Used Volvo Cars for Sale

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Used Volvo cars overview

Volvo makes solidly sensible family cars — well, it has done for decades — and its commitment to safety makes any of its cars a tempting second hand purchase. Just watch for problems with some of the engines, and high running costs.

Popular used Volvo models

Volvo’s gone heavily in for SUVs lately, with fewer of the traditional saloons and estates around, but you can still find those if you look for them.

Used Volvo XC40

The XC40 is Volvo’s compact SUV, which challenges the likes of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. It’s roomier inside than either of those though, and it’s good to drive, if not as fun as the BMW. Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models are all available.

Used Volvo XC60

Volvo’s mid-size SUV, which takes on the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, is a handsome, impressively comfortable, and above all safe way to haul your family around. It’s roomy inside, and good to drive (although you need to track down the rare Polestar version for proper driving fun). Plug-in hybrid version is good for urban commuters, but a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel is the best all-rounder.

Used Volvo XC90

On sale since 2014, the XC90 is getting long in the tooth now, but it’s still an impressively luxurious way to carry seven people in comfort (and, of course, safety). Well built and largely reliable, but watch for the centre clutch of the four-wheel drive system burning out.

Used Volvo V40

Volvo’s last hatchback model, which hasn’t yet been directly replaced in the new lineup — is stylish and comfortable, and it’s nice to drive too, thanks to sharing its chassis with a Ford Focus. Avoid the early 1.6 diesels as they suffer timing belt and water pump issues.

Used Volvo V60

A traditional Volvo estate, the V60 is a seriously good-looking car, and is arguably more handsome than a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant. It has a good-sized boot, but space in the back seats isn’t as impressive. Plug-in hybrid versions develop as much as 455hp(!) but track down a 2.0-litre diesel if you want a more useful all-rounder.

FAQs

What is the best Volvo to buy second hand?

It’s tempting to go traditional here and recommend a big Volvo V90 estate, but actually the best solution is a Volvo XC60, which has all the space you need, is comfortable and reliable, and which is nice to drive, too.

Is it a good idea to buy an old Volvo?

It absolutely is — while Volvo isn’t, generally speaking, as reliable overall as the Japanese brands, it’s a company that builds cars to last (and to last through Swedish weather, too).

What is high mileage for a Volvo?

This question is more about maintenance. With good and attentive maintenance, a Volvo can last almost forever. Don’t believe us? Well, the first car with a recorded mileage of more than one-million miles was a Volvo P1800 coupe – so 200,000 miles should just be a starting point.

Are used Volvo cars good?

Yes, they are. Volvo makes solid and well-built cars, plus they’re comfortable, usually spacious and practical, and of course very safe. They can be expensive to run, and parts aren’t cheap, but those are pretty much the only downsides.

Are used Volvo cars reliable?

Generally speaking, yes. Volvo finished mid-table, 16th out of 32 brands, in the Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, and 26% of owners reported faults in their cars, which is a slightly higher figure, but not outrageously so.