V50 - Which Model?

[Penfield]

Hi,

After 18 years my S40 has come to the end of its journey, unfortunately due to a crash. I’m thinking of replacing it with a V50 but was hoping for some advice as to which models and years are best regarding economy, reliability, fun and cost to buy and run.

[Sotosound]

Avoid the 1.6 diesel full stop, and avoid any car if it has the Ford Powershift automatic gearbox.

The 4-cylinder Ford/PSA diesel is fine in manual form, as many Mondeo and Focus owners might attest.

Anything labelled D3, D4, or D5 is normally fine regarding reliability as long as it has been well maintained until now, and provided that it doesn't have starship mileage. These cars will all have a 5-cylinder Volvo diesel engine. The 2.4 petrol should also prove reliable because, again, it has a Volvo 5-cylinder engine.

Other members will no doubt supplement this information.

[Tannaton]

^^^^ That.

1.6D/D2 - No no

2.0D - actually a good package, economical, sprightly, but doesn't have the longevity of Volvo engines, avoid tired examples with north of 150/160k on them. Avoid all 2.0D auto (powershift)

D3, D4 & D5 - pick of the bunch but later cars only. Auto's with these engines are good as well.

If you want something sporty - R Design spec cars have stiffer suspension and sporty seats. Oh and silver door mirror covers....

Good service history is key, there are plenty around so avoid those with poor/no history.

Values of later model (post 2010MY cars) seem to be increasing currently.

[Nick04]

As above, although I'm not totally sure about the 1.6 diesel. Many do say avoid them but you do see them with high mileages. I guess it may depend on how they have been maintained and the recommended service schedule might not always be sufficient. I think most of the 1.6 and 2.0D diesels require swapping the DPF at 75k which is something to keep in mind.

I think a lot will depend on what your priority is and what's available. The most recent examples are a decade old now so getting a good specific example isn't likely unless you're prepared to wait. Firstly, I'd decide what's more important - condition and history or a specific model.

As always, there's no perfect vehicle. The ones that are more fun won't be as efficient and those that are more reliable might not be as fun or efficient, etc. Generally, a manual gearbox is probably the safest option with a Geartronic as a compromise, the Powershift would be the least preferred option. A facelift model is always good as well, common sense tells you that a facelift should be an improved version in terms of doing things that bit better. Avoid a sunroof as well, unless you really want one, but it doesn't have to be deal breaker on a good example.

Overall, the V50 is a very nice vehicle. It's a great looker and has plenty of style. Some are critical because of its association with the Ford Focus and Mazda 3, but it's often forgot that those vehicles had a reputation as a better drive than any Volvo. The fact that Volvo took hold of something that was pretty good and refined it using their strengths makes for an attractive offering.

[Tannaton]

just to clarify, the 1.6D isn’t all bad… that engine is probably the most commonly used engine in the world and is found in Peugeot, Citroen, Ford, BMW Mini as well as Volvo models and I’m sure there will be a lawnmower somewhere with one… However, relative to the Volvo engines also fitted it simply doesn’t have the longevity, and certain variants are dependent on the correct oil changes at the right intervals to avoid problems which is why those models have reduced (12k opposed to 18k) service intervals.

It was also the cheapest engine to buy and run so most likely bought buy owners with limited budgets and hence the most likely to be neglected.

The other issue which also affects the 2.0d is poor quality electrical components - alternator failure is almost inevitable before around 160k and starter motor similar - most focus/mundano owners might see that as a good innings but compared to the units fitted on Volvo engines that’s poor and an inevitable breakdown. But they’re cheap to fix….

There will be one or two low mileage, well maintain examples out there but the risk is still higher with them.