Volvo V50

Picky owner

I am looking at a v 50 1.8 petrol 91 K full service history, 2007,nice spec,looks in great condition. Am just looking for a few opinions as do not know a lot about cars.Main reason is need more space as I have three young kids.

Nuw

One thing to be noted, that engine came in 2 different versions, one accepted ethanol (E85) and regular petrol, the other only petrol. The first is noted F for flexifuel (you'll see it in the doc, or on the tailgate, it will show '1.8F') and require more maintenance than the other (service every 10k, the other is every 20k, even though I'd recommend every 15k or year which ever comes first).

The F version might also be a tad more expensive to fix (should anything go wrong with it, which is unlikely) as it uses different parts to accommodate for the ethanol (which burns at higher temperature).

There seem to have been some issue with ABS unit if memory serve, might keep an eye out for this. Basically make sure there is a service history, not necessarily full (given age of the car, it might be hard) but at least traces of regular maintenance.

Other than that, it's a brilliant (relatively) little car. The engine is willing, not too thirsty, interior is class, it handles well enough, and won't put a hole in your wallet if you take care of it, insurance should be reasonable as well.

Picky owner

Thanks for the info,am going to look at tomorrow, will see if it's the flexfuel version and if there's enough room in the back for 3 active kids!also worried about high tax running costs for 1.8 car

Nuw

Tax is 636€/year and you should see mid 40s MPG (depending on your driving of course), insurance should be ok, given that it's a pretty safe car.
As for the space in the back, I guess it depends how big your kids are and how long you plan on keeping the car

It is based on the ford focus from the same era and share many components with it, so parts prices should be ok as well should some parts need replacing.

bazz26

You won't get anywhere near 40mpg from the 1.8 litre petrol engine. It's the same engine from the Ford Focus/Ford Mondeo. Mid 30s at best from the regular 1.8 litre and if it is the flexifuel it will be alot lower again. The flexifuel version is quite heavy on fuel but at the time of these being sold new when bi ethanol was alot cheaper than unleaded which offset the higher fuel consumption. However bi ethanol is no longer available here. Also the flexifuel needs to be serviced around every 10k km.

BTW you might struggle with 3 kids as the S40/V50 is based on the Ford Focus so while the boot is decent in the V50, rear space and legroom is still very tight in them. They are also narrow so if you need more than one booster seat in the rear it will be difficult to get a third child sitting between them comfortably.

wowy

I've had a 1.8F for 3 years now. I'm getting 27mpg in that time, so it is definitely thirsty. That's mainly short hops around the city and suburbs though. It's a great car but I've no kids, so rarely have anyone in the back. Legroom is tight in the back.

Picky owner

wowy wrote: »

I've had a 1.8F for 3 years now. I'm getting 27mpg in that time, so it is definitely thirsty. That's mainly short hops around the city and suburbs though. It's a great car but I've no kids, so rarely have anyone in the back. Legroom is tight in the back.

Thanks for the info,am worried i'll be short on space in the back,will have a better idea when i see it up close.

Picky owner

Just back from looking at the v50,going to pass,smaller than I thought,didn't blow me away.Back to the drawing board.Thanks for all the info.