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Are Volvos good first cars?

I’m searching for a used vehicle to gift to my niece as her first car, and I found a promising Volvo for a great price. Are Volvos good first cars?

avatar
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The short answer is: yes,
Volvos
make for reliable first cars, so long as they’re well-maintained.
Across the board, Volvo vehicles
earn above-average safety ratings
, even in older models—and newer models boast a suite of modern safety aids such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and emergency automated braking (perfect for helping first-time drivers prevent accidents).
On top of stellar safety ratings, Volvos are generally
long-lasting vehicles
. A Volvo that adheres to regular maintenance can last as long as 200,000 miles or more—so you can feel comfortable investing in an older model with more miles on its odometer.
Of course, it’s a good idea to do a more thorough investigation on the Volvo in question—sites like
CARFAX
, for example, can give you information on a vehicle’s history that lets you know if there are any outstanding problems or serious past issues with the car.
You should also have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic prior to purchasing, if possible.
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