Buying a used Volvo S60 without the pitfalls? Check the turbo, brakes, door locks, transmission and suspension to avoid expensive problems later on. Many used S60s are reliable, but without a targeted inspection, you run the risk of unexpected costs. With this checklist, you will discover the most important focus areas and make a well-informed choice.
The Volvo S60 is known as a solid saloon, but this model also has its vulnerable spots. Well-known complaints concern electronics, safety systems and brakes on newer models, while older cars are susceptible to PCV problems and timing belt wear. Read on for a complete purchasing strategy that will help you choose wisely.
A comprehensive maintenance history is essential for any used car, but especially so for an S60. Many of the Volvo S60 problems arise from deferred maintenance or poorly executed repairs. By systematically checking the paperwork, technical condition and model-specific weaknesses, you significantly increase your chances of getting a reliable used car.
Why maintenance history is the foundation of a good purchase
A complete service folder tells you if the previous owner took the car seriously. Volvo service recommendations indicate fixed intervals for inspections of fluids, filters, lighting, brakes and suspension. Always ask for invoices for major maintenance moments.
Pay specific attention to these parts:
- Brake fluid and brake discs
- Spark plugs and cabin filter
- Transmission fluid for automatics
- Timing belt for older engines
- Coolant according to schedule
In addition, check whether any recalls have been dealt with. For recent S60s, online complaints are mainly reported around electronics, safety systems and brakes. An incomplete maintenance history can indicate hidden problems or poor management.
‘ Moisture in lamps indicates leaks that eventually cause electronic problems. ’
Bodywork and exterior: what to look for
Rust and poorly repaired damage are warning signs. Look critically at the underside, sills, wheel arches and doors. Stone chips are normal, but extensive paint damage may indicate a collision or sloppy repair.
Also, check windows, headlights and taillights for condensation, cracks and colour differences. Moisture in lights indicates leaks that eventually cause electronic problems. Also, test the sprayers, wipers and lighting, as Volvo service checks cite these parts as standard inspection points.
Engine check: how to identify hidden defects
Start the car cold and watch out for irregular idling. Smoke from the exhaust, rattling or ticking noises indicate turbo, bearing or valve clearance problems. Immediately check for oil leaks around the engine, the valve cover and the underside.
Check the coolant level and ask if the fluid has been changed on time. Volvo maintenance schedules emphasise this as a recurring point of attention. For older S60s, checking the PCV system is wise, as this is a known weak point. A defective PCV system leads to oil consumption and increased emissions.
For engines with a timing belt, timely replacement is crucial. In practice, this is often mentioned as a priority by used Volvo buyers. A broken belt can cause major engine damage.
Testing transmission and drivetrain during the test drive
Always take an extensive test drive. Look out for jerking, slipping, delayed shifting or vibrations when driving off. An automatic transmission should switch gears smoothly and let the car drive off without clunking.
Ask specifically if the transmission fluid has ever been changed. Volvo service overviews mention this as a maintenance point at higher mileages. Deferred maintenance on the automatic transmission leads to costly repairs. Also, test whether the gearbox reacts differently when warm compared to cold, as some malfunctions only become visible after warming up.
Undercarriage, brakes and tyres: common errors in inspection
Drive on a straight road and note whether the car remains perfectly straight. Pulling to the left or right may indicate alignment problems or uneven tyre pressure. Listen for ticking, knocking or creaking sounds over speed bumps and on bad roads.
This often points to wear and tear in these components:
- Wishbones and rubbers
- Stabiliser bars and couplings
- Shock absorbers and springs
- Wheel bearings
Check brake discs for grooves, edge formation and vibrations when braking. Brake wear is a common problem with the S60, both in maintenance schedules and recent complaint patterns. Additionally, check tyre wear left-right and inside-outside. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension problems.
Electronics and comfort: common malfunctions
Modern S60s are equipped with plenty of electronics. Test the infotainment, Bluetooth, navigation, seat heating, air conditioning, electric seats, mirrors and windows thoroughly. Check all warning lights on the dashboard, as recent S60 complaints relatively often concern electrical systems and safety systems.
See if sensors and driver assistance systems are working correctly. Test parking sensors, cruise control and lane assistance. Also, check the air conditioning for correct cooling and strange odours. A climate control system that is not working well may indicate a leaking evaporator or compressor problem.
Which S60 generation is best to choose
Older S60s require extra attention for the PCV system, timing belt, oil consumption and suspension. The service history is extra important for these models. Newer S60s need more focus on electronics, safety systems and brakes, plus the completeness of software and maintenance registration.
Cars with higher mileages deserve extra inspection of shock absorbers, engine mounts, transmission and leaks. It is better to buy an S60 with a demonstrable maintenance history than a visually nicer car without paperwork. An independent pre-purchase inspection is useful, especially for cars with many electronics or an unclear maintenance history.
