Looking to retire my beloved 1996 GLT Wagon and comparing options, leaning heavily towards a mid-2000s but also came across a 2007 V50 with 100k miles on it. Wondering how you like your V50s and whether you would opt for one again, given the option. Any known problems or recalls are also much appreciated. Thanks.

 

The V50 is significantly smaller than the other choices you listed.

I'm happy with the V50 myself, but it's a very personal call relative to the balance between excess capacity most of the time to occasional need for ALL the capacity.

That said, I assume that the mech considerations are about equal between the V50 and the V70 variants. In all of them you are facing a mandatory timing belt replacement, failing motor mounts, and sunroof drain blockages. In my 2006, I've dealt with all three and I am still very happy with the car.

Here's a review I did a year or so ago. I haven't changed my opinion.

2006 Volvo V50 Reviews at TrueDelta: The Boxer With the Glass Jaw by mf70

 

Thank you so much, exactly the kind of input I'm looking for. As of now I'm leaning heavily towards a V70 if I can find one in my price range and that has been maintained. I haul a lot of musical equipment, so I think the V50s cargo space would be very limiting. Man I wish my 850 had hung in there but I think it's time for a new car. Anything particular to watch out for in the 2004-2008 range? I'm liking the 2006 V70s, with the updated trim and I like the 2008s too. I've heard a couple faults like navigation systems and engine cooling problems but otherwise they seem to have a great reputation.

 

One thing I didn't mention the audio setup. In that time period, Volvo was going through sharp changes in audio technology. My 2006 does not have a provision for aux input to the radio, fixed by an add-on FM-modulated antenna input teamed to an add-on Bluetooth receiver.

Navigation systems are moot, as most smart-phones offer better and more flexible navigation support than OEM systems.

 

Oh absolutely, I was referring to a manufacture defect that caused the batteries to overheat and combust! I have no qualms with using my phone for everything, I'll pick up a smartphone mount and use that. Connectivity would be great but mostly I just want a reliable car that can be my daily driver.

 

I have never heard of a battery overheating and combusting on a Volvo and I've worked on them a long time.

You're comparing multiple chassis types so each has their own issues. The P1, which is the V50, has sunroof drain issues (if not already corrected), control arms, struts, wheel bearings, coolant reservoir, passenger motor mount, AC compressor.

The P2, which is the 2001-2007 has strut mounts, control arm bushings, sway bar links, angle gear (if AWD), valve body/trans (2001-2004), radiator.

The P3, which is 2008+ has oil consumption (if not already addressed), brake vacuum pump, water pump, AC compressor, PCV, battery leakage.

These are just the common things. Of course, anything can fail on any of these cars. Or you can get one where none of these fail.

 

I have no idea where that story came from. Volvo V50's baby their batteries, with a dedicated fresh-air duct, a temperature sensor, and electronics that shut off main lights when voltage gets too low. The result is average eight-year battery life. There's a reason: EVERYTHING in the car depends on that steady source of 12V power.

 

This is my first winter with my 06 v50 t5 and after leaving the vehicle for 3 days in -20 deg C she would not start. There is a 08/13 sticker on the Volvo battery which I'm guessing is for Aug 2013?
I replaced the battery with an Everstart MAXX 94r from Walmart.

 

I was recently making the same comparison. I had a V50 that I really liked but it got totaled. The XC70 ('01 - '07) are very plentiful and the V70 is also fairly easy to find. The V70 and XC70 are roomier but you do take a hit on fuel economy, especially with the AWD versions. For me, the V50 was a better balance of practicality, utility, performance and economy. So, I bought another V50.