Volvo V50 (2004 - 2012) 2.0 S 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm dull and have one foot in the grave?

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

It's a Volvo - I should be in slippers with a pipe

Would you buy this car again and why?

No - parts are too expensive and the problems have tarnished my view of Volvo

What are you likely to buy next?

What I should have bought all along - A Skoda Octavia vRS diesel

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,896

When did you buy the car?

March 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - cheaper than I expected

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looked like a good deal in the show room

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful with good operations management, lean process and good flow.

What's it like to drive?

The sport version is so hard and harsh it's not pleasant at all. Minor bumps are like major potholes. It holds the road well and is quite pokey but the hard ride spoils it.

What's it like to park?

Easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Loads! Wrong size tyres fitted. Changed by dealer after 2 months of letters etc. Door pillar looms changed. Latest issue is it refuses to start in the mornings, sometimes needing to be turned over 30 times before the engine held. New ECU diagnosed at over £1K fitted after Volvo had already burnt £400 of my cash investigating the flaw.

What's most practical about your car?

Heated seats and cruise control

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

As above. Heated seats are wonderful on cold mornings.