2011
Manual
38.2 mpg
Tax: £320
Mileage: 70,000
Petrol
2009
62.8 mpg
Tax: £35
Mileage: 151,000
Diesel
74.3 mpg
Tax: £0
Mileage: 163,415
Compact estate cars sound like a bad idea right from the outset. If you're going to buy a load lugger, why buy one that can't lug much of a load? Logic issues notwithstanding, Volvo managed to turn the genre on its head with the V50, a car that made you want to make multiple trips to IKEA just because of its neat good looks, smart detailing and reassuringly 'on message' image. With a range of decent engines, a great chassis and competitive pricing, the V50 - along with its S40 saloon sibling - made small Volvos attractive once more. A used example is well worth tracking down.
Although a small Volvo estate doesn't sound instantly appetising, the V50 is a very enjoyable package, offering a little more utility than its S40 saloon sibling without becoming stodgy. A lively chassis, reliable engines and a surprising dose of design flair makes it a very attractive buy. Residual values are still holding up very well, so don't waste too much time looking for that screaming deal.
Borrow £6,000 with £1,000 deposit over 48 months with a representative APR of 18.1%, monthly payment would be £172.36, with a total cost of credit of £2,273.28 and a total amount payable of £9,273.28.
