Used Volvo XC60 Buying Guide
The XC60 is Volvo’s best-selling model in the UK for good reason: it hits the sweet spot between the compact XC40 and the seven-seat XC90, offering a genuinely premium cabin, class-leading seats and a strong safety record. The first generation (2008-2017) is now a well-priced family SUV, while the second generation (2017 onwards) competes head-on with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 and makes a fine used buy for families who want comfort over sportiness.
Engines and trims
First-generation cars are dominated by diesel: the D3 and D4 five-cylinder units, the punchier D5 twin-turbo, and later four-cylinder D4 “Drive-E” engines from 2013 onwards. The D4 front-wheel-drive manual is the efficiency pick; the D5 AWD suits towing. Petrol T5 and T6 versions exist but are rare and thirsty. Trims ran SE, SE Lux and R-Design, with generous kit throughout.
The second generation offers D4 and D5 diesels, T5 petrol, then from 2019-2020 the B4 and B5 mild-hybrid petrols and diesels, plus the T8 Twin Engine (later Recharge) plug-in hybrid with a useful electric-only range for commuting. Trim lines were Momentum, R-Design and Inscription, switching to Core, Plus and Ultimate from 2022. Momentum with the winter pack (heated seats and screen) covers most needs; Inscription adds Nappa leather and a plusher feel. A B4 or B5 mild hybrid is the safest all-round choice for mixed use, while the T8 only makes financial sense if you can charge at home regularly.
What to check before buying
On first-generation cars, listen for injector rattle and hesitancy on the five-cylinder D5244T-family diesels, as injector and swirl-flap issues can appear at higher mileages. Any diesel used mainly for short trips is a DPF risk, so favour cars with motorway history and check for warning lights and regeneration symptoms on the test drive. AWD cars use a Haldex-type coupling that needs periodic fluid changes — look for evidence in the history.
On second-generation cars, confirm the Sensus touchscreen boots quickly and responds without freezing, and check for completed software updates. The four-cylinder Drive-E engines are belt-driven, so verify the timing belt has been changed on schedule on older or higher-mileage examples. On T8 Recharge models, ask for a battery health check, confirm it charges properly from a home wallbox or granny cable, and check the electric range achieved against the owner’s typical use. Cars on optional air suspension should rise and settle evenly with no compressor noise. As with any Volvo, a full service history — ideally main dealer or marque specialist — is worth paying extra for.
Running costs
The D4 diesels are the long-distance economy champions, typically returning strong real-world figures on a run, while B5 petrol mild hybrids suit lower-mileage or urban drivers. The T8 can be very cheap to run if charged daily but reverts to being a heavy petrol SUV when the battery is flat. Insurance sits in the middle-to-upper groups typical of premium mid-size SUVs, and servicing through Volvo or a good independent specialist is reasonable by premium-brand standards. T8 Recharge models carry Volvo’s typical eight-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty, so check what cover remains.
Verdict
The XC60 is one of the most complete used family SUVs on the market: safe, comfortable, and beautifully finished inside. Buy a well-documented D4 or B5 for all-round use, or a T8 Recharge if you can charge at home. Avoid short-trip diesels without history and you’re unlikely to regret it.
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