Practical test drive: how to test all systems
Drive both quietly and firmly, including highway speeds and stop-start traffic. Test cold start, warm start, acceleration, braking and cornering. Turn on all power-consuming features at once: A/C, radio, lighting, seat heating and wipers.
Watch out for these signals during the drive:
- Irregular engine speed at idle
- Jerking or delayed shifting of the automatic transmission
- Ticking or knocking from the undercarriage
- Vibrations in the steering wheel when braking
- Error messages on the dashboard
After the ride, check under the car to see if any new fluid traces are visible. A leak that only occurs when the engine is warm will otherwise go unnoticed.
Buying tips from Volvo driver experiences
When in doubt about large costs, a model with recently performed maintenance is often wiser than a slightly cheaper car with deferred maintenance. Pay attention to reports from other owners about recurring faults. For modern S60s, electronics, safety systems and brakes are mainly cited as points of attention.
For older examples, it is wise to be extra critical of the PCV system, timing belt and general engine maintenance. Preferably choose a car with a complete maintenance folder and check whether major maintenance items have already been carried out. Always plan an extensive test drive and, preferably, a pre-purchase inspection. Be extra alert in case of high mileages or an unclear import history.
Pitfalls to avoid
The most common mistake is skipping the maintenance history. A car that looks neat can be technically neglected. Don’t be tempted by a low price without knowing why the car is cheap. Some sellers hide known problems or sell cars with postponed maintenance.
Another pitfall is finishing the test drive too quickly. Take the time to test all systems, including climate control, electronics and driver assistance systems. Test the car under different conditions: cold, warm, quiet and sporty driving. Also check that all keys, charging cables and accessories are present.
On the Carnews website, you will find much more information about Volvo models, common problems and practical maintenance advice. Discover more articles about specific car problems, maintenance schedules and comparisons between generations to further substantiate your choice.
Frequently asked questions
For a sporty driver, the more powerful, turbocharged engines are particularly interesting, such as the T5 and T6 petrol variants (and for the latest generation, also the stronger T4/T5 plug-ins), as they offer the best combination of power and torque. When looking at performance, consider horsepower and Nm of torque, the 0-100 time (preferably under ~7 seconds) and whether the car is equipped with a sports suspension or adaptive dampers. Also check that the brakes, tyres and suspension are in good condition, as these actually determine at least as much of the driving pleasure as the engine power. For used cars, a fully documented maintenance history is extra important for the heavier engines and automatic gearboxes.
The most common mechanical problems that affect the driving experience are wear on the suspension (wishbones, rubbers, stabiliser bars, shock absorbers) and brakes, noticeable as clicking/creaking over speed bumps, floaty or jittery handling and vibrating or pulsing when braking; check this with a test drive on poor road surfaces and firm braking, and by visually looking at play, rubbers and brake discs. On the electronic side, electrical systems and safety systems (warning lights, sensors, driver assistance systems, infotainment) frequently cause faults that disturb the experience; therefore, test all dashboard lights (should turn on when ignition is on and off when running), all buttons, driver assistance systems, A/C and infotainment extensively. For automatic versions, check if the gearbox shifts without clunking and slipping and if the car picks up smoothly, and ask about transmission oil maintenance, because jerking or delays in shifting moments greatly deteriorate the driving experience. For the engine and drivetrain, look out for irregular idling, smoke, strange noises and leaks after a test drive; do this by listening to the engine both cold and warm, and then checking under the car and around the block for fresh traces of oil or coolant.
During the test drive, listen for knocking, ticking or creaking from the suspension (wishbones, stabiliser bars, rubbers and shock absorbers) and for any vibrations in the steering wheel or bodywork. Check that the car drives straight without pulling or nervousness in the steering, even at higher speeds and in corners. Test the brakes on a straight road: the car should brake in a straight line, without vibration in the pedal or steering wheel and without grinding or squeaking noises. Also look out for a clear, predictable braking reaction and whether the pedal does not feel spongy.
A complete and detailed maintenance history is very important for a Volvo S60, as it shows you whether the car has been maintained according to the Volvo schedule and whether known weak points have been addressed in time. Crucial services are regular maintenance with oil and filter changes, checks on brakes, suspension and fluids. In addition, replacement of the timing belt (if applicable), brake fluid, spark plugs, coolant and cabin filter are essential. For automatics, timely refreshment of the transmission oil is also an important point.
Yes, look out for a worn driver’s seat (deep creases, tears in leather or fabric), bald or sticky steering wheel and gear knob, and worn-through pedals; this often points to intensive use. On the outside, unevenly worn tyres, grooves or ridges on the brake discs and significantly sagging shock absorbers/suspension rubbers can indicate high mileage or deferred maintenance. Also check for poorly repaired damage, rust formation on sills/wheel arches and a heavily sanded or weathered paint layer. Always combine these visible wear points with the maintenance history and a test drive to confirm the overall picture.
