The Lynk & Co 02 is a very promising electric SUV. As a used purchase, the model comes with specific risks. Keep that in mind. Checking the battery health, software version and recall history is essential for used examples. The model has only been available since 2025, so long-term data is lacking. Do you want to know exactly what to look out for before buying a Lynk & Co 02?
Why the market for used examples is limited
The supply of used Lynk & Co 02 models is still scarce. At the moment you will find around 50 to 60 used cars on the market, mainly demo cars and nearly new ex-lease vehicles. Most examples have mileage below 10,000 kilometres and are almost brand new. This limited supply has consequences for pricing.
Prices are close to the new price: between 33,000 and 40,000 euros. As a result, a used example offers little benefit in terms of depreciation. New prices start at 36,000 euros for the Core version and rise to 41,000 euros for the More version. The difference between new and used is therefore minimal, which makes negotiating difficult.
For buyers, this means you need to compare carefully. Check at least five different platforms to see whether you can find an example below market value. Around a third of used Lynk & Co 02s are offered below the average market price, with listings starting from 32,750 euros.
‘ Degradation can already occur in young cars, especially if they have undergone many rapid-charging sessions. ’
Battery health is the most important point of attention
The Lynk & Co 02 has a 66 kWh battery that provides a range of 400 to 450 kilometres according to WLTP. For a used example, you must check the battery health. Degradation can already occur in young cars, especially if they have undergone many rapid-charging sessions. Intensive use in extreme temperatures can also damage the battery.
Always ask for detailed data from the MyLynk app or have an OBD scan carried out. The State of Health (the condition or remaining capacity of the battery) should be at least 95 per cent for examples less than two years old. Lower percentages may indicate intensive use or incorrect charging habits. This is difficult to verify without a complete charging history, which is a pitfall with private sales.
Also pay attention to the original charging curves. If these deviate from the factory specifications, it may point to technical problems with the battery. A BOVAG or ANWB inspection with a specific focus on the battery is highly recommended before you make a purchase decision.
Checking software and recall history
Because the Lynk & Co 02 is a recent model, software updates play an important role in performance and reliability. Early examples may suffer from teething problems in the infotainment system, such as glitchy Google integration or screen errors. These problems can often be solved with a software update.
Therefore, check with the dealer whether the example has the most recent software version. Ask for a full overview of updates carried out and any recalls. The Lynk & Co 02 shares its platform with the Volvo EX30, Smart #1 and Zeekr X. Recalls on those models may also be relevant.
Also make sure that the Lynk subscription is active or can be transferred. Without this subscription you miss access to certain charging and service functions provided by the manufacturer. This can significantly limit the user experience.
Common problems with nearly new used cars
Although the Lynk & Co 02 is still too new for extensive problem reports, a few points of attention are known with early examples. Owners sometimes report squeaking noises at the doors, especially after use in wet conditions. This may indicate insufficient sealing or quality differences in production.
The rear-wheel drive with 272 bhp often leads to wheelspin in slippery conditions. This is not a defect, but it does require caution. During a test drive, check whether the electronic stability control (ESP) responds properly. Also pay attention to tyre wear, especially on demo cars that may have been used intensively for test drives.
Other points of attention are:
- Wind noise at speeds above 130 kilometres per hour
- Inconsistent materials in the interior, especially on early production models
- Possible faults in parking sensors or camera systems
- Unusual brake regeneration behaviour in certain driving modes
‘ The lack of depreciation makes a used example financially less attractive. ’
Is a used Lynk & Co 02 a sensible choice?
The answer depends on your situation and budget. The Lynk & Co 02 offers more space than the Volvo EX30, with a 410-litre boot and a generous rear bench. The electric motor delivers smooth performance with 200 kW of power and 323 Nm of torque. For families looking for a compact electric SUV, it is an attractive option.
The lack of depreciation makes a used example financially less appealing. You pay virtually the same price as for a new model, but without the full manufacturer’s warranty and certainty about its history. In addition, long-term data on reliability and maintenance costs is not yet available.
If you still opt for a used example, only go for cars with an extensive dealer warranty and a complete service history. The More version offers extra features such as a larger screen and adaptive cruise control. That can be more comfortable in the long run.
Practical tips for the pre-purchase inspection
Have a professional inspection carried out on every used Lynk & Co 02. Focus on the battery health, the motor mount and the suspension. Ask a Lynk dealer for a full report of any service visits and repairs carried out.
Always do an extensive test drive. Test the different driving modes and pay attention to the behaviour of the brake regeneration. Check that all camera systems and sensors are working correctly. Try out the infotainment system and check whether the Google integration works smoothly without delays.
