Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40/60

[Clusterduck]

I would be interested to hear about experiences of either of the above models. DH has always wanted an Audi. I wonder about reliability and servicing costs so think a Volvo might be better value. The problem with the Volvo is the XC40 seems a little small whereas the XC60 seems too big. We have test driven a Hyundai Tucson and it’s obviously a bit cheaper but feels sluggish. Or do we just wait for the Toyota Cross SUV to come out? Other contender could be Lexus but suspect too expensive.

I don't know about the Audi, but I love my XC40.
Nice responsive drive, AWD, low servicing cost and touch wood, nothing's gone wrong with it so far!

We love our XC60. We appreciate the additional room to the 40 and the comfort level. 8 hour drives are not unusual here (Canada).

I adore my XC40! I also have an XC90 so can compare those two and that one is more of a workhorse. Can’t compare it with the Audi though.

Have an Audi Q3 - it's getting old now (about 7 or 8 years) and starting to have things go wrong which are extremely expensive to fix. Especially at our local Audi garage/ dealership who are shocking. They literally charge in excess of £200 to diagnose a problem before they've even touched it! No idea how that compares to Volvo or what type of deal you are looking at, until recently though it's been a great car and very reliable so if you are looking at any kind of finance ikr only keeping it during guarantee period I think you will be OK!

We loved our XC60 so much so that we're thinking of getting rid of our current car and getting the XC60 again. We found it to be a very reliable, easy to maintain car. Plus it only feels big initially. After a week it was as if I'd never driven anything else.

Thanks all for your replies! I can see how a big car would be essential in Canada but we are in London. We only use a car a couple of times a week but we do like going on driving holidays too. Our current car is - gulp - 13 years old and cost about 11k secondhand. I should add that we would be looking at two/three year old car and budget is max 35k. Finance seems a crazy option when our offset mortgage is so low.

Has anyone driven a Lexus? I ask as it’s the more comfortable version of our very reliable Toyota (which is just a bit too stiff and basic now).

We have an Audi Q3 and a (post 2016) Volvo (albeit an XC90 rather than a 40/60). In comfort and driving experience terms the Volvo wins hands down - it is an absolutely gorgeous car to drive. The Audi feels very average in comparison - the ride is hard and it’s a very tight fit for our three children. Easier to park though but the XC90 is a bit of a beast - a smaller Volvo wouldn’t have that problem.

Personally I wouldn’t buy another Audi - I’ve been pretty underwhelmed by them so far. I would buy another Volvo in the morning.

Have a look at VW Toureg. I have had two and fab cars. Bit like Q3

Just adding that our Volvo is a petrol plug-in hybrid while the Audi is a diesel. I also test drove the Volvo diesel version and while it was lovely, the petrol/electric was a much nicer experience.

we’ve had both… I loved the q3 but the xc60 is fab, we’re on our second xc60 now… has so many extras on it, fab car

Have an xc60 and an xc90
The 60 never gets used- the boot is too small and its quite a clunky car, quite dated in its technology etc

I have an audi q3 petrol automatic , never thought I'd like an automatic but I love it and the car. Its not massive but a decent size. Had a zafira tourer before and it was amazing albeit more basic. I suppose it depends on your needs.

XC60 is a great car but quite big to be driving in London. I didn’t like the poor rear window view out of the XC40 though.

Thanks everyone! Not a lot of love for the Audis… I believe the 2019 model onwards is bigger than older ones? Would love electric but no offstreet parking and one charger in our area with a useless council that won’t install more and refuses to let us install dropped kerbs due to conservation area rules…
I worry the XC60 is a bit big while the 40 is too small as PP said. How do Volvo owners find reliability and costs? Will be after 2018/19 onwards models. Which models have all leather seats? Autotrader does t give this option on searches.

We have an XC60 in the London suburbs with on street parking. It's easy to park (better than I thought) and it's been a total dream.

Ours is 11 years old now and have never had an issue with it. The guys at the Volvo garage in Twickenham have been brilliant too - services aren't cheap but they're incredibly helpful and have never done the 'charge you just to look at the car' thing and don't go the hard sell.

If you like Q3’s you should have a look at the Seat Ateca. Owned by VW Group so essentially the same car (similar to VW Tiguan too), without the price tag.

I ❤️ my Ateca, despite always having Audi’s prior - it was a bit change for me to jump to a different manufacturer.

I have found this YT video on the comparisons of Q3 vs Ateca, which I remember watching when I was researching

We have an XC90 and it's been nothing but trouble. We've always been loyal to Volvo and had V70s for years before this either no issues at all but I wouldn't have another now.
We also have a Hyundai Santa Fe and I absolutely love driving it. Very practical, loads of space, economical and a million times more comfortable than a Tucson.

Ooh thank you @BackInMarch2020PreCovid for the Seat idea. My (v wealthy!) banker cousin swears by Seats. (I think he’s wealthy partly because he doesn’t waste money on flashy cars).

@OddsandSods I agree with you I think - I sort of want something between the 40 and 60. But then @JassyRadlett echoes what a friend who drives the monster size XC90
says which is once you’re in it, it really doesn’t feel that big.
@StScholastica I fear the Santa Fe is too small whereas the Tucson was sort of just right size wise for us. Something just put my husband off and we are not sure what! A big sluggish? Snob factor? We drive a very old beaten up but reliable car now and part of me thinks if we don’t get something nicer now, when? We have both had it drummed into us that cars are a waste and you’re better off putting the extra (beyond a basic vehicle) into investments…

Audi Q3 update: It was OK. I was a bit underwhelmed although it was a 2020 model, so the newer size and shape. No parking camera!! Even the Tucson had one. Worst of all, too small. The boot is tiny. I no longer believe online dimensions. Q5 looked nice but DH thinks it’s too big (I disagree) but it was about 12k more expensive which is a big jump.

Trying to work on him re Volvo. I secretly hope he falls for the 60 though he’s only willing to test drive the XC40 which I think is too small.

My XC60 has all-leather seats. It’s a T6 R-Design.

Try and persuade your hubby about the Q5. Absolutely love mine .

The Hyundai Santa Fe is much bigger than the Tucson. It's comparable to the XC90 in size.
Our DS has a Tucson and parked side by side, the Santa Fe dwarfs it.

Apologies - I meant the Santa Fe would be too big! Doh! The Tucson is about the right size for us. A friend had a Santa Fe many years ago and was very fond of it. Its interior had a premium feel.

Has anyone driven a Lexus SUV style car? Or a Mazda CX5?