Volvo Problems

We haven't heard of any other reports of this, but it sounds serious. I would ask Volvo for an explanation of what happened and why. Seems an investigation is warranted.

From what we can establish the towing rating of the XC60 T8 hybrid is around 1600 kg, which would mean it wouldn’t tow your caravan.

Windscreens do occasionally leak, and there are a number of possible causes. Unless you can prove that it was a manufacturing or installation fault there’s not a lot you can do except pay the money and replace it. Rather than go through the dealer you could try one of the windscreen companies, which should be cheaper.

It depends on the condition and kays of the Volvo. I would expect a 2012/2013 XC60 to have done on average 60,000 to 80,000 km. At that mileage it should still have plenty of life left in it, but it is closer to the end of the road than a new Forester would be. If you chose with your heart you’d take the Volvo, but your head would tell you to buy the Subaru.

We haven't heard of any other reports of this, but it sounds serious. I would ask Volvo for an explanation of what happened and why. Seems an investigation is warranted.

It’s hard to say one over the other, both appeal. The Forester is well built, it has all the features you want, and would be reliable. The Volvo has the style, the features, and would also be reliable, in the sense that there is nothing of a serious nature that could bite you on the backside down the track. As they’re both three to five years old they shouldn’t be expensive to service, particularly the Forester, which has capped-price servicing. I would go with your head and choose the Forester, but you have to like what you drive, and I could equally understand if you chose the Volvo. You wont go far wrong with either of them.

The Volvo XC90 is a terrific luxury SUV, one that offers plenty of high-end technology and luxury appointments, plus with enough room for seven adults if need be. It's an inescapable fact that the Volvo is on the expensive side - if you consider a petrol engine version with sporty styling - the T6 R-Design would be the go-to option - and at about $105,000 before on-road costs and options, you're likely to see a lot of value in a like-for-like comparison against the Mazda CX-9 Azami AWD (which is about $65,000 before on-road costs, and there are hardly any options to choose). 

The Volvo doesn't excite the senses as much as a Mazda CX-9, and if that's important to you, then we'd suggest the Japanese seven-seat SUV is the better option. But it is hard to argue against the Volvo's driveway cred, and if you can afford it without stretching the budget, then it's definitely worth a test drive. 

I wouldn’t recommend either of them as a budget buy, unless you have deep pockets. They are both too old. While they might not be very exciting, a car from one of the big Asian brands, such as Mazda or Toyota, would be a much better choice for someone with a limited budget.