[Blee]

Hello everyone,

New member here, I've been lurking for a bit and decided to create an account looking for some more insight from Volvo owners.

We are in the market for a vehicle and are fighting the want vs. need battle as we generally keep our vehicles a long time (10+ years), for reference we are still driving our 2005 4runner that the next vehicle we purchase will supplant.

We don't (have never) purchase new vehicles, we have always gone with CPO off lease or similar low mileage vehicles in the past.

We have never owned a Volvo and the price of the CPO XC60's looks relatively fair given the market these days. (For example we are mostly looking at 2020 models coming in with less than 30k miles right around the $35k mark, we initially looked into a new CR-V Hybrid that was pushing into the low $40k range for what we wanted and we just could not justify that price for that model vehicle as well as the gamble on a brand new revamp hybrid drive train.....honestly we don't put a great deal of miles on our vehicles, roughly 8-10k a year on average.

So, just here to introduce myself and hear your thoughts on why you enjoy your XC60's....

Thanks!

 

[Mr.phil2u]

I had a brand new loaner for near a week 2023 XC60 B5. Being big and tall with the seat fully back the only thing that could sit behind me is a pizza. I did like the car and think it’s a great choice for two tall people or perhaps a small family if of average height.

 

[BenjaminD]

There are two 2018 XC60s in my family. Both are wonderful cars -- that's all I can really say. Try one (or even a few different versions) and you'll see what I mean.

 

[213]

Welcome!

At two years / 17k miles, the car has met most of my expectations. No service issues, MPG has been as rated, power and performance are more than adequate for urban driving. Seat comfort and interior finish are exquisite, giving each drive a sense of occasion. The Sensus infotainment system poses a certain learning curve, but becomes second-nature with time and usage. Its graphics are tasteful and complement the interior well. Overall cargo capacity (with the seats folded) is best-in-class and has been great for road trips, work gear and small furniture.

The car's principal let-down is its ride quality, which is jittery and unrefined for a vehicle at this price point. 20" wheels account for some of this, as does the generally poor condition of L.A. streets. Your results may vary, depending how the vehicle is spec'd.

Minor quibbles: The sun visors are small and non-extending, so not ideal for the Sun Belt; the front brake pads will need replacing at 20k miles — about average for SPA Volvos; the Climate Package deletes rear heated seats for FWD Momentum models, at least for 2021.

Would I buy the car again? Absolutely. 👍

 

[knock1]

Currently leasing 21 T5 AWD and planning to buy it out, no doubt abot it. Its ambience and the seat comfort makes long trips relaxing and enjoyable. Coming from several Audis, which I liked a lot, Volvo lets me make long trips 800+ miles in one shot without need to divide it into two days. The suspension is not "plush" but more compliant that Audi's, the power is more than adequate, in Sport mode it's spirited enough for me. I am 6'2'' and adult behind me do not feel being squashed (even carying a pizza). Gas mileage is nothing to complain, 23 city 28 highway not just moving along with traffic. The Collision avoidance saved me from yahoo hotshot in Atlanta highway traffic and it was impressive I must say.
The only gripe is "arguing" with the voice command once in a while😂 and sun visors not being extendable.
Zero problems in 15K miles. My friend followed my suit with 22 B5 and has the same opinion.

 

[LarryM]

The interior design. It just puts me at ease sitting in it. Big enough for me (6'4") with kids in the rear seats too. But we put our take home pizza in the trunk.

 

[mnsotn]

A little over 2 years and 25k miles into our 2021 Recharge, I love it. Every time I get in it. Seats and ride quality (I purposefully got the 19" wheels for a better ride) are amazing, have taken 2 x 2400+ mile road trips and never felt as refreshed after 8-12hrs straight driving per day. Power is plenty, I do wish we had the extended range version. Also, the looks, she's beautiful. Audio is amazing*, cargo space is very good, super comfy for 4 people traveling. The heated steering wheel is powerful, i almost never need more than level 1 (out of 3). Hybrid system is very smooth transitioning between the two.

Nits:
*Still cannot get the front passenger door to not rattle/buzz at certain bass frequencies (after 3 trips to the dealer to address). It's much better than it was, but still annoying for a $70k car.
The sun roof visor while retracted has started to rattle while idling and at certain road speeds.
Sensus boot time. Takes 60+ seconds to be really responsive to change things like seat / steering wheel heating and other climate settings
Reverse light is dim. Read about this before buying and thought people were being picky, but no, it's really bad.

 

[White3]

This is my second Volvo and except for some brake issues (well documented in several threads on this forum), it’s been trouble free. 2020 was a good model year. Volvo started to really remove standard features after this year. I also chose the 19 inch wheels for ride quality and less chance of curb rash. The HK sound system is very good, the B&W better if sound quality is important to you. When I was looking for a new SUV I thought I would be getting a Subaru, but after looking at the XC60 there was no going back.

