Hi,

I am looking at a 2009 Automatic VOLVO V50 2.0D, Black Metallic, with 100,000 miles for sale for $6500. Is that way overpriced, but more important, is this a good car if I need 5-7 solid years of driving? He is willing to service it before I buy and change timing belt.

Thank you!!

 

Seems pricey to me, but it depends on the condition - and I'm betting that it includes a hefty "diesel premium". These cars (the gas versions, anyway) can easily go 300-400,000 miles. I can't imagine the diesel version would be worse. Just make sure that the transmission is shifting perfectly when you buy it, and (unless service records indicate previous service), do a drain-and-fill of the transmission (easier than an oil change, and by far the best preventive maintenance you can do on a Volvo vehicle for the money). You might be needing shocks / struts / control arm bushings - depending on where it is, and the conditions of the roads there.

But overall, if it's well-maintained and hasn't been crashed / abused, it sounds like a good buy.

BTW, a few years ago I bought a 2005 V50 2.4i in good shape for $2800. It did need door panels refurbishing, and had a slightly flakey transmission (needed fluid changes and shift solenoids), but it was a solid car that I put a lot of almost trouble-free miles on before selling to a friend (who continues to drive it without any problems for the last couple years).

 

This is such fantastic advice, thank you! I'm in Italy, so I will translate this and ask the dealer tomorrow when I see. Thank you so, so much! I think if I buy it, I will take it to a Volvo mechanic to drain and fill.

 

I just went to look at the 2009 Volvo V50 - it seems very nice. They said they would put new tires; new timing belt, and service the oil if I buy it for $6200 (5200 euros). And a 12 month guarantee on the car. I still would want to take it to a mechanic to make sure they do that work - but maybe I shouldn't be so suspicious?

 

I really don't know about the value of a diesel V50 in Italy... but assuming that looks like a reasonable price, the work they're doing will make the vehicle a lot more reliable, long-term.

It'll be easy to tell if the tires have been replaced. Make sure they tell you what brand / model / size of tires they're going to use (hopefully not the cheapest Chinese tires they can find).
It's also easy to make sure they change the oil - the filter should be new and shiny. Pull the oil dipstick and make sure the oil looks clean and golden-colored.

The timing belt is a little more complicated. Ask them:
1) What brand timing belt kit are you using? A part number for the kit would be helpful (allowing you to look it up). Here's a link to a typical Volvo timing belt kit (for a gas motor, but will be similar)
2) Are you replacing all the timing belt tensioners and pulleys, too?
3) Are you replacing the water pump (normally done at the same time, since it adds almost no extra labor, but WILL save you headaches in the future)
4) Are you replacing the serpentine (accessory) belt as well? (also adds no extra labor, since it has to come off to do the timing belt)
5) Are you replacing the serpentine belt tensioner? (I'd recommend that - it's a high-wear item that will need to be replaced before you need another timing belt if they don't do it).

If the answers to all those questions is yes, then it appears that they plan on doing a "good job". If they hesitate, you need to tell them that those items are not really negotiable - worst case, increase the price by $100, which would cover all or nearly all the cost of the items other than just the timing belt.

Oh, and I'd suggest doing the transmission drain-and-fill at a Volvo-friendly mechanic. The chances are too high that they'd use the wrong fluid at a dealership garage.

 

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you! I will take that list to the dealership to be sure they do everything! Thank you again.