My GarageIs the Volvo XC60 a good used car?
Verdict rates it 3.9/5 overall, with reliability at 3.7/5 and running costs at 3.4/5. Shop 2018+ (2nd gen) first and treat 2010–2017 (1st gen) as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Volvo XC60 · Midsize luxury crossover
Used Volvo XC60 Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Volvo Reliability Guide, Best Used Volvo Models and Volvo XC90 Buying Guide.
The 2018+ XC60 (2nd gen) is a refined luxury crossover with class-leading safety.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Reliability
- 3.7/5 · Good
- Best years
- 2018+ (2nd gen)
- Years to research
- 2010–2017 (1st gen)
- Maintenance cost
- 3.3/5 · Average
- Parts availability
- 3.5/5 · Good
- Ownership cost
- 3.4/5 · Average
Bottom line: Yes, with records. Prefer 2018+ for the safest pick.
Shopping a specific XC60?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★3.9/5
Same buying playbook as XC90 — records matter, T6 is complex, independent specialist recommended.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★3.7/5
Maintenance
★★★★★3.3/5
Parts availability
★★★★★3.5/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.4/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2018+ (2nd gen)
SPA platform; refined.
Side by side
Volvo XC60 ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3.9/5 | Good |
| Reliability | 3.7/5 | Good |
| Maintenance | 3.3/5 | Average |
| Parts availability | 3.5/5 | Good |
| Ownership cost | 3.4/5 | Average |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2010–2017 (1st gen)
Older platform; verify PCV and angle-gear service.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓T6/T8 complexity
- ✓PCV on older 5-cyl
- ✓Angle gear on AWD
- ✓Infotainment quirks
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Independent Volvo specialist essential.
Fluid service on schedule extends component life.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
Turbo/supercharger service; PCV on older 5-cyl.
AWD
Angle-gear fluid history.
Electronics
Sensus operates.
Suspension
Struts and bushings at 100k+.
Rust
Rear arches on Northeast cars.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Refined, safe, and comfortable.
- • Real-world 24–27 mpg highway.
- • Records matter.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Volvo XC60?
Yes, with records. Prefer 2018+ for the safest pick.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Volvo XC60?
Verdict scores it 3.7/5 for reliability and 3.9/5 overall. Buy from 2018+ (2nd gen) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which XC60 years should I avoid?
2010–2017 (1st gen) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Volvo XC60?
2018+ (2nd gen). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Volvo XC60 last?
A well-maintained XC60 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the XC60 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 3.3/5 and parts availability 3.5/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used XC60?
Focus on: Engine, AWD, Electronics, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common XC60 problems?
T6/T8 complexity; PCV on older 5-cyl; Angle gear on AWD; Infotainment quirks
Is 150,000 miles too much for a XC60?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile XC60 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the XC60's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Volvo XC60?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2018+ (2nd gen) first, treat 2010–2017 (1st gen) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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