We are looking at new vehicles for me. We need something with more space. I'm torn between a Toyota Highlander and my dream vehicle, are you ready? a Volvo XC90. Both are ridiculously affordable (when purchased used), due to our current market situation. It seems easy--you choose the dream vehicle, but it's not that easy. I am a mom now and I have to be responsible. The Highlander is rated much higher for reliability and the Volvo is rated much higher for safety--though the Highlander does okay in this category. The Volvo is beautiful and sporty and has a better layout, but the Highlander is a Toyota, nuff said. Look at the photos below and give me your feedback. The little voice in my head keeps saying "what good is a safe car if it doesn't start?" Then the littler voice says "shut-up the Volvo is better and you've wanted it since the moment you laid eyes on it."
The Highlander interior. The one we purchase won't have a nav system. I am a navigation system.
The Volvo XC90. Purr....
The Vovlo interior. Very European looking, aka very early 90s and boxy, but I love it.
OPINIONS?
12 comments:
safety, affordability, the one that has the best maintenance plan and the one that is the most reliable period.... no matter a car is a car is a car in the end........... ma
saftey is always most important..but im sure the volvo is just as safe really?? wow, i am helpfull huh..all i can say is when im making a decision about something w/ the kids i normally go w/ my gut, b/c im normally trying to convince myself the other way is better, but if i have to convince myself..well you know..does that make sence? however, thats why i already chose my future car w/ no other options to screw with me..lol
btw, two blog posts and no pictures of Maizey?? you can never post too many !!
i just gotta say that i love your two choices -- i just got a highlander and totally love it...its so so so smooth...but the xc90 is quite nice as well -- the highlander seems a little more roomy...but i havent ever drove the xc90...HOWEVER, xc90, is a ford...humm...but yeah, they do take the reputation seriously...
i dont know, i think that whatever you get is an OUTSTANDING choice!!
I am sorry, I love Volvos. I love my 4Runner, but I am not ahuge fan of the Highlander body. Toyotas go forever though!
I told J when I get a job I want to trade in the Mits for an inpractical audo a4. I understand your delimma
My parents have a 2002 Highlander and it is AWESOME!!! Such a smooth and powerful ride, and very roomy. It will hold a convertible carseat in the backwards position with no problems for the front passenger too. Something my Outback can't even do with an infant carseat...
Anyways, I'm clearly biased, as I love Japanese cars and that is all I will ever own. I'm all about reliability and cheap maintenance. Oh, the Highlander does well in the snow too, since I tested out my parents' car one time up at Stevens Pass :) Good luck with your decision!
I'd go with the Volvo myself. Toyota is more reliable then the Volvo, but if you take care of it, things should be fine. Honestly. I know your a parent now, but get your dream car. You'll feel great everytime you step inside it and drive around. With the Toyota, you'll never feel satisfied. I had the same choice with a computer a while while, and made the "sensible" decision, and always regretted it. Plus I use to work for Hertz Rental car. Volvo's just have a better feeling ride then a Toyota. Even though I know they are the best reliability, Toyota and Honda's bare bones ascetic has always been a deal breaker for me. Plus their seats suck. Very hard, while the Volvo's has more cushion and generally more features in general. Volvo has built a rep on safety, so it might have a slightly lower rating, but it should be well above the norm.
Just my opinion
Um....The Volvo, was my #1 choice before God created man who created VW who created my Tiguan....so I would say the volvo....I LOVE THEM and I know Tracy who lives in Guam, she drives one and it is seriously sweet...I LOVE IT! But the highlander is cool too. I used to drive Lisa's all the time when I watched Audrey and it drives so smooth! I loved it too...but I love the Volvo more...sorry I just LOVE IT :)
Of course you must also determine where and with what product you will acquire the best service.
All Cars need service. Is there a reliable maintenance facility near where you live, or will you have to travel to get the service your Toyoto Serviced. The same question applies to the Volvo!!!!
After all you need service by an approved Service facility to keep the warranty valid.
I wish you well and enjoyed your blog.
No choice - Volvo Volvo Volvo
The reliabilty of Volvos is long term - very long term
I live in the south west forest of Western Australia which means my nearest Volvo service centre is 360Km away so I need a car I can trust and that I can work on myself if I am in trouble - Volvo wins
Also, Volvo is now owned by Ford, so some of your money will stay in USA
John
Quinninup
Volvo, hands-down. Why is there even a question?
("Ridiculously affordable" in your world is "way beyond the means" in mine.)
well, what good is a car that starts but can't take a hit? go for the volvo and drive safe! by the way, the new, smaller xc60 is the safest car in the world at the moment. andit looks far better than 90 ;)
Lana, you're far too superior of a driver to be rockin a Volvo. You'll fall into that .005% of Volvo drivers that actually know what they're doing. Having said that, BD owns the XC and I've driven it...it is a tank. I even found myself driving slow in it which is highly unusual and this was on a sunny day. I side with Mo, the Highlander is a smooth ride and very reliable. Much roomier too. Plus I love the old body style, not too big or too small, it's just right! Based on a more recent post, it sounds like you're going with the Volvo so I guess this is all for nothing. Oh well, I tried!
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