Which would you buy V50 or V70?

[Forg]

Originally Posted by cogs

My current V40 is a 2003 SE 2.0, I saved it from going to scrap, I like the performance and can live with the 30mpg, the boot space is OK though I find the cabin to small and cramped after having the Avensis which was an 1.8 hatch.
The biggest problem for me is I need an automatic and I more for comfort then speed nowadays.

As time goes by everything does get bigger ... however in Australia (where I am) your S40 was a mid-sized car, but the V50 was a small-mid car. I don't really know what the segments are (A Segment, B Segment etc) but the V50 was the equivalent of "down a segment" on the market here, and given the fact that there's under a decade between development of the two cars I doubt the "segments" themselves moved up far enough to say the V50 would be bigger overall ...

However, there may be dimensions in which the V50 is larger, it may be more comfy for you - since it seems all you're looking for is to be comfy in it. I've not been in the C30/S40/V50 for any stretch of time, but a couple of workmates had the equivalent Focus & in fact I borrowed one for a few weeks once - no problems in that for an overweight 6'1" bloke, plenty of room both front & rear.

But the V70 is considerably larger. The V50 is probably best described as a "lifestyle hatch" more than a wagon, the V70 goes closer to fitting the pallet in the back which was possible with ... I forget, 740 was it?

[Pidgeonpost]

Originally Posted by cogs

Yes, there in lays the problem. They seem to be very thin on the ground around me and I'm searching up to 100miles away from me.

I went through the same business last year. Missed what sounded like a good V70 locally, plus one that was a dog. Lurked the forum, Autotrader, eBay etc. The logistics of travelling 100 miles with wife and dog was a pain, which is what it took to get our current car. Paid over the odds too, but prices were silly everywhere. Several likely candidates later appeared, as you might expect.
I'll say this though, I love the car, and wish I'd been able to justify buying one years ago.

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by cogs

Yes, there in lays the problem. They seem to be very thin on the ground around me and I'm searching up to 100miles away from me.

Petrol P3 V70s all seem to be turbocharged and, therefore, a bit more complex and expensive with performance that you don't need. Of those currently on Autotrader, a number are also imports.

A late P2 V70 with the 170bhp normally aspirated engine is probably a better proposition if you can get a good example. The turning circle isn't the greatest selling point, but inside the P2 V70 is such a lovely place to be. I would also suggest that it's slightly more comfortable than the P3, although the P3 counters with a greater ride height, making it easier to get in and out of.

If you were looking for a diesel then I'd be suggesting a Volvo-engined P3.

Bit of a wild card, but have you considered a pre-Powershift Ford Mondeo hatchback or estate (which shares the same platform as the P3 V70)? Having owned two, I can say that it's also a lovely place to be, plus it rides and handles well. My old 59-reg is still going under new ownership with 168k on the clock.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by The Thong

And don’t forget the tight turning circle…..

compared to ?? oil tanker or bulk shipping container ship??

[Topcat1958]

Having previously owned two V70's you can probably guess my choice.
Fantastic vehicles and so practical.

[cogs]

Originally Posted by J liddy

I don't know much about the V 50
So I would get a 2005 ish V70 if you can find one

Just wondering why the 2005ish model?

I'm now preferring the 2007 onwards, it appears to have much improved safety. I didn't realise how poor the earlier V70 was on safety. I like older cars, mostly because of the reduced complexity but I like to strike a balance between modernish safety and workable home mechanicing.

I've noticed a V50 around the village and yesterday I spoke with the owner and the problems he has had with it totally put me off the V50.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by cogs

I've noticed a V50 around the village and yesterday I spoke with the owner and the problems he has had with it totally put me off the V50.

My son persevered with two V50 T5's. There is a reason he now drives a Skoda.

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by andy_d

compared to ?? oil tanker or bulk shipping container ship??

V70….. we did a big meet at Rockingham and a tight turn sorted the V70’s from the V50’s 😂😂 We got round in one hit and the V70’s were shunting to get round….. ohhh we laughed

TT

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by andy_d

compared to ?? oil tanker or bulk shipping container ship??

Having had an P2 S60, the turning circle was appalling 😂😂

TT

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by The Thong

Having had an P2 S60, the turning circle was appalling 😂😂

TT

so,, S60 (p2) is the biggest turning circle needed, piping the V70 while the "nimble" (ahem) v50 manages it in one (most of the time)