looking at getting a 2010 V50 160,000 miles

bbeels · Post by **bbeels** » 04 May 2016, 21:17

Good Evening,

I'm looking at buying a 2010 V50 that has 160000 miles on it and am wondering if there are any key issues that I might look out for when I test drive / inspect it.

I've had 850's and v70's and am hoping that the feel of the car will be similar. I think it looks good and just want to be aware of typical hot spots that I shouldn't overlook.

Thanks,
Brian

mathy221984 · Post by **mathy221984** » 25 May 2016, 03:15

Hi Brian,

A few things I would check are the:

Suspension (drive over speed bumps and listen for cluncks) which could be something as simple as a spring seat or a strut.

Motor mounts (these tend to be an issue with corroding rubber)

Wheel hubs (whip out the trunk jack and lift it a bit and check for play in the wheel hub by pushing and pulling on the tire in a north south direction)

Sunroof drain clog (pull carpet up under one of the seats and push your hand in there and feel for dampness) The clog is an easy fix costing nothing although the damage from the clog (mold, corroded electricals, rust, ect) can cause issues of course especially when it has gone unnoticed.

Be sure to check when timing belt components were last serviced.

If the dealer also is a garage then put the car on a proper lift and check the car from below.

If you find issues which are reasonable then be sure to use them as leaverage to negotiate a deal

Good Luck

P.s. I lived in Oregon for 30 years, Portland and Salem.

Post by **oragex** » 25 May 2016, 05:58

It depends how much they are asking for. I won't pay more than three grand even if it's only a 2010. I'd ask if the car was used for long distances or more for city driving. Only if it's a long distance car it might be worth. Finally, as mentioned above, it must have had a series of repairs done at a Volvo dealer, without these, it would meant several costly components are about to go.

A V50 is not a V70, it is a smaller car with less leg room which shouldn't be an issue if you are under 5'8". On the other hand, the S40 and V50 are not of the same quality (reliability) as their larger brothers S60, V70.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Jun 2016, 11:29

I agree with previous posts- I have an '07 S40...these are pretty high miles for that model year. Check the motor mounts for sure- there are some better options than the Volvo one for the lower torque mount such as from Mazda and even Ford (they share the P1 platform)... the PCV system...which is easier to deal with than our older P80 (850/70 series)-it's a bolt off/bolt on of the whole oil filter chamber... Otherwise, suspension, control arms... if it's well maintained with routine oil changes, you should be good! Oh- don't forget the timing belt- when it's done, there are two tensioners on this car on either side- not one and it's a bit more complicated how it' was set up on our older P80's, but it should have been done by 120K at least... Otherwise that car is running on borrowed time!

Post by **redbrick** » 06 Jul 2016, 15:15

I've been off the site for a while so forgive the really late post about the V50. Mine is an 05 T5 AWD with an auto.
I have owned a few Volvo's and my sons also own them. I have to admit, it took me a while to really get to like the V50. I always preffered the V70 simply because of it's ride comfort and roominess.
Now all these years later I have turned the corner and really love the V50. I'll buy another one if I can find one with low miles.

Many of the issues you should expect were already noted. Some things were listed as issues that I have not experienced.

So:
Issues to expect:
Wheel bearings last about 60 to 80 miles (AWD related)
Calipers (especially the rears) tend to sieze.(I live in North Western NY)
The sunroof drains are a major problem until you sort it out.
Rear wheel speed sensors will fail after 160 plus K miles (Again, North Western NY related )
That's it!

What have not been issues:
Still running original suspension on all four corners.
Still running original exhaust including cat.
Still 99% rust free (one wheel well spot)
Electronics have been rock solid.

I would certainly recommend buying one of these.

Finally, the Volvo AWD is not as good a system as the one that is sold by Audi or even Subaru. If you are looking at the AWD for winter travel I recommend buying a set of Blizzaks or other similar snow treads. All season tires don't cut it unless you are willing to drive like an old toad.