I am currently looking for S80 for my wife so she can haul two kids. I know that she also likes the XC90. With my budget being up to $13K I can probably only get 2003/04 XC90. How are they when it comes to reliability? Same budget will get me 04/05 S80 here where I live so I need to make a wise decision. I am not so crazy about SUV for day to day use but hey, I need to keep my wife happy so I can get my 68 Impala :-)

Thanks.

 

You can haul 2 kids in a Geo Metro safely also. Women like SUV's and feel safer and stronger in them. They like riding up higher and feel confident driving 50+ MPH in a snowstorm. The truth is, the larger vehicles like an SUV are not always the wise alternative. Consider repairs, maintenance, fuel costs, etc.

In my opinion, the car is the better choice. The early XC90's do have a few common issues and are very expensive to repair.

 

If you have internet access run a Google search on "XC-90 problems" "XC-90 transmission" "XC-90 engine light" "XC-90 wheel bearing problems" "XC-90 Lemon Law" There is more but that alone should steer you in the right direction. If you chose to buy a used XC-90 then be ready to spend your children's college fund on the repairs and upkeep.