Compare prices thoroughly before making a decision. The average price for a 2025 model is around 36,500 euros at a mileage of about 2,500 kilometres. Examples offered more than 800 euros below this price can be a good deal, but require extra checks for possible damage or problems.
When it’s better to wait
The used-car segment for the Lynk & Co 02 is still developing. Because the model has only been available since early 2025, the supply will increase in the coming months. More used examples means more choice and potentially better prices due to increased competition.
Waiting until 2026 may be financially more advantageous. By then, the first lease cars will come onto the market after longer contracts, with more realistic depreciation. More reliability data will also become available, allowing you to better assess which examples and production series show problems.
For buyers who already need an electric SUV now, a new example with a factory warranty is a safer choice. The price difference compared with a used car is limited, but you do get full certainty about the condition of the battery and the vehicle.
‘ Frequent rapid charging can shorten the battery’s lifespan. ’
What you should pay extra attention to
Always check whether the example is registered in the Netherlands or has been brought in through import. Chinese import status may affect warranty conditions and service agreements. Ask the seller for the original delivery date and country of first registration.
Pay attention to the trim level. The Core version lacks some comfort and safety features that the More version does have. For a difference of around 5,000 euros, you get, among other things, a larger infotainment screen, better seat upholstery and more driver assistance systems. With used examples, this price difference is often smaller.
Ask about the charging history. Frequent rapid charging can shorten the battery’s lifespan. Ideally, the example has mainly been charged at home or at work using a wallbox. This is gentler on the battery than daily rapid charging on the road.
Discover more about the Lynk & Co 02
On the Carnews website you will find extensive information about electric SUVs, maintenance advice and comparisons between different models. Are you interested in technical specifications, owner experiences or practical tips for maintaining electric vehicles? There is much more to discover. Browse the website for all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Frequently asked questions
With the Lynk & Co 02 there is still little long-term data available, which means potential battery and software issues (charging curves, frozen infotainment, Google integration bugs) are important points of attention. From a technical perspective, look for any deviations in battery health, irregular charging performance and error messages in the EV system. Also check for squeaking or poorly aligned doors, interior rattles and wind noise at motorway speeds, and listen during the test drive to the drivetrain and suspension. Because of the high power on the rear wheels, you should also watch for irregular tyre wear or unstable behaviour when accelerating hard.
For a used Lynk & Co 02, the factory warranty is in principle linked to the car and is therefore transferable to the next owner, as long as the warranty period and conditions have not been exceeded. Because the model is still recent, much of the maintenance and potential teething problems often still fall within this warranty, which limits the immediate maintenance costs. Due to the subscription-like, ‘all-in’ concept with new Lynk & Co cars, however, there can be uncertainty with used examples about which services and updates are still included. Expected maintenance costs so far appear relatively low, but because of the unique, recent concept there is still little long-term data and uncertainty remains about costs once the warranty has expired.
The Lynk & Co 02 has only been on the market since 2025, so there is still little long-term experience with truly older model years. In early examples, mainly general ‘teething problems’ are mentioned, such as occasional infotainment or Google integration bugs, but no structurally recurring software problems that are widely reported. Specific, common connectivity issues (for example with apps or charging) that massively affect the user experience have also not yet clearly come to the fore. The main uncertainty therefore lies more in the lack of long-term data than in already known, frequent faults.
For the plug-in hybrid Lynk & Co 02, it is important to look at how the battery has been used: a lot of rapid charging, frequent charging to 100 per cent or leaving it fully discharged for long periods can speed up degradation. Ask for (and where possible check) the charging history and current battery health via dealer diagnostics or a SoH report. Check whether software updates and any recalls have been carried out that affect charging strategy and battery protection. During the test drive and inspection, see whether the electric range is still realistically close to the factory figure; large deviations may point to accelerated degradation.
During the visual inspection, pay attention to even panel gaps, colour differences in the paint (especially on bumpers and sills), signs of use on brakes and tyres (cracks, cupping, uneven wear) and traces of moisture or rust around rubber seals, the boot and the underside. Check the interior for poorly fitting panels, rattles while driving, dead pixels or frozen infotainment screens and properly working cameras/sensors. In the service history you should specifically look for documentation of all software updates, any recalls, error messages (especially around the battery, charging behaviour and infotainment) and whether maintenance has consistently been carried out at Lynk/Volvo dealers or EV specialists. Also explicitly ask for evidence of battery checks (State of Health, charging curves) and any previous damage or repair reports.