Buying a used car can be a great way to save some money as opposed to shelling it all out on a brand-new car. Sure, buying used does mean that you will have to be more careful when inspecting the car for signs of trouble and that you won’t usually be covered by a warranty of any kind.
So, if you are interested in buying a used Volvo XC40, be sure to read our “Buying a used Volvo XC40- Things to check“ article as we are going to go over all the little things you need to focus on if you want to make a sound and reasonable purchase. We are not going to get into pricing though as that is highly dependent on the market and the vehicle at hand.
The first thing you need to check is the service history as that is going you a broad understanding of how well the car has been taken care of before you came along. You should also focus on all the potential problems an XC40 can suffer from including electrical problems, problems with the brakes, and problems with some of the assistance features.
Last, but certainly not least, you should also aim to do a pre-purchase inspection to get an idea of what might go wrong and what might need replacing. If the owner is reluctant to let you check the car thoroughly, it’s best to skip it altogether.
Service History
Finding a car with a comprehensive service history record should be your first and most important thing to do. If the car has been maintained properly, it means that it has had its essential services such as fluid and filter changes on a regular basis. This should also tell you if the owner used OEM parts, the recommended oil, and the recommended filters.
It’s not a good idea to buy a used car that was not properly maintained throughout its lifespan as that usually means that the car is going to suffer from issues that could have been avoided. Either way, focus on the service history, receipts, and whatever else can give you a detailed look at how the previous owner cared for the car.
Electrical Issues
The Volvo XC40 is known to suffer from certain electrical issues which include problems with the infotainment system. This means that the infotainment system can glitch out and go blank. The rearview camera can fail, the GPS can fail, the A/C can stop blowing hot/cold air, and the power windows can also stop functioning.
Make sure to test out all the electricals and the accessories such as the opening and closing of the sunroof, the power locks, A/C, power seats, the speakers, the headlights, the taillights, interior accessories, and whatever else you can.
Brakes Issues
One commonly reported problem is premature brake wear, where the brake pads and rotors may wear out faster than expected. Additionally, a few owners have mentioned experiencing brake squealing or grinding noises during braking. It’s important to note that not all XC40 vehicles experience these problems, and they may vary based on individual driving habits and conditions.
If you’re considering buying a used XC40, it’s recommended to have a thorough inspection and test drive, paying close attention to the braking system. Also, do not forget to check the parking brake and if it’s always engaging and how well it manages to keep a car stationed while on an incline/decline.
ADAS Problems
The Volvo XC40 is renowned for its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance safety on the road. However, a few owners have reported encountering ADAS-related problems. Some common issues include intermittent malfunctioning of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems.
Occasional false alarms or incorrect sensor readings have also been mentioned. A few owners also complained about “phantom braking“ and the car disengaging its adaptive cruise control system without any prior warnings if it fails to properly read the road lines. So, be sure to check all of these if the XC40 you are looking at has these equipped.
More about Volvo XC40 problems.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is something everyone should do before buying a car. Spending a bit of money on a pre-purchase inspection can review some potentially expensive problems which can give you an upper hand when it comes to lowering the final purchasing price which means that this can actually save you money.
If you have decent experience with mechanics, this is not particularly needed. Also, if the owner is reluctant to let you check the car properly, it’s better to skip it altogether and look for one that is.
FAQ Section
Is a Volvo XC40 a Good Used Car?
Yes, the Volvo XC40 is generally considered a good used car option for a few notable reasons. It offers a combination of stylish design, advanced safety features, and a comfortable driving experience, packed into a fairly spacious, yet compact package. The XC40 has also received positive reviews for its quality build, refined interior, and strong performance.
Volvo is also known for its commitment to safety, and the XC40 is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies. However, as with any used car, it’s important to thoroughly inspect and research the specific vehicle you are interested in, consider its maintenance history, and potentially get a professional inspection to ensure its condition.
Which Powertrains are Available for the Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is available with a wide choice of potential powertrains including gasoline options, diesel options, mild-hybrid gasoline options, plug-in hybrids, and full-on electric. Gasoline options are equipped with Volvo’s T3, T4, and T5 engines.
The XC40 Recharge is now a full-on electric XC40, but you can also get it as a hybrid if you want. The newest T models are also mild-hybrid equipped in order to boost smoothness and aid in efficiency.
When is the New Volvo XC40 Coming Out?
Volvo has come out with a facelifted version of the XC40 in 2023, but a brand-new model with a completely different design isn’t likely to land for a few years. Even so, the current, facelifted XC40 took what was already a really modern car, and rounded up all the edges to make it even better.
