Car seats and Volvo XC90

[mmpeitz]

Hi! I'm debating whether to get a Volvo XC90 or Volvo XC70. I'm pregnant with my first child but we are planning on having another within a couple of years. I have the Graco SafeSeat Infant car seat, which I know will fit in the back middle seat, but I'm trying to figure out if a toddler seat will fit next to it (behind passenger or driver). I don't want to get a new car and then have to trade it in in a year or two. Any ideas???? Thank you!

[jdchic3]

Which one is wider? Lol! You can also always put them both outboard. That's how we have to do it in our 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. What are your other critera? Are there any other reasons you'd prefer one over the other?

[Patriot201]

My SIL had a Volvo XC90 for several years and had a RF Graco Snuride, then a RF Britax Marathon, then a FF Britax Marathon, and finally a FF Britax Marathon and a RF Graco Snugride in it. She loved it. :)

She just traded it in for a Toyota 4-Runner, though.

[rorymclaren]

I know this isn't what you asked, but I wouldn't buy a Volvo at all. I have a 2004 XC70 that just needed the engine replaced! An "o-ring" failure caused the oil to burn up rapidly, and the oil light didn't go on until the engine was completely ruined. This is just the most recent in a string of disappointments with the car. I just don't think they are made like the used to be. Oil pan holes due to paper thin aluminum construction, many plastic pieces failing... I expected a lot more for what we paid for this car. Sorry to rant, but as I said, I would look for a different make of car.

[twokidstwodogs]

Also, you should know that Volvos can be tricky for seat installation because the headrests aren't removable. Some forward-facing seats and boosters fit better when the headrests aren't interfering. Volvos do have some terrific safety features, but many of them are more useful for older kids than babies and toddlers (like integrated booster seats and automatic seatbelt pretensioners in all seating positions). If safety is your primary reason for buying a Volvo, you'll find many cars that do just as well or better on the rankings at www.informedforlife.org.

(I fell in love with the Volvo V50 when I was last car shopping, but ended up buying my second Subaru instead. Not only was the Subaru cheaper and more reliable, but it also had better crash test ratings.)

[Apple]

That's interesting. I love my Volvo. I'll never buy anything else! As soon as we can afford it we intend to replace our van with the XC90.

[SafeandSecureBaby]

If you have younger aged kids, you definitely want to check their car seats for compatibility with the new car. We have found several Volvo's that would simply not fit a Britax Convertible car seat. The head rest pushed the seat far too forward and left a good two inch gap between the seat shell and the back seat.

Safe Ride News just came out with an article about head rest troubles with some newer cars and installing higher weight seats.

Check the car with the seat before you buy. Much cheaper than finding out you can't use your car seats afterwards. Of course, it would be a good excuse for telling your spouse that he/she is on permanent taxi duty. :whistle: