Volvo Comfort / V50 2.0d / D5

[tayandre]

Originally Posted by r30ser

Hi All,

I recently took a V50 2.0D Powershift for a 30-40 minute drive, in town, dual carriageway and motorway, but struggled to achieve 40mpg, even on the motorway.
Is this a normal figure? Its seems no better than a D5.
I would be interested in peoples thoughts.

I've got a C30 2.0D powershift, 45mpg in mixed town/open road is easily acheivable. Taking it easy 65ish on motorways get's closer to 50mpg. Drove to Oxford (300 odd miles) at 75mph most of the way and MPG was around 45mph, came home at 80mph and mpg dropped to 40.

With D5 and Geartronic you will see figues around 5mpg lower than a 2.0D.

[pont]

I too have a back issue, a rather serious one, and I would recommend you stick to the v70. Any age, they will always give the right posture. The v50 has a shorter base.

[t5_monkey]

I've been in S60/V70 seats... and S40 obviously.

S60/V70 quite a bit more 'plush' and supportive, but basically pretty much the same.

[r30ser]

Thanks for the info.

I am looking for one that does a decent mpg.

Any ideas which V70 engine to get?
It must be an automatic

[Clan]

Originally Posted by r30ser

Thanks for the info.

I am looking for one that does a decent mpg.

Any ideas which V70 engine to get?
It must be an automatic

It has to be the 2003-4 V70 D5 163 bhp

[SeekingV70]

Originally Posted by r30ser

Hi All,

I currently have a 55Reg 2.0D DSG Golf, and want to change for a Volvo.

My reason for changing is comfort, is a V50 good for a bad back, how does it compare to larger V70?

I really like the R-Design, are the seats any good? do they get grubby quick?
Would I be better off with a normal leather seat or no leather?

Ignore my profile name; I'm actually in the market for a V50.

I originally wanted a Merc C-Class because I like their autos (much nicer than the Geartronic IMHO). However, I'm "hyper-extensive" according to my doctor (i.e. over flexible) and my back can relax into awkward positions if I'm not supported properly. I quickly found out the Merc seats were just plan awful and gave me twinges in my back on short test drives.

I then had a V50 on hire for a long weekend and did 750 miles in the space of a couple of days. Not a back problem at all and, in fact, seat almost felt more comfy as time went on.

I actually get to drive a lot of hire cars for my job and, for me at least, there is no doubt the V50 has the best seats of all the (new) Golfs, Astras, Focuses, Mondeos, Insignias, Jags, Mercs that I've driven.

One thing I would point out though is that the seat is notably narrow compared to some cars due to the hefty side bolsters. I'm sure I read this is partly a SIPS thing on the V50. Anyway, I'm a slender chap so this doesn't effect me and I'm nicely anchored inbetween. However, some bigger-boned types may not be so comfy. The V70 doesn't have this issue as the seats are wider in general.

Oh, and I've noticed the electric driver's seat has a greater range of adjustment of the tilt of the seat cushion than the manual one, which can be more like sitting in a bucket.

[SeekingV70]

Originally Posted by Clan

It has to be the 2003-4 V70 D5 163 bhp

When I was conidering a V70 auto myself, this is what I was looking for. But I was put off by all the failed autoboxes on the early models. Did that not apply to 2003-4?

[Clan]

Failed autoboxes are a rare occurance , it seems they all turn up on here but out in the real mass world not a big problem . Just make sure it works properly and the fluid is a shade of red ... Get fault codes checked and Gearbox software upgraded . Then change fluid for good measure .

[Rossi-fan]

Originally Posted by r30ser

Hi All,

I am after some advise.
I currently have a 55Reg 2.0D DSG Golf, and want to change for a Volvo.

My reason for changing is comfort, is a V50 good for a bad back, how does it compare to larger V70?

I am looking at a used V50 2.0D Powershift or the D5 Geatronic.

My concern is MPG, can anybody give me an idea of figures?

I really like the R-Design, are the seats any good? do they get grubby quick?
Would I be better off with a normal leather seat or no leather?

I would appreciate anyones comments.

Thanks

Andy

Agree with clan here. I would go for a late 163bhp D5, 03-04 or as late as you can find before they changed to the new engine.

[jon1109]

Hi Andy I have an 09 model R-Design Sport 2.0D. I find the seats to be very comfortable, but the r-design cream leather is a pain to keep clean and the grey imitation side leather is prone to cracking. I have just this weekend changed to all leather seats and find them much firmer and even more comfy than the original r-design seats. The suspension on the r-design is low and very firm, so over rough surfaces can be very harsh, but on good roads it is a very smooth ride. I find I get around high 40's to low 50's MPG on average, on a long run this can be much better and the 2.0 D is a very responsive and reliable engine. The only problems I have had are wheel bearings and A/C which appears to be normal on the V 50, the warranty on the bearings are 3 years and A/C I believe has now been extended to 5 years because of the problems with it. Oh and I have an SRS air bag urgent service warning light on the dash as a result of changing the seats, even though I disconnected the battery earth and left it for 5 minutes before I started as per owners manual! I think this will need to be re-set at the dealers, unless any one can advise differently? Regards John.

Originally Posted by r30ser

Hi All,

I am after some advise.
I currently have a 55Reg 2.0D DSG Golf, and want to change for a Volvo.

My reason for changing is comfort, is a V50 good for a bad back, how does it compare to larger V70?

I am looking at a used V50 2.0D Powershift or the D5 Geatronic.

My concern is MPG, can anybody give me an idea of figures?

I really like the R-Design, are the seats any good? do they get grubby quick?
Would I be better off with a normal leather seat or no leather?

I would appreciate anyones comments.

Thanks

Andy