Which volvo v50 to buy

Most popular used car reviews of Volvo S40 and V50 now road-tax free. Volvo V90 plug-in hybrid long-term test review: report 4. Volvo V90 plug-in hybrid long-term test review: report 3. Volvo V90 plug-in hybrid long-term test review: report 2. Follow What Car? One might consider the V50 something of an unnecessary luxury when you consider the premium badge.

But entry-level models are susprisingly cheap to go considering their generous kit list. The DRIVe models might well be attractive if you're looking to cut down your monthly costs — but if you go for the base ES model, expect to pay a small premium. The 2. The Volvo V50 offers a lot of class for not much money. It's reasonably cheap to run, and if you buy wisely in terms of condition, you'll enjoy years of faithful service. As it's essentially based on the Ford Focus, there's little to be scared of, although Volvo's unique electrical systems posed one or two issues — but nothing insurmountable.

If not, you might question whether costs have been cut in other areas too. The V50 is also known to work its way through air conditioning condensers, so ensure the climate control blows cold. Also rock the car from side to side and listen for any clicking noises from the suspension as the lower suspension arms and drop links could need replacing.

The V50 has been recalled numerous times, most noticeably for potential leaks in the fuel pipes and power steering pipes, faulty handbrakes and faulty cooling fans. If you only ever do short runs, look for a petrol model rather than a diesel due to the risk of a blocked diesel particulate filter DPF. Not all diesel V50s had a DPF, mind, and working out whether your car has one or not can be a bit of a minefield.

Look at the VIN number that's shown in either the bottom corner of the windscreen on the passenger side, or on a plaque under the bonnet.

If the eighth character is a '3', then it denotes an early Euro 3 model which won't have a DPF. If it has a '4', then it may have one. As a general rule, car companies didn't have to fit a DPF to meet Euro 4 standards because particulate emission requirements were more lenient, so it shouldn't necessarily have one. Volvo V50 Estate 25 Jan Not that long ago, Volvo load-luggers and their owners were the objects of derision.

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