We are looking at something to replace our 2004 Trailblazer. My wife has fallen in love with this car. We have 3 kids (9,7,2) and after strongly considering a mini-van she just can't bring herself to driving one so she is now looking hard at these. We've test drove a few and like the solid fit of the car.

Our budget is $20-$25k. Currently looking at 2008 Model years with around 40-50k miles for about $24k/$25k

A couple of questions/concerns that hopefully someone can address.

1. I'm a little concerned about the size with a family of 5. We'll do maybe one or two long road trips a year and then the typically carting the kids around town and such. How have other families liked the size?

2. 3.2L or V8? AWD or FWD? We live in Michigan. We don't tow anything. Does the 3.2L provide enough power

3. Never owned a Volvo. Anything I showed be a ware of or look for as we pick out which car to get?

Thanks for your help!

 

midnight swinga,
you will be surprised to feel the difference between the quality of a trailblazer and an xc90, no comparison.
1-I also have a family of five and I drive an 2008 3.2 AWD. There is always room for an additional 2 kids in the back third row of seats. Opt for it. The fact that Volvo mounts the engine transversally, you will have an interior space unmatched by any similar size SUV.
2- 3.2 AWD no problem V8 AWD slightly more fuel consumption. Both clean bill of health.
3- Drive them once, you won't drive anything else. Safe, Sturdy, durable, understated, good looks but definitely more expnses to run than domestics. Do not buy before a complete check up at a reliable volvo mechanic. Buy the extended warranty.
4-Opt for the premium sound system, to check, a label: "Dynaudio, authentic fedility" should be on the dash board centre speaker. Theater like sound stage.
The right choice
Good Luck.

 

With a family of 5 and 3 kids, I strongly suggest you get a 7 passenger xc90. That way, you can separate them when they get noisy and fight. I'm sure the oldest one will soon appreciate being in his bubble alone in the back....

I've owned my 90 for a little over a year now and came from the Land rover family ( Discovery). It is true that the 90 is a solid vehicle and at least 10 times more reliable than a Rover.