I believe the 2007 V50 diesel does indeed have a DPF.

Nearly 3 years ago I bought my first Volvo, V70 SE D5 auto with over 70k miles on the clock, which was reflected in the price. Originally chauffer driven from new, dealer serviced by the next owner and in excellent condition. Although this is not the same car as the one you are considering I'm sure my experience will still be relevant. My choice of a diesel at the time was based on an annual mileage of over 20k but this changed unexpectedly about 6 months later to more of an average of 12k. Now, of course I would definitely go for petrol for all the reasons stated by others. I can tell you that this has been a most reliable, comfortable and pleasant car to drive, averaging 38/40 mpg over the year. All has been well until 3 months ago when the audio system packed in and then 3 weeks ago the n/s bi-zenon headlight died. I've lived without the audio but now face a bill of nearly £1250 to remedy the headlight. So, I would say go for petrol and avoid the trickey unnecessary bi-xenon lights.

The Ford-sourced diesel in the V50 is no worse than other diesel engines, but you need to bear in mind the usual provisos with used diesels:

If this is the 2.0 CR diesel from Ford isn't there a potential for all sorts of injector/HP pump problems ? Or was this solved by 2007 ?

Thanks for your input S40 man, great to get the views of someone who actually owns one, or the saloon variant.

Interestingly my..i was going to say girlfriend just then but its complicated (dont ask) has just bought herself an S40, five years old and its an absolutely terrific car. Volvo now make cars people might actually want to buy, who'd of thought it?

To the OP

A 2007 will almost certainly be the Euro 1V and have the DPF.

To check : if the 8th character of the VIN = 5 it has the DPF which from the servicing point of view is an Eloys fuel additive top up at 37500, and a new DPF is required at 75000 .

A new DPF fitted by the dealer costs about £900 !

My understanding is that after changing the DPF the dealer inputs the information into the ECU that the DPF has been changed otherwise the car will continually go into limp home mode (as in it "thinks" the DPF hasn't been changed).

The point is - Independents may be able to change the DPF but they also need to be able to update the ECU to avoid problems. Of course Ford, Citroen dealers can also do this for you (same PSA engine) but charge similar to Volvo.

I have a 2.0D S40 2007 done 22500, it's on a lease so thankfully the service cost isn't an issue.

I get an average of 41 mpg, 37ish on extended urban use and 44 on motorway work. I've never got the claimed 50mpg but maybe I press on too much - 80mph on the motorway.

I like the car very much, only one issue- the heater blower fan failed and was replaced promptly under warranty. The dealer told me they had a few such failures all on early 2007 cars and put it down to a faulty batch of fans supplied to Volvo. i've had no trouble with the replacement.

Negative points are the boots a little small - though fine for me as the rear seats fold flat - and the pedal box area is a little narrow with no rest for your left foot..

I chose it over a 1.6TDI Golf S (5 month delivery put me off) and a 1.6D Focus, and a 1.9D Insignia and I'm well enough pleased with it.

J

Edited by jacks on 29/09/2011 at 13:14

If you want reliability AND good mpg perhaps you should consider something powered by the VAG 1.9 TDI engine. It isn't the fastest but it's adequate.

sounds like a plan but my motoring knowledge doesn't stretch that far! Which cars have this engine?

Please avoid this car at any cost, its the worst Volvo I have ever driven. The Volvo v50 diesel 2.0 estate I purchased the car at 83,000 miles, now at 114,700 miles I had to change air con panel, 4 new tyres, re gas, two front spring coils. Then the car had major electrical issues, suspect ecu control unit faulty, central locking doesn't work, the dashboard lights switch off suddenly, the car is fitted with a dpf !!! It went in limp mode. I wish I never sold my Volvo v40 dark green estate. Now the car is not running at all needs fixing.

Avoid diesel volvos

Basically, you bought a well-used diesel car with a DPF, and eventually things wore out on it, and the DPF came up for replacement.

And you're surprised by this lot for some reason.

It needed new tyres. The old tyres wore out ! Oh wow, here we were assuming tyres lasted forever !

The aircon needed a re-gas. Yup, that happens with lots of cars.

New springs on the front. Again, suspension components wear out and need replacing occasionally.

The DPF ... well, anyone who does a tiny bit of research can tell you that DPFs eventually get full, and need replacing.

About the only real 'problem' with your car has been the ECU / electrical issue. The rest of it is maintenance.

I think your post says a lot more about you than it does about the car, unfortunately.

Please avoid this car at any cost, its the worst Volvo I have ever driven. The Volvo v50 diesel 2.0 estate I purchased the car at 83,000 miles, now at 114,700 miles I had to change air con panel, 4 new tyres, re gas, two front spring coils. Then the car had major electrical issues, suspect ecu control unit faulty, central locking doesn't work, the dashboard lights switch off suddenly, the car is fitted with a dpf !!! It went in limp mode. I wish I never sold my Volvo v40 dark green estate. Now the car is not running at all needs fixing.

Avoid diesel volvos

As others have pointed out, you need a reality check on maintenance needs of cars, have you ever had this vehicle serviced in the 31,700 miles you have had it? Probably not, which is why it now needs fixing. Your fault entirely, not the car's.

Please avoid this car at any cost, its the worst Volvo I have ever driven. The Volvo v50 diesel 2.0 estate I purchased the car at 83,000 miles, now at 114,700 miles I had to change air con panel, 4 new tyres, re gas, two front spring coils. Then the car had major electrical issues, suspect ecu control unit faulty, central locking doesn't work, the dashboard lights switch off suddenly, the car is fitted with a dpf !!! It went in limp mode. I wish I never sold my Volvo v40 dark green estate. Now the car is not running at all needs fixing.

Avoid diesel volvos

Avoid buying an old car if you think it won't ever go wrong.

Avoid buying a diesel car if you can't be bothered to find out beforehand what, if any issues are likely to occur.

If you have a old car which know, and is reliable and is working fine, don't change it for another old car, which you don't know and don't know how it has been driven and/or looked after.

Common sense really, no?