I am considering buying a used Volvo V50 2.0d, either S or Sport model.
I currently run a V W Passat 1.9Tdi 100hp, which now has 167,000 miles on. I have not had a minutes trouble with the Passat. Prior to running the Passat I have run 3 Golfs, all having around 140,000 on them when I got rid and again I did not have a moments bother with any of them. So you could say that I do hold V W in high regard, but I have read differing reviews about the new Passat, hence considering a V50.
I am led to believe that the engine in the V50 is a Ford/Pug engine. Is this correct? If so is the engine any good? Will it be as reliable as the V W engine?? Is there anything in particular that I should be concerned about with the engine or the car? Is the Volvo as well built as a V W?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Yes, the 2.0d is the same Ford/PSA unit as used in the Focus and many other cars.
The S40/V50 are closely related to the Focus, but you will find the Volvo version has more safety features (as you'd expect) and a subjectively higher quality interior and build.
However, don't dismiss the Volvo 2.4 5 cylinder D5 engine, if you can find a V50 with one. They're very tough, powerful and refined. Some people even claim they can give better economy than the 2.0d. I can believe it, my old Euro III D5 can reach nearly 60mpg on a long cruise at 60mph, and that's in an S80 with an autobox!
Have you seen the V50 close up? The boot is not all that big...
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The only problem with the V50 is the V70....which is both vastly better, bigger and in D5 guise normally more economical than a 2.0d V50.
If going for a V50 you may as well go for a SE or SE Sport, not a S or Sport. Probably only £500 or so more model for model and better equipped.
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my brother in law has a v50 with leather and all the toys 2litre diesel and loves it, well saying that its his first proper family car after years of hot hatches...haha
hes had it 3 years and run as a company car, and its been hassle free, his last hot hatch seat cupra r. was plagued with water leaks and electrical issues, his volvos been fine.
parked next to my year 2000 V40 though with the boots open, you can clearly see that the boot on the v50 is smaller than the v40....
but apart from that its a fine car.
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I would still check out some v70s though, the v50 after all is a medium size car, and depending upon what junk you need to carry the v70 might be a good option with the d5 engine of course...have read on this site that its worth changing the cam belt on those at 60k as a few have failed before the 90k odd change interval....
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paul.
impreza wagon (his)
v40 volvo (hers)
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Now let's see, you have had 4 VWs, you have ran them up to high miles, you have not had any problems with any of them, you have been really pleased with VW.
So what car to buy? Obviously not a VW, you couldn't have 5 good ones in a row, could you?
A pal of mine has a V50, he quite likes it but reckons it's a bit slow. I've driven it, give me a Passat any day! I've driven the new ones and thought they were good, if mine wasn't so reliable I would buy one.
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My in laws have had one for about a year. It's an 05 plate 2.0d SE with 60-odd k on the clock.
It's been faultless since they've had it, and is as sharp to drive as you would expect something based on a Focus platform to be. Comfy inside, and beautifully screwed together. The 2.0d engine is gutsy, smooth and responsive, but returns very poor economy - they struggle to get 40 mpg out of it, and have seen 30 on a couple of occasions.
They are well pleased with it overall though.
Given the Pug/Ford engine's poor fuel economy, I would be very tempted to go for a D5 version.
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My in laws have had one for about a year. It's an 05 plate 2.0d SE with 60-odd k on the clock.
You might want to start expectation management with F-i-L for the 72k service if it's EuIV.
New DPF and Eolys is part of the service. Some owners have reported not getting any change from four figures.
Edited by gmac on 15/05/2009 at 17:36
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Yikes! The D5 looks a better bet in every way.
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The pal I mentioned in my earlier post has just called. I noticed that his front tyre looked a little flat. No, he said they are low profile.
It was flat, it had a nail in it. I helped him change the wheel in a shed, it was raining cats and dogs. The spare was one of those skinny 50mph things and he wanted to drive 50 miles this evening.
What a daft idea these spacesaver wheels are, you don't even save much space.
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