo XC90?
Hi,
Have you a review on the Volvo XC90 Momentum FWD?
Thanks
John Condren (Lusk/Dublin )Jun 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi John,
We've not reviewed that specific model, but you should be able to get a good idea from the versions we have tested, as listed below:
Volvo XC90 D4 FWD Inscription review
What SUVs have three Isofix seats?
What SUVs have three Isofix seats in the middle row? Thinking of putting two Maxi Cosi seats in middle and putting buggy in one seat's position if it's down, as I need the back two seats for children ages five and three. Most SUVs won't take buggy in boot space with seven seats in use. Is this idea viable or a non-runner?
Jim Donovan (Mallow)Jun 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Jim,
I think unless you’re going to go for a full-size SUV, such as a Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, you’re going to struggle to find an SUV with three Isofix points in the back. Even the family-friendly Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe only have two outer seat Isofix mounts in the middle row. I’d suggest having a look at the Ford S-Max or Galaxy, or a SEAT Alhambra. These would seem to be the only cars that have the necessary Isofix points and the boot volume you’re looking for.
What cars can fit three child seats in the back?
What cars/SUVs can fit three child seats across the back?
Oonagh Mangan (Innishannon, Co Cork)Feb 2016 Filed under: child or baby seats
Expert answer
Hi Oonagh,
Not many; you really need to be looking at MPVs such as the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Verso, or the Ford S-Max or SEAT Alhmabra if you fancy something bigger. That said, the recently introduced Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are just about wide enough, but it depends on what seats you're using. Also, larger seven-seat 4x4s such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery will take three-abreast, but they're expensive to buy.
Are electric cars a real option now?
Are electric cars a real option now? Looking to purchase a second hand car 2012 upwards. What do you think?
Paul Mccabe (Kilkenny)Jan 2016 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, and no. And a bit yes. It still depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Lots of short journeys, mostly around town? Don't mind taking the time to plan long journeys carefully and be prepared to take breaks for charge ups?
Things are getting dramatically better though. Nissan has just updated the Leaf with a new 30kwh battery (read our review of it here) that extends its range to around 250km, which is a lot more useful, and if you're suitably loaded a Tesla Model S can go for 500km between charges.
If you're not quite ready to take the full electric car plunge, how about a plugin hybrid? Short hops under electric power with a petrol engine for longer journeys. Try the Volkswagen Golf GTE, Audi A3 e-tron, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or a Volvo XC90 T8.
However, if you're looking for a second hand car, your options with electric power are severely limited, as sales have been slow so far.
What is the car tax on a 2010 Volvo XC90?
What is the car tax on a 2010 Volvo XC90?
Darragh Caset (Tralee)Oct 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Darragh,
All versions of the XC90 sold that year were in Band F, costing €1,200 per annum to tax.
Which seven-seater is is safest?
Which seven-seater is safest?
Sinead Sinclair Sinclair (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Sinead,
Probably the Volvo XC90 - whatever about EuroNCAP scores, Volvo always makes its cars real-world safe, basing its design on data taken from actual, real accidents and not just lab testing.
If you mean something a bit more conventional and cheaper than an XC90, then according to EuroNCAP the best performing are the Volkswagen Sharan and SEAT Alhambra, both of which scored a maximum five stars, with the Sharan getting a 96 per cent mark for adult occupant protection, 80 per cent for kids, 46 per cent pedestrian protection and 71 per cent safety assist. The Alhambra's marks were identical.
Relevant reviews:
When will the new Volvo XC90 be on sale in Ireland?
When will the new Volvo XC90 be on sale in Ireland and do you expect it to be priced much higher than the current model? I am interested in one for next year.
Thanks
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jul 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
We asked Volvo Ireland about this. Here's what we were told:
"The Volvo XC90 will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in early October 2014. We expect first deliveries of the car in early 2015.
We expect to have prices confirmed in time for the Paris Motor Show.
Please contact your local Volvo Dealer to be kept updated on the latest news.
There is also a link on our website to keep the customer updated on any XC90 information that gets released: http://www.volvocars.com/ie/all-cars/all-new-volvo-xc90/pages/keep-me-updated.aspx "
For your information Andrew, we'll be at the global reveal of the XC90 on August 25th if we can help you answer anything else.