Volvo V50 any thoughts?

sleepyholland

I've been considering Mondeos, Passats, Octavias etc, but have decided that a small estate will best suit my needs. I like the V50 a lot and have been keeping an eye out for a good deal. This private sale seems like good value compared to similar cars. Am I missing anything? Is the 1.8 engine enough? Can 'removable towbars' be easily removed? Thanks

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/V50-1.8-/201238210092704/advert?channel=CARS

Tabnabs

That particular car is about a grand over priced (IMHO). Has it had the alternator replaced and what about the clutch slave cylinder. Both well known problems with the Volvo (I speak from personal experience). The tax is steep enough and to say it's 'very economical' is not quite the truth (about 8.8L/100km).

I'd also like to see the condition of the drivers seat as the leather can get very tatty and worn in some and in others is perfectly acceptable for the same wear and tear. I also question the SE LUX spec in that advert as my interior was much nicer than that. A quick check is if it has bi-zenon headlights, rear parking sensors and heated front seats (driver electric seat) will tell you which spec it is.

bazz26

Heated front seats and bi-xenon headlights were part of the Winter pack which could be ordered as an option on top of any of the standard trim levels. Electric memory adjustable seats, folding door mirrors and parking sensors were part of the SE LUX trim.

Also make sure that there is no warning messages on the screen especially regarding "Urgent anti-skid service". This means the ABS/traction control module is faulty and will cost a few hundred euro to replace. Other things to watch out for are the electrics which can be iffy on them.

Engine and running gear are from the Ford Focus but some parts are not and can be expensive.

comanche_cor

Funnily enough I am thinking the same way as the OP. I am having trouble deciding between the 2.0 diesel and the 1.8 petrol. I don't do large miles but heard that the 2.0 diesel is a better drivers car, so am torn between the two as I have read about people having issues with the 2.0 diesel. So anyone have any opinions on how the 1.8 petrol and 2.0 diesel stack up against each other reliability wise..

Apols if thread hijacking ...

Thanks

MrDerp

I've got an 07 s40 with that 1.8 engine. There's 135,000km on it (I picked it up at 89,000km) and there's been no trouble. That said, mine didn't have a towbar, and the salesman I bought it from said "don't be sticking a towbar on one of them". What has that car been pulling is one thing I'd want to know. But still, with a thorough check it might be fine.

I don't know about the V50, presumably it's a bit heavier but I get about 7.5l/100km on my commute (20% urban, 20% R, 40% M50, 20% N) and about 9l/100km on a drive from Dublin to Cork at 130-135 km/h. Have some fun with the pedal and you'll know all about it though.
The 1.8 petrol is adequate for my needs and for that car. I have enough power to overtake safely and quickly on country roads, and to get up to speed. Could be quieter on the motorway, but it's a hell of a lot quieter than my last car (Focus) was on the motorway.

That car you linked to has got 17 inch wheels, and there's a hidden cost in those. It's a weird 205/50/R17 size which only Ford and Volvo use, making the tyres unusual and therefore expensive. Premium branded tyres will start at 175/corner in most garages.

R.O.R

Mrs. R.O.R had a V50 up until a couple of weeks ago, and f**k me if it didn't come up very well after a valet and polish!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/1.8-SE../32013494379232720/advert?channel=CARS



Not sure where they are getting "upgraded R-Design alloys" from, they were just the standard SE wheels at the time.

We bought it as a 2 year old car with 24,000km on. Had the alternator replaced. No issue with the clutch and no sign of the "anti-skid service" message. Very recently had the ignition swith replaced (common enough fault, but doesn't happen to all). Car decided to not recognise either key the day after a deal was done on the new motor and the day before it was due to go to the garage and the new one collected - had to be recovered :rolleyes:

While the filled in service history stops around 40k (I think), it has been serviced on time (mates rates with the mechanics that do a lot of stuff for us at work) and it's running decent rubber (Pirelli P600), but I can't remember what tread was left on them.

If you need any more info on that car, pop me a PM.

sleepyholland

That car looks in great nick R.O.R. Nicer looking spec than the one I posted originally. And it looks like it's been well looked after. How did you find that engine power and economy-wise? I do long monthly motorway journeys and a fair few very short city spins inbetween. The petrol probably suits me actually.

I wonder what the dealer would let it go for?

R.O.R

sleepyholland wrote: »

That car looks in great nick R.O.R. Nicer looking spec than the one I posted originally. And it looks like it's been well looked after. How did you find that engine power and economy-wise? I do long monthly motorway journeys and a fair few very short city spins inbetween. The petrol probably suits me actually.

I wonder what the dealer would let it go for?

For the first 3 or 4 years it was being used daily from Drogheda to either Dublin City or out to Ballsbridge. Fuel economy for that run was averaging around 7.3l/100km. More than enough poke to sit comfortably at 120km/h on the motorway, and no issues getting up to that speed. Doesn't quite have the mid range poke of the diesel, but it's enough.

Last year or so it's been mainly used around town and average consumption was heading up towards 9l/100km.

It has been looked after while we had it, and it was in perfect condition when we bought it.

sleepyholland

Okay so my search for a 2nd hand V50 continues. I've so far passed up on the first one in this thread and missed out on R.O.R. lovely specimen. I'm in no hurry so am just keeping an eye out for good value. Superficially I prefer the black leather interior and non-wood central console - besides that I'm just after the best condition car under 6,000 which I can do 10k miles a year for the next 5 or 6 years.

Is this a steal? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4105241
I'll ask the seller if she has interior photos.

Thanks for the advice.

(original car I linked too - http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/1.8-SE-/31313482605601470/advert?channel=CARS)

NIMAN

sleepyholland wrote: »

Okay so my search for a 2nd hand V50 continues. I passed up on the first one in this thread and missed out on R.O.R. lovely specimen. I'm in no hurry so am just keeping an eye out for good value. Superficially I prefer the black leather interior and non-wood central console - besides that I'm just after the best condition car under 6,000 which I can do 10k miles a year for the next 5 or 6 years.

Is this a steal? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4105241
I'll ask the seller if she has interior photos.

Thanks for the advice.

big mileage?

sleepyholland

Yeah, am I being foolish to consider a petrol one of these with 126k miles on it?
The original one I linked to has 60,000 on it, but is €1,700 extra.
There really are very few of these of this vintage for sale out there.

NIMAN

I have been considering an S40 or V50 recently, and a lot of the ones I see all have big mileage. Why so many Volvo's with high miles?