Which is more reliable, Subaru or Volvo?
Volvo leads on our inspections: 66/100 average condition vs 62/100 for Subaru, from 194 real pre-purchase inspections.
Volvo leads on our inspections: 66/100 average condition vs 62/100 for Subaru, from 194 real pre-purchase inspections. The average car we check scores 61/100.
Head to head
| Subaru | Volvo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars inspected | 136 | 58 |
| Average condition | 62/100 | 66/100 |
| In good shape (60+/100) | 55% | 67% |
| Holds up to (avg dips below decent) | ~122k mi | ~123k mi |
| Repainted or replaced panel | 70% | 62% |
| Structural repair found | 4% | 3% |
| Fault codes recently cleared | 34% | 22% |
Green = the better number of the pair. Condition reflects the mix of cars that came to us — age, price, model — so treat small gaps as a tie.
How they score
How long do they stay good?
Good cars by mileage
▬ Subaru▬ Volvo▬ all cars
Good cars by age
▬ Subaru▬ Volvo▬ all cars
Share in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). Dashed grey = all cars we check.
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
35%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
26%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
18%
Oil leaks · Engine
52%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
34%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
29%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
29%
Lights not working · Equipment
21%
FAQ
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What are the most common problems with used Subarus and Volvos?
On Subarus we flag oil leaks (64%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (35%), low coolant / cooling system issues (26%). On Volvos: oil leaks (52%), tires condition & wear (34%), active error codes (29%).
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How many Subaru and Volvo vehicles have you inspected?
136 Subarus and 58 Volvos — 194 real pre-purchase inspections. Updated Oct 27, 2026.
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How long do Subarus and Volvos stay in good shape?
In our data, the average Subaru dips below “decent” around ~122k mi; Volvo around ~123k mi. Individual cars vary — get the one you’re buying inspected.
Buying a used Subaru or Volvo? Get a pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
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Based on 194 inspections · updated Oct 27, 2026