 

[FusionRedXC60]

Love my T8, dash board, seats, Pilot Assist, IntelliSafety, BLIS, air suspension, though it could be a repair item 10+ years. Only issue is the common HVCH replacement. Like new after 5 years. Will keep it for 20+ years, maybe need to replace battery, air suspention around 12-15 years.

Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk

 

[Demo24]

We bought it primarily for comfort and space. The seats have been excellent and it's been a really nice place to spend time in. It's large enough for us, and we can get decent gas mileage (low 30s). I enjoy driving it more than I expected. However coming from an Audi there are things the Audi did better; brakes, suspension (especially with the adaptive) & driving characteristics, driver assistance, and interior noise levels. Overall if we had to do it again we'd probably buy another, but we'd definitely give the hybrid CR-V a close look.

 

[offroute]

Here’s a similar thread, I think seats and interior/exterior styling got the most likes
What do you love most about your XC60?
I love my xc60 but I wouldn’t apply the same logic for a Toyota CPO in terms of long term cost of ownership.

 

[cometguy]

honestly, I could not recommend a Volvo made in the last bunch of years (Sensus era) that is not an extended-range PHEV (they call them "Recharge" now, for lack of better ideas at Volvo HQ). The engines and software just aren't that good. I bought a '22 XC60 T8 ER new when I test-drove XC60s from the previous several years and wasn't remotely interested in them (for above reasons). Personally, given your OP, I would recommend looking seriously at the RAV4 Prime (if you can plug in at home), given your desire to hang on to your cars for 10+ years; Volvos made today simply are not going to be something you will want to deal with in 10 years.

 

[BenjaminD]

honestly, I could not recommend a Volvo made in the last bunch of years (Sensus era) that is not an extended-range PHEV (they call them "Recharge" now, for lack of better ideas at Volvo HQ). The engines and software just aren't that good. I bought a '22 XC60 T8 ER new when I test-drove XC60s from the previous several years and wasn't remotely interested in them (for above reasons). Personally, given your OP, I would recommend looking seriously at the RAV4 Prime (if you can plug in at home), given your desire to hang on to your cars for 10+ years; Volvos made today simply are not going to be something you will want to deal with in 10 years.

Not sure about this viewpoint ... yes, a Toyota will be cheaper to service, but it is simply not the same caliber of car. The Rav4 Prime is also a poor value considering dealer markups, and the Lexus NX version is worse. @cometguy I very much appreciate your opinion, but I disagree slightly with your assertion that most new Volvos are not much good. (If I've misunderstood your comment, I apologize)

There's currently a thread here on Swedespeed in which owners are discussing the high-mileage longevity of their late-model Volvos. Though the T8 models are extremely complex, they're high-quality vehicles that CAN and WILL go the distance. The caveat, as with any European car (or most any new car these days) is that more complexity = more maintenance. Nothing in life is free! If you ask me, Volvos are worth the upkeep.

A friend's 2013 S60, which qualifies as a "modern" Volvo even though it's not closely related to a newer XC60, has been a very dependable car for her. It has needed struts, brakes, and a battery. Being 10 years old, it's also past due for a timing belt. We both adore that car and we're planning on running it into the ground, which might take a while.

In short -- Volvo still knows how to make a tough and reliable car. Just know what you're buying.

 

[FusionRedXC60]

I wish Volvo offer some loyalty plan to help T8 owners to replace battery and ERAD so they can run it for lots of years. Otherwise battery and ERAD won't last as many years as the Drivr-E ICE and Aisin 8AT.

By many years I mean 20+. The old 5cyl Volvo engine is really long lasting. I wish to dream same years for T8.

Oh I even don't know how many years the Sensus module could last. All these electronics are expensive to replace. I wish Volvo offer some core component warranty for old cars. I'd pay $500/year for 20 years to get a peaceful ownership.

Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk

 

[Blee]

honestly, I could not recommend a Volvo made in the last bunch of years (Sensus era) that is not an extended-range PHEV (they call them "Recharge" now, for lack of better ideas at Volvo HQ). The engines and software just aren't that good. I bought a '22 XC60 T8 ER new when I test-drove XC60s from the previous several years and wasn't remotely interested in them (for above reasons). Personally, given your OP, I would recommend looking seriously at the RAV4 Prime (if you can plug in at home), given your desire to hang on to your cars for 10+ years; Volvos made today simply are not going to be something you will want to deal with in 10 years.

