MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I currently drive a 2004 VW Polo 1.9 SDI, and find it far too small to cart around kids and kit for various activities.
Consequently, I am now fantasising about a return to Volvo, and kind of like the look of the V50 (around the 2005 range).
Any experience? Thoughts? Or would I be better off sticking with VAG, and looking at a Passat or something?
Just general discussion at this stage; Mrs SR and less convinced that this is a necessary purchase.
Aren't they just a fancy Ford Focus?
Not sure what premium you pay over a Focus?
Fantasising about a V50 is not a good place to be.
Pick something more arousing, like sexy ladies carrying pies, or a Skoda.
I just sold an 06 2.0d sportwagon, having owned it for five years. It was my Wife's and ticked many boxes. reasonable performance, average 37-40mpg inc a lot of short journeys. 50mpg poss on a run.
Generally sound, but we had a few probs, new alternator, DMF at 95k miles and a recurring electrical issue.
I'd give it 7/10 taking everything into account.
I have had a 2006 S40 T5 AWD which is the same platform. Also the same platform as the Focus and Mazda 3.
I had the T5 which is the same engine as the Focus ST. Can tune them to 300bhp with minor mods - exhaust, Downpipe, Intercooler and Intake.
I liked my S40, I wouldn't say it felt as solid as either of my S60's or V70's however. Interior i felt was a bit nicer than the Ford equivalent. Plus you have the benefit of the super comfy volvo seats.
Depending on your price range and what age / mileage you are looking at some of the smaller diesel and petrol engines V60's are starting to be available at a reasonable price.
Fairly recent thread on this that has me thinking about one too [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/volvo-v50and-other-smaller-estates ]Here[/url]
I had one a T5R it was excellent if a bit thirsty. Good seats, OK space, nice sound system and was mapped so also pretty fast. 7/10 Would drive again.
I got a new V50 2.0 diesel in 2005. I only sold it in 2013 to move overseas. More comfortable than the equivalent Saab/Honda/Alfa/Audi/BMW/Jag, great interior, superb 6 spd manual box, loads of torque and up to 59.9mpg on a long cross-country run. Give one or two a drive and see what you think, but I thought it was great for a 'small' estate car.
love and hate mine, mostly hate at the moment
Had 3 of them in the past, very little trouble with them, the last one we bought new was the Drive model in the s trim. very basic but very cheap to run £30 a year to tax, great small estate. Aero roof bars and thule bike racks made carrying bikes simple
As far as I can tell, not great on fuel compared to equivalent other makes, but nicely made and comfy. Not owned one or been in many mind.
Fancied one, bought one, was rather disappointed with everything except central dash design, got rid, looked for 850/V70, bought an Octavia because a decent cheap one turned up sooner.
Feared turbo had gone on mine this week, but just a split hose, £70 repair. 162k miles and going strong.
Owned a 2.0d for 6 years and taken it from 20 to >130k. The last year it has been kept for the kids and if something goes wrong with other half's VW. It has been a great car if a little uninspiring. Computer says mid 50s but probably higher 40s mpg. Six hour journey in comfort yesterday. Also not bad in the snow. No major repair bills so far.........