When it comes to purchasing a reliable used car, two automakers regularly pop up in “best” lists across the internet. Toyota and Honda are often referred to as the dependability kings for pre-owned whips. These rides, along with their luxury counterparts, Lexus and Acura, consistently receive high marks from Consumer Reports. The agency also has given praise towards another beloved JDM brand, Mazda. Which only further reinforces that if you want high mileage, go for cars that are made in Japan.

But this TikToker argues that opting for wares made by Scandinavia’s most prominent automaker, Volvo, is a good idea, too. TikTok user Tank (@tankgarage) says that drivers are sleeping on Volvos as a viable used car option, but is that the case?

Tank Applauds What Volvo Has to Offer

At the onset of a recent clip explicating his love for Volvos, he says laying your money down for one is a “simple” choice. The video is a series of glamour shots showcasing numerous Volvo models. Moreover, a series of text overlays detail why buyers should consider these cars. “Do you want a: Safe. Comfortable. Stylish. Quick. Cheap. Spacious. Loaded. Durable. Timeless. Strong. Practical. Underrated. Iconic. Car? Buy a Volvo,” he urges viewers.

@tankgarage Its really that simple! #volvo ♬ original sound – Tank Garage

While many of the selling points Tank rattles off can be chalked up to taste, some of these claims are quantifiable. Indeed, Volvos are often associated with safety. That’s because the automaker has long been associated with making road travel a more secure endeavor for commuters. And it’s a reputation the company is quick to tout on its website. For instance, the ubiquitous three-point seatbelt was actually engineered by the Swedish carmaker.

An engineer for the brand, Nils Bohlin came up with the design “by studying real-world crashes,” Volvo writes. Furthermore, his “understanding of how the body reacts to impact,” helped to craft this design. What’s more, is that Bohlin and Volvo were more concerned with saving lives than capitalizing on profits. Which is why, Volvo decided to share this patent with the rest of the automotive industry. It’s a decision the manufacturer says has “contributed to saving over a million lives.”

Other Volvo Safety Innovations

Moreover, three-point seatbelts aren’t the only pioneering automotive fixtures Volvo created, either. As the Good Car Bad Car blog puts in, headrests were treated as optional add-ons, “not a requirement” by automakers. Volvo began incorporating headrests into all of its product line. It’s a decision the automaker says has ultimately helped to significantly reduce head injuries, particularly whiplash.

Additionally, the brand developed its WHIPS system in the 1990s, incorporating greater head and neck saving tech into its seats. The choice to do so has assisted in reducing “head and neck injury by 49 percent” according to Volvo.

However, numerous automakers have incorporated identical safety measures in their vehicles over the years. Not to mention that there are throngs of other brands on the market that have received accolades for their own driver security/assistance systems, too. So how do Volvos stack up with regards to the safety of other brands today?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of 2025’s safest cars, Volvo has only one entry. Honda, Acura dominate the small cars segment, with Hyundai, Toyota, Genesis, and others featured on it in various segments. The only Volvo vehicle mentioned by the IIHS is the XC90, but there’s an asterisk appended to the listing: “if built before December 2024.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean that there are unsafe cars, however. Consumer Reports writes that while “other brands have caught up…Volvo maintains its deserved reputation for safety innovation.”

Volvos: Quiet Luxury, but Are They Reliable?

Additionally, Consumer Reports went on to echo some of the high-marks Tank gave to Volvo in his video. The consumer research group stated that Volvos have a “quality fit and finish” as well as “attractive exterior styling.” This same attention to detail, the agency writes, extends to the cars cabins, too. Consumer Reports writes that Volvos have “some of the nicest interiors in the industry, with especially comfortable seats.”

However, curb appeal and creature comforts don’t mean much if a car can’t dependably take drivers from A to B. And when you’re purchasing a used car, this is probably your main concern, especially if you don’t have a backup ride to rely on.

And if you were planning on purchasing a used Volvo, depending on the model and year you select, you could either have a great experience, or some costly headaches to address.

That’s because Consumer Reports writes “most of Volvo’s new cars scored average or below-average in [its] reliability rankings.” And when it comes to used car reliability rankings, Volvo came in at number 7 out of 26 brands the group researched. Lexus tops the list, with Toyota coming in next. Mazda ranked the third best car brand to purchase used, with Honda taking a significant dip in score to land in fourth place.

Also, Acura and even Buick ranked higher on the used car list than Volvo did.

Used Volvos: Most Common Issues

A Volvo dealership posted some red flags buyers should keep an eye on when shopping for pre-owned vehicles from the Swedish carmaker. It’s worth mentioning, however, that these causes of worry can be applied to virtually any used vehicle one buys. Ensuring that regularly scheduled maintenance was performed on a vehicle should be a top priority.

Some auto analytics companies, like CarFax, document when cars have been maintained in their vehicle history reports. Also, finding a car seller that keeps maintenance records could help allay any fears when purchasing a used vehicle, too.

Another point one should consider before forking over their hard-earned cash for a used Volvo is maintenance and repair costs. Even if the used ride in question’s been taken care of, how much is it going to cost you to keep it on the road? And how much will it cost to swap out any parts in the event that something eventually needs to be replaced?

Unfortunately, this is an area where Tank’s argument appears to take a hit. Consumer Reports ranked Volvo 24th out of 26 in overall maintenance and repair costs over time. In fact, Volvo is listed among some of the most expensive luxury brands to keep on the road with the likes of Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. The agency estimates Volvo owners will pay at least $1,775 within the first five years of ownership of a new Volvo for maintenance. And the 6-10 year mark can cost an additional $8,050.

As with any used car purchase, try and get as much information on any work that’s been performed on a vehicle prior to purchase.

MotorBiscuit has reached out to Volvo via email and Tank via TikTok comment for further information.