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...
Should we chop in our costly Volvo?
I own a 2009 Volvo V70 flexifuel. We love the car. We have two children and it is perfect for us. It is roomy, reliable and safe. We plan to buy a caravan so it will be suitable for towing. The only downsides are it costs €1,200 per year to tax, it is relatively heavy on fuel, it has a low service interval (10,000km) and the timing belt is due.
Should we cut our losses and trade it in for a diesel? We previously owned a diesel Mazda5 that gave us a lot of problems with the DPF, thus our aversion to diesel. We will be doing small mileage with long runs during the summer holidays (maybe towing a caravan). Am I being irrational in avoiding diesels because of the DPF issue? Currently I am spending €100 a month on road tax so I would be prepared to spend €200 a month on a vehicle if I was to change.
Your advice would be appreciated
Ray
Ray Mehigan (Limerick)Nov 2017 Filed under: running costs
Expert answer
Hi Ray,
To be honest, it sounds to me as if you should just stick with it. I appreciate that it’s not much fun spending €1,200 a year on motor tax, and that the service interval is a bit short, but if you’re only doing short mileages with the occasional long trip, then you’re just going to be throwing money at trading up to a car you don’t really need.
DPF issues are never far away from a diesel car if you’re only doing low mileage, but the biggest issue is going to be the cost of change. A budget of €200 a month isn’t going to get you very much, to be honest, so I would just do the work your Volvo needs and stick with it.
Audi/Volvo warranties carry over from UK?
Hi, would you know if UK Audi and Volvo manufacturer warranties would be honoured by Audi/Volvo dealers here in ROI?
Rob Doorly (Drogheda )Oct 2017 Filed under: warranty
Expert answer
Hi Rob,
If it’s the original manufacturer warranty, then yes — they’re pan-European warranties (mostly, check the small print) and will be honoured by any dealer within the EU. If it’s a warranty offered individually by a dealer, then possibly not. Definitely not if it’s from an independent dealer, but there might be a chance if it’s one offered by an Audi or Volvo franchised dealer in the UK.
What will I replace my Saab 9-5 with?
Hi
I'm looking for a reliable and cheap to buy saloon or estate to replace a 10-year-old Saab 9-5. I'm thinking Saab again. Any advice on alternatives?
Many thanks, Dave.
David Doyle (Dublin)Sep 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
One of the last of the 2010 Saab 9-5s could be a good purchase, but it's a bit tricky for us to get a handle on how reliable they are as so few were sold. We've always fancied one ourselves actually. Another good option, and not one of the obvious German saloons, is the Lexus GS, especially if your budget stretches to the newer GS 300h hybrid. The safest option would be a Honda Accord, which is reliable enough to out-live the Solar System, but if you like your Swedes then the Volvo S80 is a great buy - reliable, hugely comfortable, and temptingly cheap these days.
Which high car to replace my BMW coupe?
I have a bad back so a hard-riding low car is out as I already have one a BMW 4 Series. I need a nice smooth and interesting to drive alternative that is higher up.
Declan McEvoy (Portlaoise)Aug 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Declan,
Don’t get an X3 then — it has great seats, and is higher up, but has a ride every bit as hard as that of the 4 Series. Would you consider a Lexus? The NX SUV is really very comfy, and softer riding than most competitors, as is the Volvo XC60 (either the new model or the old one) as long as you avoid larger optional alloys and the R-Design pack.
Which 2008-2009 estate to buy?
What is the estate car to buy around 2008-2009 low tax brands? I was leaning towards Volvo.
Thanks
Mike
Mike Doherty (Cappoquin)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Mike,
Back as far as 2008 and 2009 sadly you're missing out on the Volvo V60, which is a cracking car and very affordable to run. You could get a bigger V70 with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, but it's a bit more expensive. The smaller V50 estate might be too small for you.
Would you consider a Skoda instead? An Octavia Combi is hugely spacious, reliable, cheap to buy and cheap to run.
Should I replace my Zafira with a Volvo V60?
Hi.,
Looking at a 2016 (162) Volvo V60 D6 Hybrid AWD, with less than 6K miles, (9.5k kilometres) on the clock. It is a demo model. Reviews tell me that I should avoid this car, primarily because of price. With a cash price tag of €36K on this car from a dealership I am inclined to think that the value is more acceptable. Does this price raise your two-star rating? With three children approaching teenage, they have outgrown the Opel Zafira and so other options I am considering include the XC60.
All advice appreciated.
Padraig Coffey (Killarney)Jul 2017 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Padraig,
Nope, the price doesn't change the fact that it's more thirsty and less practical than the standard V60. If your girls have outgrown a Zafira then neither the back seat nor the boot of the V60 hybrid will be any use to them or you. Better off by far with a standard one, or consider an upgrade to a well-cared for XC90.
Five best estate cars in Ireland?
Hi,
Hope you're well, Have you done a '5 best estate cars in Ireland?' I did search but couldn't see anything.
Martin Smith (Killarney)Jun 2017 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
We haven’t actually done that, as yet, but here’s a quick rundown of our favourites:
1. Skoda Superb Combi: massive, roomy, cavernous, spacious, replete with space — whatever way you want to put it, the Superb is the best estate around simply because you can fit the most amount of stuff into one. Looks good too, and is exceptionally comfortable. Not the sharpest thing to drive, but you won’t really care.
2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate: really good looking, massive boot, staggeringly high quality cabin, comfortable, smooth 2.0-litre diesel and surprisingly good to drive.
3. Volvo V90: another one that’s surprisingly good to drive, with sharper steering than you’d expect. Gorgeous interior, exceptionally comfy seats and the only problem is that the boot isn’t quite as big as it should be. Exterior styling does kind of make up for that, a little.
4. Volkswagen Golf Estate: not the obvious choice perhaps, but adds extra space (lots of it — a 605-litre boot) to the Golf’s usual other qualities of quality and classiness. An ideal family car and more affordable to buy and run than an average SUV.
Sale price of a 2011 Volvo S40?
Can you please give me the sale price of a 2011 Volvo S40 Lux with 80,000km on the clock, cream leather interior and it's spotless inside and out?
Eileen Mc Carthy (Waterford)May 2017 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Eileen,
It will depend on the service history, but probably about €7-8,000 as a trade-in.
How do the autonomous packs compare?
Love to know if you have compared the difference between BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo for their semi-autonomous packs.
Regards Martin
Martin Anderson (Dublin)Apr 2017 Filed under: safety
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
Yes we have, although not yet in a properly scientific way. Thus far, it’s Volvo’s Pilot Assist that is the best. None of them will take control for more than a few seconds at a time, and you always have to have your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, but they can take a good deal of the strain out of longer journeys. The Mercedes system is very good too, with the BMW one just fractionally behind for now, but all are improving with every generation.