Newer Citreon vs Older Volvo

[Scott1001]

I'm looking for a 7 seater and I have two options on the table. A variety of one to two year old low mileage (5000-10,000) Citreon C4 Grand Picasso's (there are loads around from various dealers) or for about the same price I've been offered a 5 year old, 32,000 miles, Volvo XC90. Either way we plan to run this car for a fairly long time (as long as reliability will let us, say 5 to 10 years so kids have grown up and we don't need the 7 seater next time). I know various pro's and cons of each to us but the big deciding factor which I'm not sure is which will be more reliable and last us longer -
the better brand or the younger car?

[mike9009]

Hi Scott

What mileage are you anticipating doing PA? (and what engines are you considering?)

Welcome to PH by the way!

Mike

[ZX10R NIN]

It depends on your annual/use also how much are you looking to spend as there's a good alternative to the Grand Picasso:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Long term from your two the Citroen will have a lower running cost, are you looking at the Auto version?

[Scott1001]

We probably currently do around 10,000 miles a year at most - the majority of those local around town with a longer motorway trip maybe once every three months.
The volvo is 2.4, the Citroën would likely be the 1.6. So that's a pro of the Volvo.
Both would be manual (I prefer driving manuals generally).

[Scott1001]

The Mazda is an interesting option and I am still open to alternatives, but a major requirement for us is width in the back row which at a glance this doesn't have. I have three kids, 2 in car seats for at least 2 to 3 more years, so in 2 years I'll be squeezing a 10 year old between two car seats in the back row. The 6th and 7th seats in the boot are for occasional use (kids friends mainly) so less need to be a generous size.

[Jag_NE]

the two cars arent really directly compareable. the volvo will likely cost a stack more in running costs and maintenance. if you are highly geared financially and just need something to do the job, a c4 isnt a bad car at all. if you arent phased by the running costs of the volvo, its obviously “more car” but its a bloody old design now and the c4 may feel more modern and versatile. the volvo will feel really old in 5 years time.

[Scott1001]

I know in terms of running costs fuel and road tax will be more and I'm prepared for that but will maintenance be significantly more? And is this because the older car will be less reliable (even than the notoriously less reliable brand) or because or because it will cost more to repair when it does break?

[Jag_NE]

Scott1001 said:

I know in terms of running costs fuel and road tax will be more and I'm prepared for that but will maintenance be significantly more? And is this because the older car will be less reliable (even than the notoriously less reliable brand) or because or because it will cost more to repair when it does break?

When it comes to which will break 1st its probably anyones guess, obviously the Volvo will be a more durable vehicle but you cant escape the fact that its a lot older, I would also expect like for like repairs to be more expensive than the Citroen.

Id test drive them both and just buy the one you like the most. The Citroen might surprise you as it will be much more modern.