V50 General : Hi and which model V50 Estate for newbie

[Mark Desmo]

Hi folks,

I've just joined up as I want to get a V50 Estate and don't know the first thing about them, and would like some pointers if possible.

I live on my own and don't need to cart a family or loads of heavy stuff around.
I play bass so need one to put my gear in the back, plus kip in the back now and again for weekends away.
I'm looking for something economical without being underpowered, and I'm looking to avoid any known issues.
Petrol or Diesel?
My budget will be somewhere between £500.00 and £2,500.00
Which is the best overall model for me?

Thanks,

Mark.

[Filmer Paradise]

I've got one for nearly a year now. Fine cars.

I have a '08 2litre Diesel. One of the last without the DPF.

1.6 Diesels seem to be a lot more common, but the 2 litre is rated as a better engine. Diesels are good if you do high miles. Not so good for short journeys(DPF issues).

Petrol ones would be better if you do short runs. Available in 1.6,1.8 or 2litre.
Some are flexifuel, indicated by an F badge on the boot. These can be a bit heavier on juice though.

Trim levels on '08 era cars would be S, SE, SE lux & the more sporty R-Design. All cars are well equipped, but the more toys you have, the more there is to go wrong.

All in all, I'm happy with mine, but bear in mind that spares & visits to Main dealers can be more costly than for the more mainstream brands.

[Mark Desmo]

Originally Posted by Filmer Paradise

I've got one for nearly a year now. Fine cars.

I have a '08 2litre Diesel. One of the last without the DPF.

1.6 Diesels seem to be a lot more common, but the 2 litre is rated as a better engine. Diesels are good if you do high miles. Not so good for short journeys(DPF issues).

Petrol ones would be better if you do short runs. Available in 1.6,1.8 or 2litre.
Some are flexifuel, indicated by an F badge on the boot. These can be a bit heavier on juice though.

Trim levels on '08 era cars would be S, SE, SE lux & the more sporty R-Design. All cars are well equipped, but the more toys you have, the more there is to go wrong.

All in all, I'm happy with mine, but bear in mind that spares & visits to Main dealers can be more costly than for the more mainstream brands.

That's really handy information and a great start for me with my search.
Thanks a bundle

Bsased on the info you have given me, I'm looking for petrol in 1.8 or 2 litre, without going mental on trim level.

Are there any particular models or years to avoid?
eg - I read something about Bi-Xenon (I think) headlamps being expensive if they go wrong.

.

[Filmer Paradise]

I'm no expert, but don't buy a car with the ABS light flashing on the dash. This is very bad news apparently.

Try to buy one with Halogen lights. Trust me, the Bi-xenon lights are really not worth the bother, or the expense.

Other than that, do the usual checks you would do buying any used car.

Lower spec cars have less to go wrong with them.

Check the car has 2 working keys. Keys are really expensive for these.

Also, there was a slight facelift in '08, so maybe you should try to go for that year upwards.

I'm sure more knowlageble posters will be along soon with more info.

[Mark Desmo]

Originally Posted by Filmer Paradise

I'm no expert, but don't buy a car with the ABS light flashing on the dash. This is very bad news apparently.

Try to buy one with Halogen lights. Trust me, the Bi-xenon lights are really not worth the bother, or the expense.

Lower spec cars have less to go wrong with them.

Check the car has 2 working keys. Keys are really expensive for these.

Also, there was a slight facelift in '08, so maybe you should try to go for that year upwards.

I'm sure more knowlageble posters will be along soon with more info.

Even more priceless info - thanks again

Originally Posted by Filmer Paradise

Other than that, do the usual checks you would do buying any used car.

My current car is an S reg Rover 600 which I've had since it was 3 years old, which means I've had it for I think 19 years - so I'm hardly the worlds most seasoned used car buyer lol.

But now I know, I'm looking for petrol in 1.8 or 2 litre, without going mental on trim level. Halogen rather than Bi-Xenon headlights, no ABS light flashing on dash, must have 2 keys, and preferably post '08.

[Filmer Paradise]

Glad to be of help.

They're nice cars, often well cared for by older drivers. They fill the slot that Rover did in the past.

Should be no shortage of 10+ year old cars on the market still with their original owners.

These are the ones to go for, especially if they've got FSH & a folder full of receipts for any work done.

Happy hunting.

[Parisien]

Just sold my V50 2.0l petrol, best version for power, refinement and averaged 40MPG. I did a lot of research last year before buying. We had 3 2.0l petrols in family, replacing mind with 2.0l V70 petrol manual.

Avoid 1.6 diesel especially, and 2.0 not great either if fitted with DPF.

Do all usual checks, can get a bit rusty around rear, worthwhile getting down on back and use a torch to check.

As much service history as possible plus decent tyres always a good pointer.

P

[T5R92011]

1.8-litre petrol has reported issues with oil consumption.

2.0-litre petrol not so much, 2.0-litre petrol definitely a good choice, very quiet yet revvy engine.

[Parisien]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

1.8-litre petrol has reported issues with oil consumption.

2.0-litre petrol not so much, 2.0-litre petrol definitely a good choice, very quiet yet revvy engine.

I did notice this, 1/2 litre 4/5k miles.

All tips mentioned above useful, make sure keys all function, each button, £200 odd to buy.

P

[bugsb]

i have just gone from a 2.0D x type jag estate to a 1.6D v50 reason i wanted to down size , i read that the 1.6D was lacking in power but as with any car once you get used to it its ok in fact its not lacking power at all , as with any car if you just drive it and dont look after it one day it will kick you in the ass , i am lucky i do short and long trips so a diesel is fine for me but as others have said if you only do short trips go for the petrol my bonus was upping the mpg from 45-50 to 55-60 and from £200 road tax to £30 a year, plus no garage bills as i do all my own repairs . but remember diesel engines can be more expensive than petrol for parts alone.