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Volvontary redundancy

I have had a 2007 Volvo V50 2litre diesel since new (company car) and have covered over 80,000 miles in it. I note that you do not normally recommend this car in the Telegraph but for what its worth I have found it to be a fantastically efficient (regularly returning 60mpg+ on motorway runs - my usual type of road), incredibly comfortable and exceptionally reliable (only heater system software has been tweaked in the 3 years I've ran it). It now needs to go back to the fleet and as I will be leaving the company shortly I am thinking of buying it. What price should I pay for this 3 yr old Volvo V50 2litre diesel S? what should I look out for / get replaced etc? Volvo claims 150k miles / 7 yrs before the cam belt is to be changed - is this ok or a cynical bid by Volvo to ensure the cost of this work is not borne by the Fleet company?

Asked on 17 July 2010 by HT, Alcester

Answered by Honest John
I have recommended V50s in the past. I like them, especially the styling. And they are Focuses underneath, which is a big plus. I am starting to get reports of DPF failures as well as dual mass flywheel failures on the PSA/Ford drivetrain fitted to the car at high mileages of over 120k miles. Needs a timing belt at around 80k miles or you run the risk of a failure. A 2007 V50 2.0D S trade books at £9,425 minus £2,650 for the excess miles = £6,775. Same age, same mileage Focus 2.0TDCI Zetec Climate estate £5,150.
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