Is a Volvo V50 Drive a good long term choice?

We have researched new small estate cars and found a Volvo V50 matches our needs. We are interested in the 1600 diesel drive (stop/start) model and will cover 15000 miles per year - a mix weekly long runs (200miles) and short trips. We want to keep the car for 10 years plus. Is this a good choice and are there potentially expensive problems?

Asked on 14 April 2012 by David Hartford

Answered by Honest John
Very pretty car. The newer 8 valve 115PS version of this engine is much more reliable than the older 110PS 16 valve version. It is a timing belt engine and that will need replacing at some time. The past history of the V50 is not brilliant: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/v50-2004/?sect...d And I don't think the model has much longer to run.
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