Volvo V50 (2004 - 2012) 2.0D SE 5d (Euro 4) (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm boring and getting old!

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

I don't think they care.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Too many niggles. Stuck with taking it to the Volvo dealers or certain specialists due to the VIDA (Volvo diagnostics) system. Alternator failed at 70k (£300) repair. Mine had the DPF filter. When it came to have it replaced the service cost £900 and that was after I shopped around and haggled it down (one main agent quoted £1300!) and even the specialists were more than £900. Very pricey on bits and it often went into limp home mode for no apparent reason.

What are you likely to buy next?

We have replaced it with a Volvo 940 estate which has proved more reliable yet is 9 years older!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bought from auction as an ex-contract hire car at the end of its three year lease period from GE Capital. Saved around £1000 on main dealer price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Safety, Space, Reliability, Image.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

I would say it was fairly average performance-wise, certainly not as quick as VW diesels I have driven.

What's it like to park?

No problems.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Battery went flat traced to a failed alternator. Regularly went into limp home mode.

What's most practical about your car?

It is based around the Ford Focus so isn't actually that spacious.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Good sound system, comfy seats.