Volvo Estate Recommendation...

BronsonTB

I need an estate & was thinking of a Volvo.

Can anyone advise what model/spec diesel Volvo I should be looking for from 02-05. v50/v70 etc?

They seem good value but just want to make sure I look for the better spec if I can. (This is coming from a lexus is200se).

Thanks

R.O.R

BronsonTB wrote: »

I need an estate & was thinking of a Volvo.

Can anyone advise what model/spec diesel Volvo I should be looking for from 02-05. v50/v70 etc?

They seem good value but just want to make sure I look for the better spec if I can. (This is coming from a lexus is200se).

Thanks

Depends on what size estate you need.

V50 is a Focus in disguise. Great motor, but not a massive load lugging estate - more a "lifestyle" Estate, or slightly larger hatchback. Irish SE spec is all you need at that age - full leather, Cruise, Climate, decent stereo. A lot will also have heated seats as part of a winter pack. 2.0d engine is the one to look for, but will be rarer than the 1.6d.

If you need a massive estate then you want the V70, but in that age range it's either Petrol or the 2.4 D5 engine. Again, SE spec will give you all the bells and whistles, but the interior isn't as modern as that in the V50. D5 is a great engine, but being a 2.4 it's a bit heavy on road tax.

BronsonTB

R.O.R wrote: »

Depends on what size estate you need.
V50 is a Focus in disguise. Great motor, but not a massive load lugging estate - more a "lifestyle" Estate, or slightly larger hatchback. Irish SE spec is all you need at that age - full leather, Cruise, Climate, decent stereo. A lot will also have heated seats as part of a winter pack. 2.0d engine is the one to look for, but will be rarer than the 1.6d.

Appreciate that info...Sounds like the V50 would be fine. I've a dog to transport daily but also need to be able to carry more than just passengers at times. 02-05 Volvo v50 2.0d SE is what I should be looking for...I'll have a look based on that...(The 2.4 would just be too much tax for me)

bidiots

BronsonTB wrote: »

Appreciate that info...Sounds like the V50 would be fine. I've a dog to transport daily but also need to be able to carry more than just passengers at times. 02-05 Volvo v50 2.0d SE is what I should be looking for...I'll have a look based on that...(The 2.4 would just be too much tax for me)

Do the maths, you might get a v70 for less money which would cover the extra 300 tax pa... Plus the 2.4 gives excellent mpg

wowy

I have a V50 and am very happy with it. However, you mention carrying passangers (which I don't do much of); just so you know there's not a huge amount of legroom in the back; less than you'd initially think considering it's an estate.

Edit, misread your post. Yeah, it a great car for carrying/transporting items. I've a set of Thule roof bars and so I've transported loads of stuff with.

My dad has a V70; it's substantially bigger if you're looking at frequent transport of big items. The lock on his car (2002, 2.4D) is appalling and has the turning circle of a ship.

Hellrazer

V70 all the way op.

V50 especially in a diesel will give you no end of problems.

Alternators,bcms,dpfs etc...all expensive repairs.

V50 is a ford in disguise.v70 is all volvo.

aerofoiled

A Saab 9-5 is what you want!

bazz26

The 9-5 feels prehistoric at this stage though imo. Volvo D5 diesel engine is way better than the diesels in the 9-5 too.

BronsonTB

Is it not hard to get saab parts now??

166man

bazz26 wrote: »

The 9-5 feels prehistoric at this stage though imo. Volvo D5 diesel engine is way better than the diesels in the 9-5 too.

2.4 D5 isn't comparable to the 1.9 units in the 9-5. 1.9 diesel is a very capable and reliable engine.

The 2005-2007 9-5 is actually still a good car imo. Good interiors, great seats, plenty of space and a good reliable punch Diesel engine.

bazz26

166man wrote: »

2.4 D5 isn't comparable to the 1.9 units in the 9-5. 1.9 diesel is a very capable and reliable engine.

The 2005-2007 9-5 is actually still a good car imo. Good interiors, great seats, plenty of space and a good reliable punch Diesel engine.

I know the Fiat engine is not directly comparable to the Volvo engine but that's the only diesel engine GM fitted to the 9-5. Also even though the 9-5 got the Dame Edna facelift in 2005 it was still an 8 year old design at that stage based on a 1990s Vectra. While the V70 is old these days too it just feels more modern than the 9-5, is nicer to drive and the D5 engine is smoother, all my opinion though.