I have a 2005/54 Volvo XC90 Executive with 100,000 miles on the clock, having owned if for the past 4 years. We have a family of 5 (+dog) so the space and practicality have been great and, whilst it has never broken down on us, the servicing costs have been very high for the past few years. There have been a number of things needed to be serviced or replaced (the cambelt was replaced at the last service and there is now a problem with the engine - the garage suspects the fuel system needs a 'clean'), all of which have been unexpectedly expensive. As a result, I am starting to question whether our original plan to keep driving the Volvo 'until it died' doesn't make good economical sense.

Given that space, practicality and good economics are our priority, is there a sensible time to trade in an ageing car like this and, if so what would you recommend as a replacement? We drive 10-15,000 miles per year on, usually short journeys but with the occasional longer drives to Cornwall and France.