Volvo V50 (2004 - 2012) 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux (Start/Stop) 5d Owner Review

Purchased my V50 1.6D SE Lux (S/S) as I had been looking for a small estate, from a big 4x4. I purchased it at 180,000 knowing it was a ex company car. The car was serviced by Volvo main dealers every 3 months (roughly every 13,000 miles). Intially I had an issue which the dealer did not resolve, but the Credit Card company did their Section 75 part and I got it covered. Clutch / Flywheel and discs and pads needed changing, which the dealer tried to get out of. The clutch garage said that the car had done well to run 180,000 on the original as they normally go around 60,000. Owning it for 2 years, and 2 services, the car has been nice to drive, hassle free with the only part needed changing was a lower arm on the front. What's better still, is being the Stop / Start model....it's FREE Road Tax and also on a motor way run, I get near on 800 miles to 50 ltrs of diesel. The Spec on the SE Lux is quite nice......Leather (but don't have heated seats), SatNav, Reversing Sensors.........that's pretty much the extra's on top of what you would expect like electric windows, remote central locking etc. The leather is like new, so it's hard wearing for a car with near on 200,000 on the clock. I would certainly recommend the V50 over a V60, but check the spec of the one you are buying, as with most manufacturers, there are so many optional extras or not depending on what people's budget was when buying one. Also servicing ........not going to a main dealer for this, as the oil change service was quoted £430 for........WOW. Local garage will do the same for between £150 and £200 if I want Castrol oil or a high quality alternative. It's been a nice reliable car for will carry on with it for at least another 2 years and probably 30,000 miles.