What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

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.
Similar questions
I have run a 2010 D3 Volvo XC60 auto for 30 months now on mainly short journeys with no DPF problems. I am thinking of changing to a new D5 manual. Is there any difference in likelihood of future DPF problems...
As a taxi operator my vehicle does a high mileage and the Mondeo Mk 2 diesel that I have at present has done nearly 200,000 miles without serious fault. However it is now due for replacement and I am concerned...
My Audi A5 is off the road again this time with a faulty Diesel Particulate Filter sensor. In 18 months ownership the car has spent over 3 months back with Audi dealerships, including clutch / Dual Mass...
Related models
Superb blend of keen handling and ride comfort. Seats five in comfort. five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Classy-looking compact estate with very good ride comfort and tidy handling. A fine long-distance cruiser. The UK's most popular Volvo.