Re: How did you decide on the R. (Oscar1)
In 2004, we were planning a family. I owned a Saab Viggen, my wife owned an Acura Integra. The Acura was not a viable kid-friendly car. Being 6'6" and needing the seat pushed all the way back for me to fit in the Saab, fitting an infant car seat in the Saab was well-nigh impossible. To add to that, I had been eyeing a new car anyway, as I never really fit in the Saab (headroom-wise) and only long term ownership demonstrated how hasty I had been buying the car in the first place (loved the car but hated how I had to hunch over slightly to be comfortable).
I wanted a performance oriented car, my wife wanted me to get something kid friendly. I wanted a manual transmission. That pretty much narrowed our choices very quickly. At the time, I looked at an S4 Avant (too small), a slightly used S6 Avant (no manual), a Passat 1.8T wagon (nice but I had previously owned a Passat and was tired of that car), a V70R (high end of our price range), a 9-2x (too small in the rear seat area) and a Subaru Legacy GT wagon.
The Legacy almost hooked me running away. Such a nice car. So intuitive to drive. in non-Limited form (no sunroof, which I needed for headroom, but that also meant no leather), a screaming bargain at $27k. But no leather (easy to cleanup kid-spills with leather) and less comfortable seats.
The V70R was the co-leader. Amazing seats. Luxury features. Adjustable suspension. But about $10-12k more expensive, faster but fussier to drive, and then there was always that Volvo reliability question mark (especially for a first-year product like the V70R).
I decided I was worth it and went for the Volvo. I am happy with my choice, but I think I would have been happy either way, in all honesty, as at times the Volvo has thrilled me and then annoyed me.