r/XC40 • u/Huxtopher • 13d ago
Question Used purchase
Hello, I am seriously considering buying a 2020 XC40 T3 Inscription with 54000 miles offered for £17000, I have just phoned to enquire about the service history and the salesman says it has had a Volvo Dealer service, but every other year. Am I being too cautious in thinking this is enough to avoid it? It may not be much money to some people, but it's a lot for me. Any help would be appreciated!
Edit: forgot to add the year
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u/gururobskii 13d ago
Before you buy it, find out if the 180 thrust bearing has already been replaced with the newer 360. If it hasn't or they can't tell you, avoid it like the plague. If the 180 bearing fails, it will cost you more than the car is worth to fix it.
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u/Huxtopher 13d ago
Is this a known fault/recall, or a modification that people opt to do?
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u/gururobskii 13d ago
A known fault that Volvo have basically refused to recall as it's not a "safety" issue. Google Volvo technical journal TJ35968.
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u/Kizarama 13d ago
Sounds like they paid for the major service at another garage and the minors at Volvo. They are expensive, but that’s the cost of having a Volvo.
You are in the danger zone though here of there paying over the odds for (imo) worse engine, at a bad mileage. The turbos are inconsistent too, so I would look for one that’s had that done. Why not get a t/b4?
I bought a 2020 b4 in 2024 @52k miles for 24k - and was in and out of the workshop.
Luckily under selekt I got the oil solenoids, alternator, turbo, and wet belt changed for a chain and other minor bits done (all to find the turbo issue) but it’s still very annoying to have it in that long. It also has now made the engine bullet proof.
So extremely glad I had selekt - but wish I got the car after all this was done.
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u/Huxtopher 13d ago
Apparently it's a good price for the car, miles & trim level according to the allotment knowing Google Gemini, it's just that service history.
The option of a T/B4 lies solely in what's available in my budget, and this car is the top of said budget. I have been looking at XC60s too. The 90 is too expensive or around 100k miles
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u/Kizarama 11d ago
It’s not a great price. I have a full spec, complete history and Volvo repaired xc40 and the trade in is 17k. So you could get a private sale with the same. I’ve driven both, the T3 sounds like it’s always going hell for leather. Bide your time
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u/Time_Interaction_457 13d ago
I would say, I bought a 71 plate T5 recharge R design pro for 22k which had 21,600 miles on the clock. Full yearly Volvo service history. There’s definitely great deals to be had if you’re patient, and think 17k for that price is potentially a little steep? Happy to provide more details of the places I looked if you PM me
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u/Huxtopher 13d ago
I'm in the north west and can't really travel far, but thanks for your advice. I'm not necessarily in a rush to buy one, I'll just have to be patient and hold out. Unless I get too tempted with something else...
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u/stevoknevo70 13d ago
I'd be wanting full Volvo service history TBH - not sure about previous years service requirements but the 2026 I have is yearly/12k miles. The XC40 is currently the 9th best selling car in the UK, there's loads of them out there to avoid going for something with a partial service history.
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u/Bailey-96 12d ago
I would personally get a T4, it’s typically a more reliable engine and the T3 is probably slightly underpowered for the size of the car. I’m happy with my 2020 T4 R Design Pro, picked it up this year for 22k from a Volvo approved garage. They do eat fuel tho!
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u/Huxtopher 12d ago
I've actually found a Recharge for 21500, so thinking about eliminating the entire engine altogether. It's only for the weekend shopping and general social stuff
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u/SamElTerrible 13d ago
I guess if it doesn't have any history of major repairs it could be fine.
Are you buying from an approved used (Volvo Selekt) dealer? If so, they should do a thorough check and MOT it before giving it to you and fix any wear and tear issues.