Looking for words of wisdom and advice.

[E Showell]

I like 'em too, but was told by more than one person that the oil pan is super exposed and more than a few have been done in by road debris taking out the oil pan and draining the sum to nothing. Were I considering one, I'd budget for an IPD skid plate if they offer one for the V50 -- relatively cheap insurance the way I look at it.

My other concern for the V50 (and C30) if you intend to keep it for any length of time is the availability of used parts since they were both sold in relatively small numbers and the model was discontinued after a shortish run.

I have been to a yard (Harry's in Hazelton, Pa.) at least ten times now over the past four or five years and I have never seen either a V50 or a C30 in the yard -- just sayin.'

[Rattnalle]

They were made quite a while and in decent numbers. Just not sold over there. So local availability and thus pricing is likely an issue. Used parts a no go. But if you really wanted to everything will be available from over here. Wouldn't be very economical though.

My biggest issue with the V50 (and V60) is that they're not really cheaper to drive and own than their bigger cousin the V70 while they're significantly smaller inside.