Volvo Selekt is a relatively new name on the approved-used marketplace, but it’s rapidly established itself as a safe way to buy. Cars up to seven years old are available, taking advantage of Volvo’s perceived longevity, but only with less than 100,000 miles – younger cars are the focus.
What does Volvo Selekt offer?
Covering the whole of the UK, with a scheme for Ireland as well, Volvo Selekt focuses on aftercare and quality. The cars are subject to over 150 checks before being accepted for Selekt, and are sold with a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty that covers all mechanical and electrical components, with a relatively short list of exclusions that can be summed up as consumables and low-cost flexible parts, such as radiator hoses that should be part of routine maintenance to check and replace if damaged.
Cars over five years old get six months of cover, which can be upgraded to 12 months at extra cost; cars between 24 and 36 months get the balance of their manufacturer warranty and then Volvo Selekt cover.
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The car’s software is also updated as part of the Selekt programme, so you’ll have the latest available operating system.
It’s worth noting that the Selekt programme offers a stronger warranty than a regular Volvo extended warranty, which is limited to 4 years and 80,000 miles.
What extras are included with Volvo Selekt?
First of all, there’s a 30-day/1,500 mile satisfaction guarantee. It’s not quite as simple as showing up with the car and handing it back – particularly as most sales of this type are through finance that needs to be settled and reapplied for – but it does ensure minimal losses if you are genuinely unhappy with the car you’ve got. You can pay extra for a more suitable car, but you can’t choose a cheaper model and get a refund.
Of most interest to many used car buyers, Volvo Selekt’s MOT cover offers up to £750 for repairs on many common failure items, cruciailly emissions-system related components, brake pipes, calipers and cylinders, and lights are covered for frustrating issues such as condensation as well as straightforward bulb failure.
Finally there’s a good package of roadside and home assistance with European breakdown cover as well.
Any catches with Volvo Selekt?
Not really. Main dealer servicing is recommended, if only because the service department and the customer service are under the same roof, but it’s essentially a guarantee that the car has been thoroughly inspected and prepared to a high standard before sale, and then has a good mechanical breakdown insurance package included.
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That’s a kind of warranty you can buy from third parties, so if you want a used Volvo that isn’t available through Selekt you may still be able to match the cover, if not the buying experience.
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