I've been looking for a V50 T5. Ideally, I'd like to get a 2008 or newer but I came across a 2005 V50 T5 AWD. It only has 30k miles on the odometer for $12k which makes it appealing. When looking at low mileage but old V50's, what should I be looking for? Basic things like any gasket leaks, fluid leaks, strut leaks, bushings, etc is there anything specific to this model year I should look for? I will definitely get a pre-purchase inspection. Also, were the firmware issues that plagued the 2005/2006's really get solved with updates or should I really stick to 2008 or later? Thanks!

 

first thing I'd look for is maintenance history. With the 2005, you'd want to have a new timing belt - (its a 10 year or 100K miles replacement schedule). Super low miles always set a yellow flag in my mind as to why only 3K miles a year, did the car get proper servicing every 6 months regardless of miles etc so if you can get a Carfax and the maintenance history it will give you some answers as to whether maintenance was done on schedule, whether repair bulletins were addressed. Not sure about firmware issues - I'd think that after 10 years the prior owner would have sorted that out with a trip to the dealer. As with any 10 year old car, rubber parts age so go through the full used car check list regardless of the low miles.

 

Despite low mileage this is still a 10 yr old car. Need to inspect lots of things including shocks, engine seals, belts. All these things wear out over time (even just sitting in the driveway). 30k over 10 yrs? Get the service records. U know what they say,,,, if sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Good luck��