Hello all! I am seeking feedback / opinion(s) / experience(s) regarding the V50.

We currently have a 98 V70 AWD that we purchased 2 years ago. We live in the northern reaches of Wisconsin and have found only one mechanic with a Volvo computer. Our V70 has been rather maintenance intensive, requiring a repair of some sort every 2 months (averaging $1600/yr in service). Needless to say, we are very tentatively considering another Volvo.

Your input is greatly appreciated!!!

It's built on the same platform as the Mazda3 and the european Ford Focus. I found the footspace impossible for my Size 13s, I can't even drive the automatic version never mind the manual.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, velour cloth seats, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, XC grill, Lidatek LE30, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

My in-laws considered a V50 this winter. They come off of driving the 855 that I now have. Maybe they're too old but they said it was much too uncomfortable, far too small, and appeared to have less amenities. The V50 seems to appeal to kids my age. They are sportier, smaller and have tighter steering. If your used to using all of the space in your V70 then you'll have a hard time adjusting to the V50's room.
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'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); All over 125k miles