Volvo V50 (2004 - 2012) 1.6D DRIVe (115bhp) ES 5d (2012/12) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have no idea - I didn't even know it could talk! Can it talk? I hope it hasn't been gossiping about me...

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Who knows?

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'm on the fence here. If I'd bought it as a second hand Volvo, or as a brand new 'budget' brand - I could live with the niggles and would probably be quite happy. However, for brand new Volvo prices, it's a been a bit disappointing.

What are you likely to buy next?

Similar sized estate, but possibly not a Volvo.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

April 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Good deal on a 3 year business lease, probably because it was the last of their old stock just after they finished producing the model.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Seat comfort, luggage space, and reliability.

What was the dealer like?

Generally ok - could have been a bit more adept at identifying issues, but probably a bit better than most.

What's it like to drive?

Neat and tidy handling, and generally quite a comfy cruiser on most roads. The performance is adequate rather than exciting. Engine is a bit lumpy at low revs, and the acceleration is a bit sluggish in from stationary, but much better through the gears.

What's it like to park?

Fine with parking sensors, although I imagine it would be average without. The pillars aren't nearly as obstructive as in some other cars.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing catastrophic, but a frustratingly high number of 'niggles' that generally suggest poor build quality, including: Mysterious intermittent knocking from front suspension (6 months from new) Clutch burning/slipping on hill starts (12 months from new... I've done a lot of mileage in a lot of cars and have never had clutch problems before). 'Stop/start' function splutters, and occasionally stalls completely, when engine is cold (since new) Door trim is so lose on 2 of the doors that it falls off if you open the door quickly (at about 18 months).

What's most practical about your car?

Reasonable sized boot, plenty of head and leg room in both front and back. Luxurious seats (seriously - by modern car standards they are very, very comfy).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Nothing - most cars this age are much of a muchness, the V50 doesn't have anything particularly unique.