Opinion on 850 7 seater Wagons?

[Paul93-850]

I'm interested in getting a 7 seater 850 or V70. I'm also interested in hearing what experiences folks have had with these in terms of the extra rear seats.

Are they comfortable for kids?
Reasonable seatbelts? Lap belts only or shoulder strap too?
Can parents in the front seats hear or be heard by kids in these rear seats?
Any other comments on how well these work would be most welcome.

I'd rather NOT get a mini-van!

thanks,

Paul.

[Peace_Frog]

I own a 850 with the 3rd row seat and we're very happy with it. The rear seats have the same seatbelts as other seats. They are not as comfortable as the front seats though, definitely not for long road trips. My eldest kid is 9 years old and she likes to ride there but she's getting a bit tall for this...

I had some worries about the proximity of the rear bumper though, so I tried to find studies about the security of these seats, the best I could come up was this link: http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/crash-rear.html
I think the rear facing nature of the seats is what makes me worried, because when I think of it, my former vehicle was a minivan with almost no trunk, and the kids in the back seat were also very close to the rear bumper! Anyway, I trust Volvo to market very safe cars, so the kids get to ride in the back from time to time.

Keep in mind though, that with the kids in there, there is no place left for any bags. You'll need a roof box for those hockey bags (or surfboards, I didn't look for your location!).

Hope this helps.

Hugo.

[Peace_Frog]

Oh! And one more thing: I don't know about you but it seems I could hear my kids from a 10th row seat, but can't make myself be heard from them even when they sit on my laps!