I love Volvo, have for several years, and I want to buy a used Volvo sedan in the next couple of years, but first I need your guys' knowledge and answers to build a case to convince my wife.

1. How reliable are Volvos?

2. How much do they cost to maintain? I largely mean, how much do parts cost? I do all our car maintenance and repairs myself.

3. Is there a particular Volvo sedan you would recommend most? I like the look of the S60 from ten years back.

4. Finally, how hard are they to work on?

Backstory:
We own an unbelievably reliable Toyota Yaris 2008, and an infamous but beloved Land Rover Discovery 2 2004. We would be replacing the Yaris and keeping the Disco, because although we've spent $4,000 in tools and parts over the last year on the Disco getting it up to snuff, we love it. And although the Yaris has been nothing but faithful, it's boring and, in the words of B.B., the thrill is gone.

I am glad as all get out we've had the Yaris, because of all the times our Disco Winston has been out of commission for a repair I've had to do. And that's the point my wife makes: In keeping Winston, our second car has to be more reliable and not so expensive to maintain.

And there you have it. I would love to hear your guys' advice.

 

As an owner of both a Volvo and a Land Rover, I can honestly say that my Disco is more reliable. In the last 5 years, I've only replaced a water pump and power steering pump.

 

well - it's relative as they say. Some models do experience more headaches than others - like your 99' S80 - bad year here (trannys, etm's ). Now the 5 cyl S80's with the AW trannys and ETA's were great cars - very few issues. Same with the early XC90's with the T6 - they had that same not so-reliable GM tranny and ETM. Those were some dark days at the dealership for sure

If I was to look at a newer Volvo, I would set my sights on the last couple years of that specific platform model - most of the bugs have been discovered and eliminated by then by the factory IMO

Always get a PPI at a reputable shop that knows Volvos

 

I have 2 Volvos - a 98 S70 and an 05 S80.
The S70 is troublesome - and has been since 180,00. The S80 has needed only 3 repairs and only in the last 5,000 miles (80k now).
In my experience they tend to have more little irritating problems than the "average car" but seldom experience a debilitating breakdown.
i find them much easier to work on than Japanese cars, and easier than American cars. Had a 95 Mercedes and found them similar.
I like the 5 cylinders, primarily because I have gotten used to them but also because they seem pretty bullet proof.

'05 and newer, stay away from AWD's