[COVolvo]

I'm a current XC60 T6 owner - starting to get a little long in the tooth as I got it nearly new back in 2013. Just passed 100K miles recently and been having minor issues each year that are running anywhere from 1-3K to fix. I've been thinking about upgrading and digging the hybrids since they came out in '18. 80-90% of my driving is around town of less than 15 miles. Test drove a couple different ones the last few weeks and loved them - HUGE upgrade over what I have today. Looking at either a '19, maybe an '18 as Im looking to spend around 45k.

Main question I have is the reliability on them. Reviews seem mixed - consumer reports rates it as one of the worst. Car and Driver, and a few others seem to love em for the performance and features, but don't state much about reliability. I've seen some posts here about some battery issues but I also know the squeaky wheels tend to be loudest and we don't hear from all the satisfied - all is good folk. Called my local Volvo shop here in CO to get their input and they have yet to see any since they're all still under warranty for at least another couple months.

What are your thoughts on picking up a used 18' or '19? Too risky? Would it be safer to stick with a regular T6? Definitely would grab an extended warranty and of course be judicious about what is/is not covered. Anything else I need to consider?

 

[328211]

I bought a '21 T8 with an extended warranty and I plan to sell it when the warranty expires. I haven't had any particular issues with it but it's complex enough and new enough that I don't see it lasting. An '18/'19 so close to release is even riskier, too risky for my blood personally.

YMMV.

 

[FusionRedXC60]

2018+ model CPO should be fine, and even safer you plan to get extended CPO warranty.

My 2018 T8 did't cause any trouble to me. Just one thermostate in service journal and coolant heater, common thing. I have bought extended warranty to 10 years and now seems will not need to use it.

It is two car in one, quiet or fast. Couldn't be happier.

Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk

 

[skibum50]

My 18 has been super reliable. Two small glitches early in its life (not affecting its drivability) that were quickly fixed with software updates. Otherwise, no problems at all. 44K miles on it and going strong. I love this car.

 

[mommere]

My 18 has been super reliable. Two small glitches early in its life (not affecting its drivability) that were quickly fixed with software updates. Otherwise, no problems at all. 44K miles on it and going strong. I love this car.

Our experience has been pretty much the same. 40K miles on the car. Fun to drive in electric mode. 50% of the miles on the car has been on battery so only 20K actual miles on the engine. Overall we have gotten just over 54 mpg based on Fuelly tracking. . However, the car is too complex to own without an extended warranty. We got a VIP Platinum 10yr/100K with $100 ded. as we intend to keep it long term. Love the car.

 

[DFrantz]

There have been a number of little software updates that at times caused some inconvenience for owners with a few trips to the dealers. The last year or so has been pretty good though so it seems quite a few of the bugs have been sorted. On the older cars if they've been updated would be in good shape. Consumer reports treats software bugs the same as failed transmissions. That magazine lost my last bit of trust back when they rated the Pontiac Vibe as marginal reliable and the Toyota Matrix as extremely reliable, when they were the same car but used brand history as part of their model.

That being said, I would go for a 2019 with the upgraded hardware for the computer touch screen, and I would want it to be certified and get the extended warranty. You can extend the warranty for 5 more years (out to around 2029 depending on in service date) for close to the cost of one of your quoted repairs, and that's for unlimited miles and a $100 deductible!

 

[skibum50]

Consumer reports treats software bugs the same as failed transmissions. That magazine lost my last bit of trust ...

A very valid point IMHO. CR has its (unacknowledged) biases just like most of us, so you have to take any of their recommendations with a grain of salt. The worst car I ever owned was bought based mainly on an absolutely glowing review by CR.

 

[Lmccart]

2018 T8 with just over 17k miles (COVID lockdown restricted life). Love this car and bought the extended Volvo warranty (another 7 years). I previously went through three cars in about four years (Lexus, Acura sedan (too small), Acura SUV (it was ok)) and my wife was getting annoyed.

The only major problem was the Hybrid Engine warning just two weeks ago. At the service shop for six days and I had to drive a gas Volvo loaner. I MISSED MY T8 so much!!!!! I forgot about traditional gas engines. Loud and not as smooth or responsive.

Like others, we have driving about half our miles on electric . . daily short commutes.

Yes the car is high tech, with many potential breakdowns, which is why the extended warranty, but I love my T8, even after three years . . . I no longer browse auto websites and YouTube car reviews.

 

[COVolvo]

2018+ model CPO should be fine, and even safer you plan to get extended CPO warranty.

My 2018 T8 did't cause any trouble to me. Just one thermostate in service journal and coolant heater, common thing. I have bought extended warranty to 10 years and now seems will not need to use it.

It is two car in one, quiet or fast. Couldn't be happier.

Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk

Can I get a CPO from a non Volvo dealer? Many of the ones I'm looking at online aren't from a Volvo dealer so assume I can get an extended warranty through them but it won't be CPO. Or perhaps each dealer has their own version of CPO?

 

[FusionRedXC60]

Can I get a CPO from a non Volvo dealer? Many of the ones I'm looking at online aren't from a Volvo dealer so assume I can get an extended warranty through them but it won't be CPO. Or perhaps each dealer has their own version of CPO?

Only Volvo dealer can sell CPO cars, as certified by Volvo.

 

[COVolvo]

Only Volvo dealer can sell CPO cars, as certified by Volvo.

Good to know - assume this is the safest route to go if I'm getting a used one.

 

[COVolvo]

A very valid point IMHO. CR has its (unacknowledged) biases just like most of us, so you have to take any of their recommendations with a grain of salt. The worst car I ever owned was bought based mainly on an absolutely glowing review by CR.

Good point for sure. Most do have some biases to some degree and CR isn't the end all authority. Hence why I appreciate his forum and the first hand experiences of actual owners .

 

[DFrantz]

Lots of shady places call their vehicles certified for marketing. But that's not the same as factory certified. Volvo has their own list of requirements that dealers must met for the cars. They even send around audit teams to check on things. Not saying nothing ever slips through or that some dealers won't cheat the system, but you have Volvo to back you up, and you can take those condition requirements with you and point out any defects and make them fix it prior to your purchase to make it right. The Volvo CPO warranty is unlimited miles and can be extended up to 10 years of vehicle service life and is good at any Volvo dealer. Some 3rd party warranties are great, others not so much. So if you buy an extended warranty not from Volvo it can be challenging to know what you're really getting. I would always recommend a factory certified vehicle unless it's too old to qualify. If it's too old it doesn't matter near as much where you buy it form.