Best petrol engine to look for on used V50
 

My diesel C30 is nine years old. For practical reasons I'm looking to get a pre-owned five door replacement, petrol engine/manual gearbox. I like the cab layout which is obviously common to the C30 and V50. One thing I've learnt in this forum is that engines vary greatly across the vintage and model of Volvo you choose. Any advice on which petrol variant to look for/avoid? I'm not chasing performance so 2.0 litre is the largest spec I'd need. Thanks for any help.

Seems you’ve answered your own question. As you don’t want high performance, rule out the T5. Although there is a 2.4 5cyl petrol lump, I’d probably just go with the 2.0, it’s going to be cheaper to run and easier to get spares for. As for interior spec, try and get an SE Lux so that you’ve got more creature comforts.

People tend to say 2.0L is a good balance of performance and efficiency. I'd agree :)

1.8L and 2.0L are practically the same in terms of MPG, so you may as well get the 2.0L and the 1.6L is considered a bit slow and also not the same Mazda MZR engine, seen as reliable and also shared with Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Volvo S40/C30/V50 etc so as previously said, easy to get parts for. Also there's no cam belt, so one less thing to worry about.

Mine has 137K on the clock and is still going strong (had a TerraClean about 1.5 years ago but didn't really make much difference to be honest).

No engine problems in my ownership of 3.5 years now :)

2.0-litre petrol is the way to go.

- Mazda engine
- Timing chain driven
- Easy to work on
- Reliable
- Good MPG.

My housemate has a 2.0-litre petrol C30, and from the passengers seat they pull nicely.

1.8 petrol on my v50 good economy and adequate performance

I have the 2.4i and am very happy with that (actually chose to go for that engine based on info I found on this site....).
FYI: fuel usage around town is about 25 MPG (it is very hilly where I live) and on the motorway it is about 35 MPG. Not great, not (too) bad!

I had the 2.4i, which I converted to LPG, and was VERY pleased with it. It was sold on 6 years ago, and has sailed past 100k without any problems.
One of the last "5"s worth chasing, as I came down to 4 cylinders then, and will be on 4 again on the next change next month. Sob, Sob!

Bhowani

Currently, 3, yes 3 2.0L petrol Volvos in our family, done the research, opted for the biggest in the range, virtually as economical at the smaller versions, more power and refined, good reputation too.

P

Went with a 2.4i, in hindsight should have gone with a 2.0 as per above guidance, but hindsight and all that.
For me the stance and look of the 2.4i with the Medusa 18" did it.
I went from a VW Bora 1.9tdi to the S40 and boy did I and do I feel the pain when I need to visit the fuel pumps once a week compared to every 2 weeks!