Volvo xc90 vs. Mazda CX-9 for towing

Submitted: Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 11:18
ThreadID: 85708 Views:4304 Replies:3 FollowUps:8
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Hi All,

Rookie question here for a new Jayco Swan owner.

I'm looking at the xc90 (probably a 2004) and cx9 (probably a 2008) currently but would like to know how they rate as towing vehicles.

The Swan has a weight of 1,054kg's.

Any comments or experience would be greatly appreciated.
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Reply By: snoopyone - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 14:24

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 14:24
They may well be suitable as tow vehicles but I dont like your chances of getting spares in lots of places out of major towns.

At least with the usual crop of tugs, spares are relatively easy due to the number of vehicles in the outback.

Something to consider as well


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Follow Up By: ben_gv3 - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:02

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:02
I would've thought out of the 2 Mazda parts would be more readily available.
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Follow Up By: snoopyone - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:24

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:24
Probably
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:34

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:34
Buying the Volvo would be a huge mistake in my opinion. The Mazda wins hands down if you can't buy a Prado for whatever reason.
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Follow Up By: Derek W - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:49

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 15:49
TerraFirma,

I'd be interested in knowing more about why you would consider the Volvo a huge mistake compared to the Mazda?

(And, no, a Prado is not on the cards.)
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:06

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:06
Derek, Re-Sale value, reliability, parts access, NVH levels are superior on Japanese made SUV's compared to the XC90 in my opinion. The only reason people consider the XC90 in my opinion is because of bells and whistles and a conceived superior safety rating. The Mazda CX-9 has been successfully sold into the Australian market, whereas the numbers for the XC90 have been small.
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Follow Up By: Derek W - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:13

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:13
Excuse my ignorance ... whats NVH stand for?
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:30

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:30
NVH = Noise, Vibration, Harshness.

It is a common motoring phrase for measuring how smooth an engine & driveline maybe. For example NVH levels in a 100 Series Landcruiser V8 are far superior to the 4.5 Litre Straight in comparison.

Also on the XC90 while we are on the subject the re-calls are numerous and extensive world wide. Some of the re-calls are potentiallly life threatening imo.

Whilst Volvo are addressing the re-calls the number and variety would be of concern to me if I were considering this vehicle.
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Reply By: Mark S (cns) - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:28

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:28
Hi Derek
Well, this is my take.
They will both tow your swan (assume your's is not the outback model going by the tare weight?) very well in terms of power & weights. Not sure how much each would sag in the rear with around 130kg ball weight on and they may need weight distribution hitch (WDH) connected to 'even things out'.

The main thing here is a 7 year old euro car vs a 3 yr old Jap car.
Not knowing what the respective mileages are (assume the volvo would be 100+k's, mazda around 50k's?) then the more pressing issue would be ongoing running costs. To me, I would think that if they are similar in $'s to purchase (key factor here), the Mazda is the winner here, purely from an age & serviceing cost point. The Euro's do cost more to service and generally require more specialised workshops.
In 3 years time, the volvo is 10 yrs old, Mazda is 6. By then, the Volvo may start demanding some items be replaced long before the mazda demands them.

I'm basing this on a few assumptions, so in my view, the volvo needs to be lesser to purchase than the mazda to be considered.

Cheers
Mark
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Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:34

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:34
Mark, You are spot on. It is frightening how many people buy vehicles without considering the running costs. You can buy an AMG Mercedes Benz for $35, 000 that was $200,000 new a few years ago, all good as long as you can afford to keep it on the road. This applys to hundreds of other vehicles and you mention "Euro" with KM's on the clock is the classic example of this scenario.
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Reply By: snoopyone - Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:40

Monday, Apr 18, 2011 at 16:40
My reply was based on the number of BOTH models we didnt see on a trip
around the block

Would say parts for a Volvo would be few and far between apart from perhaps Alice and Darwin.

Lots and lots of space between there and Perth or Adelaide after you leave the East Coast..
Would suggest a look at a Nissan or Toyota of some sort as parts are easier to come by as the mines use both makes and very little else.
Hence parts are available in most places at a day or so's notice at the worst.
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