As a stylish Scandinavian alternative to the German trio of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, the first-generation Volvo XC60 introduced a new style for the 60 series models.

Based on Volvo’s P3 platform, the XC60 shares technology with the Land Rover Freelander of 2007 and borrows mechanical components from then Volvo owner Ford, and while much of the engineering and tuning of the XC60 was done by Volvo in Sweden, its off-road capabilities were developed by Land Rover in England.

The actual manufacturing of XC60s took place in Belgium, China, and Malaysia and the model received various mechanical, equipment, and aesthetic updates right through its lifecycle, most notably in 2013.

The 2013 updated XC60 models are easily identified by a refreshed front-end styling with new headlights, bumpers and grille designs, new alloy wheels, and fully colour-coordinated body panels.

New upholstery colours, wood inlays, headliners, and metal highlights set the interiors apart from pre-facelift examples.

2013 also saw the XC60 receive three new technologies added to the options list: active high beam, which automatically switches between high beam and low beam accordingly; road sign information, which displays detected speed limits and other selected road sign information in the instrument panel; and automatic headlights.

The 2013 update also saw the XC60’s collision warning/pedestrian detection camera system enhanced and improved.

While the XC60 is undoubtedly a stylish contender to fill your medium-sized luxury crossover SUV needs, do we recommend actually purchasing one? Read on.

What goes wrong with a used Volvo XC60?

• Pre-facelift XC60 headlights are susceptible to cracking easily and can fade
• The third (centre) brake light can crack
• Pre-facelift (and occasional post-facelift) front and rear bars and body cladding can come loose
• Early XC60s have reports of the windscreens leaking
• Sunroof-equipped XC60s can suffer from water drainage issues in and around the a-pillar water channels. The join within the a-pillar can come loose and water can drain down the inside of the dashboard and into the footwell area, potentially soaking fuses and electronics. This can result in catastrophic electronic failures
• Water can also build up in the roof towards the control unit for the sunroof itself, potentially destroying the electronics surrounding the controls of the sunroof, interior lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity. Also related to this drainage issue, water can build up in the recesses of the floor under the carpet, requiring extensive cleaning or a replacement of all carpets and insulation
• Heater fans can squeal, requiring special tooling and removal of much of the dashboard to gain access to the problem components. The labour required to remedy this can be extensive
• A software malfunction on the engine fan control module can cause air-conditioning performance to be reduced and the coolant temperature to increase. In extreme cases, this can cause the engine to fail

• There have also been issues with fuel leaks on some models. It has been identified that the fuel rail beneath the vehicle that protects the fuel line might not be properly attached in some cases, thereby exposing the fuel lines to possible damage
• A number of XC60s have been known to have power steering issues. The joint between the power steering high-pressure line and the steering gear might not have been assembled correctly. This could result in fluid leaking and a sudden loss of powered assistance
• 2010 models have multiple reports of fuel pump failures
• 2015 XC60s have reportedly had engine issues like coolant leaking into the transmission, as well as interior accessory defects
• Alternator sprocket bolts can come loose across the range
• Seat belt release buttons can fail or jam requiring new seat belt holsters
• Petrol-engined XC60s can suffer from breather system issues
• Engine bay plastics are beginning to wear, become brittle and fail
• Engine mount issues
• Multiple reports of oil and fluid leaks
• Inlet manifolds can become clogged on diesel-engined models

Should you buy a used Volvo XC60?

We can cautiously recommend the XC60 but only if you are conscious of the fact the maintenance and repair costs (and the regularity in which maintenance may be required) will most likely be higher than equivalent Japanese or South Korean competitors.

Prior to committing financially, thoroughly inspect the vehicle and its service records confirming they are totally complete and thorough. Finally, have the XC60 you’re considering inspected by your local mechanic.

However, if you require a practical medium-sized luxury crossover SUV that will most likely provide bulletproof reliability and more affordable maintenance costs, we’d recommend looking at the other alternative to luxury European SUVs.

It’s a brand that starts with the letter L and ends with exus.