I've been looking for a new car and came across a 2011 S60 with the 2.0T engine and a manual transmission that's got about 170 000 kilometers (around 105K miles). It looks pretty sweet and I plan to go and have a look at it. I'm not very familiar with the brand, though. I've mostly heard that they are generally reliable as long as you maintain them well enough (which I plan to do). At that age and mileage is there a reason to expect anything else? Also, any common faults I should be looking out for?

On a side note, another car I was considering was a Skyaktiv Mazda 6, again, for its reliability but I've also been leaning towards the Volvo. Any inputs would be appreciated!

 

Make sure you can look at maintenance records. after 100k miles is usually when the more expensive items need replacing like suspension, sometimes exhaust depending on the car and how bad they rust. PCV system and potentially suspension bushings. Timing belt change should be done around the current mileage as well. This info is for all cars really, not just volvos. I have day 1 exhaust in my 160k mile s60 and it is fine. Where my replacement, band new exhaust on a pontiac had a mount rust off within a year.

 

Yep, timing belt and tensioner should be done at 10 years /120 K miles which ever comes first so as Dingus noted, its due. Budget about $600-800 US to get this done. Generally water pumps don't need to be done on the first go round but should get inspected. Since you are buying a used car, you should consider investing $100 in a professional inspection which should test for PCV pressure, engine compression, coolant quality etc. They can also check for suspension and similar for any abuse or wear as well. Given its a manual, you also need to test the fitness of the clutch (hopefully the PO didn't use the pedal as a foot rest). See if you can find a Carfax or similar report (not sure which country you are in ) and press the seller for maintenance records. You'd want to see it was kept to factory recommended intervals.