Volvo xc90 or not?

[Louplet]

We are expecting DC3 in September and need a good, reliable car that will take 3 child car seats. A friend has suggested the Volvo xc90. Any thoughts? How expensive is this to run and insure? Any alternative recommendations? I know little about cars and feel a bit lost. Happy to pay a little more for good safety and reliability plus good boot space. Not looking to buy new as way too expensive. We have been really happy with our current car (a Peugeot 307 - I think ) but it will only take the two child car seats. Help

We had Volvos in the days of 244s. Great cars, great workhorses back then. Don't know about now.

I do know you can get three child seats across a Renault Scenic. Huge boot for all the baggage. No need for the Grand Scenic. Ordinary Scenic does just fine.

Thanks GrannyMo. Will take a look at that.

Louplet, I find Honest John good, if you search by car and then select the prices and specs option, you will be able to see all the MPGs for each car. There is great variance in the same car from model to model for things like MPG. The difference between a 1.8 and a 2.0 can be staggering.

Best MPG on the volvo is 34ish combined, which is not great, BUT Volvos will go and go.

Good reviews as well.

what size/group child seats are you looking to fit in?

I used ot have an XC90. I use isofix seats (just for info).

I believe the rearmost seats (the foldflats in the boot, if you are looking at a 7 seater) are not suitable for carseats. I don't know about boosters.

the normal rear seats would take a car seat on either side, but the shaping of the car's seat woudl not allow a third in the middle (form recollection). volvo do have their own booster built into the middle seat. not sure if you would want to use that on a child under about 6, though (didn't try when I had mine - dd1 was jsut a baby), althugh volvo do sell (or used to) a seat belt guide/head rest thingy for that middle booster seat.

hth

That might be a problem then Silverfrog as when DC3 is born in Sept, DS1 will not be 5 yet (not until end Jan) and DS2 will be 16 months. We will really need to be able to fit in 3 proper car seats not just boosters.

Magicdragon - thanks for the tip. Will take a look.

I don't think you would be able to get 3 car seats across the normal back seat of an XC90.

but I didn't have to try - I only had the one when I had mine (and 2 step children, but they were past booster size even!)

talk to a volvo garage maybe - they sell their own car seats, so should have someone who is able to advise you.

We're expecting no 3 as well and are currently contemplating the Ford S-max. I have a friend who is a childminder that has one so I know you can fit 3 car seats across, plus there are another 2 seats in the back for any extra passengers, or to take out for more boot space. I'll be interested in any other suggestions that are made.

We currently have a Nissan Almira Tino which does actually fit 3 across the back but it takes a bit of juggling and we need to be able to fit my Mum, or other children, in from time to time.

We hired an XC90 fr a holiday to France with friends.

They really are pretty spacious and have a decentish boot even with al 7 seats being used.

Re. the car seats - we fit 3 car seats across the middle row. Was a second stage seat and two boosters with backs. They fit fine.

Me and Katz had the two back seats and were suprisingly comfortable - real leg room unlike most 3rd rows!