I Bought My Volvo XC60 for Ksh5.5M – Here’s My Experience After 5 Months

Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Thomas Mwania, a Nairobi-based professional, who shares what it’s like owning a Volvo XC60 — a family-friendly SUV that quietly delivers luxury, performance, and practicality in one sleek package.

***

For me, buying a car isn’t just about comfort or looks—it’s about security. And no brand says “safety-first” quite like Volvo. Volvos are built safety-first, and that's exactly what I prioritise.

After years of navigating this city in a Volvo Sedan, I decided I needed an SUV. I needed something that could handle both city streets and the occasional rough patch without breaking a sweat. That is how I ended up paying Ksh5.5 million for the 2018 Volvo XC60. 

The XC60 is a 2.0L diesel SUV. The price may sound steep, but for what I get in return, I believe it’s worth every shilling. I didn’t just buy a car—I bought a fortress on wheels. The 2018 XC60  earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), excelling in all crash tests. 

Cruising Nicely

My daily commute is mostly on highways, and this is where the XC60 feels most at home. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is a beast—powerful yet surprisingly quiet. It handles the open road with an effortless grace that makes driving a pleasure rather than a task. 

What truly sets this car apart, though, are the intelligent safety features working silently in the background. The standard "City Safety" system is a game-changer in Nairobi's unpredictable roads. 

It uses cameras and radar to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals, automatically braking if a collision is imminent. It can also help you steer away from a potential accident - which comes with an incredible sense of confidence, knowing the car is actively looking out for you.

XC60 Fuel Economy 

Now, let's get down to the numbers that matter to every Kenyan driver. On the highway, this machine is impressively efficient, giving me about 14 kilometres per litre. In mixed city and highway driving, that figure averages out to a respectable 11.8 km/l. 

For a vehicle of its size and weight, that’s a win in my books. Even with the rise in fuel prices, diesel remains relatively at Ksh171 per litre - about Ksh15 lower than petrol.

Service and Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, European cars often get a bad name in Kenya for being expensive, but my experience has been quite manageable. The manufacturer’s recommended service interval is a lengthy 18,000 miles (about 29,000 km), but I’m not taking any chances with our dusty conditions. I opt for a service every 10,000 kilometres to keep everything running smoothly.

A standard service, which includes an engine oil change, new air and oil filters, an AC filter replacement, and a thorough engine and under-wash, sets me back about Ksh 17,000. So far, the car has been rock-solid, with no unexpected garage runs. 

Also Read: My 2-Year Experience Driving the Subaru Impreza

Spare Parts in Nairobi

Of course, the big question with any non-mainstream brand in Kenya is the availability of spare parts. The good news is that common service parts like filters, brake pads, and plugs are readily available from dealers and specialised shops.

However, for more specific car parts, you might need to get a little creative. A few months back, a minor mishap left me with a shattered side mirror. I scoured the usual spots, but a replacement was nowhere to be found locally. I ended up importing the part directly from Sweden. It was a bit of a wait, but the process was smoother than I expected. It’s a small trade-off for the superior build quality and safety that the car offers.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely—if you have the budget and value a smooth, safe, and efficient SUV, the XC60 should be on your shortlist. It’s luxurious without being flashy and economical without feeling underpowered. And while the upfront cost may be a little higher, I believe that when it comes to safety, there's no price tag on peace of mind.

Editor's Note: If you would also like your car experience with us, please fill this form.