I cannot get past how unbelievably UGLY the Rav4 is, and the Prime is impossible to get unless you want to pay WAY over MSRP, heck I am not even a fan of the way the current gen 4Runners look and I LOVE our '05 4Runner frame rust and all, but we know it is time to consider a new (to us) vehicle and the current gen XC60 is a very nice looking vehicle, I've test driven one low mileage 2020 T5 Momentum so far and I did think it was very nice, granted I drive a '12 GMC Sierra & the wife's '05 4Runner so coming from those two vehicles into a '20 XC60 is going to be impressive....

 

[BenjaminD]

The XC60 is an impressive car, full-stop! It's simply a joy to live with. Maybe it's just marketing, but Volvo seems to build greater care and sensitivity into their vehicles than most any other manufacturer. They're a company I like to support. And, since the 2010s, their newfound sense of style is icing on the cake.

 

[Billk9989]

Blee, we had a 2021 XC60 T5 and now have a 2023 B6.

I find a big difference between the drivetrains. Even though I had the Polestar software on the T5 it was a bit weak in mid-range torque and high speed power. Plenty good as my wife’s daily driver - we both loved the car. But the B6 is a real step up. Much more responsive along the entire power curve, makes the car feel lighter and more nimble. When the wife says “wow” in comparison to the T5 you know there must be a big difference.

Part of this comes from the supercharger, but my sense is that the small electric motor plays a part. You wouldn’t have some of the newer drivetrain refinements on a 2020, but if you locate a 2020 T6, be sure to try it out.

What became of our 2021 T5? My daughter and family have it. My kids don’t get cars that we don’t love. They love it, too.

 

[Wayne T5]

So, just here to introduce myself and hear your thoughts on why you enjoy your XC60's....

Welcome aboard! We had a prior generation XC60 for several years and I've driven the newer SPA versions as service loaners several times.

The XC60 is Volvo's best-selling vehicle (by a bit over the XC90) in the US based on design, comfort, features, utility, reputation for safety, etc.

I do think these cars are decent used car values (along with the XC90) right now. To get a 3 year-old model with low miles for mid-30's strikes me as a decent deal in this climate. Avoid the complexity of a second hand T8 plus you'd be hard pressed for it to make sense financially.

These cars have and earlier of 10k miles or 1 year service interval so I'd recommend staying away from one that had higher than normal service visits (carfax). Last thing you want to do is inherit someone else's problem child.

Good luck on the hunt!

 

[Blee]

Blee, we had a 2021 XC60 T5 and now have a 2023 B6.

......if you locate a 2020 T6, be sure to try it out.

What became of our 2021 T5? My daughter and family have it. My kids don’t get cars that we don’t love. They love it, too.

My biggest worry about the T6 is the possibility of costly repair issues later down the road as we generally keep cars until they pretty much retire themselves, my spider sense tells me supercharger & turbo on same engine is possibly asking for trouble sooner than later.....I have no proof, just an irrational fear.

Nice to hear the T5 is still in the family, my daughter will be driving in 6 years, the next vehicle we purchase may just end up hers as well.

Welcome aboard! We had a prior generation XC60 for several years and I've driven the newer SPA versions as service loaners several times.

The XC60 is Volvo's best-selling vehicle (by a bit over the XC90) in the US based on design, comfort, features, utility, reputation for safety, etc.

I do think these cars are decent used car values (along with the XC90) right now. To get a 3 year-old model with low miles for mid-30's strikes me as a decent deal in this climate. Avoid the complexity of a second hand T8 plus you'd be hard pressed for it to make sense financially.

These cars have and earlier of 10k miles or 1 year service interval so I'd recommend staying away from one that had higher than normal service visits (carfax). Last thing you want to do is inherit someone else's problem child.

Good luck on the hunt!

I have been looking at the carfax on these, noticing a few that were in often for alignment issues early, I look to see if the brakes have been replaced and notice on lower mile ones they haven't, then most over 30k into the mid 30k's they have, I am almost leaning towards looking at ones in that mileage range instead because the brakes have been dealt with, I don't think the dealer is going to throw in doing the brakes on the ones I see with under 30k miles. I've also come across some with no service records at all, I guess I should avoid those as well?

 

[Wayne T5]

I have been looking at the carfax on these, noticing a few that were in often for alignment issues early, I look to see if the brakes have been replaced and notice on lower mile ones they haven't, then most over 30k into the mid 30k's they have, I am almost leaning towards looking at ones in that mileage range instead because the brakes have been dealt with, I don't think the dealer is going to throw in doing the brakes on the ones I see with under 30k miles. I've also come across some with no service records at all, I guess I should avoid those as well?

There have been reports of supercharger seals needing to be replaced. Volvo has moved away from this design on newer models.

I don't know if you're a DIY person but brakes are pretty easy to do yourself.

These cars all came with the first three services free so one would have to assume that they at least had those done - though nothing on the carfax does make you wonder. I'd factor that into negotiations.