Which V50? D5 vs DLD
Discussion
Morning all,
I'm looking for a car which will be generally cheap to run as will be using as my daily to keep miles off my M3.
I'm really looking to spend as little as possible (~£3k), but nothing really has sparked my interest... however when I saw the prices of the V50, this got my attention, as I have always liked the look of the V50. My wife has a Mazda3, so I quite like the ford / volvo / mazda relationship.
I've not driven a V50 yet, but to be honest, it's mainly about comfort / mpg / practicality, so doubt it will let me down in that area.
The thing that I'm pondering over, is the engine type. I see there are plenty of DLD engines in them, which after a few searches seems to have quite a few problems if not maintained.
From looking at HonestJohns real MPG figures, I see that the bigger 2.4D engines are roughly the same MPG as the piddly 1.6DLD engines. This makes me thing it might be better getting a bigger engine, as then you have a bit more power for joining motorways etc. Also maybe a bigger engine will last longer if doing more mileage!?
Another thing linked to price, is things going wrong. I see the D5 is a volvo engine, and then DLD is ford. So I'm guessing D5 parts will cost a lot more.... reliability though!? Not sure, so would love to hear peoples thoughts regarding which ones are good, what to look out for etc.
If the V50 is a piece of junk then please do tell me, but from the outset, it looks quite a nice car for practicality and comfy for the daily.
All thoughts are welcome, as still very early in the process of finding the right car.
Best,
Theo
I'm looking for a car which will be generally cheap to run as will be using as my daily to keep miles off my M3.
I'm really looking to spend as little as possible (~£3k), but nothing really has sparked my interest... however when I saw the prices of the V50, this got my attention, as I have always liked the look of the V50. My wife has a Mazda3, so I quite like the ford / volvo / mazda relationship.
I've not driven a V50 yet, but to be honest, it's mainly about comfort / mpg / practicality, so doubt it will let me down in that area.
The thing that I'm pondering over, is the engine type. I see there are plenty of DLD engines in them, which after a few searches seems to have quite a few problems if not maintained.
From looking at HonestJohns real MPG figures, I see that the bigger 2.4D engines are roughly the same MPG as the piddly 1.6DLD engines. This makes me thing it might be better getting a bigger engine, as then you have a bit more power for joining motorways etc. Also maybe a bigger engine will last longer if doing more mileage!?
Another thing linked to price, is things going wrong. I see the D5 is a volvo engine, and then DLD is ford. So I'm guessing D5 parts will cost a lot more.... reliability though!? Not sure, so would love to hear peoples thoughts regarding which ones are good, what to look out for etc.
If the V50 is a piece of junk then please do tell me, but from the outset, it looks quite a nice car for practicality and comfy for the daily.
All thoughts are welcome, as still very early in the process of finding the right car.
Best,
Theo
Hi. Cannot comment on the other engines, but have been running a D5 for 3 years. Usual servicing and one replacement clutch later. No other issues. bought with 60k on the clock. At 70k had it re-mapped. Totally different car in a good way. Now on 91k. I dont hang about and the engine is solid. Re-map found out a worn clutch but thats it. I get average 44mpg no matter how I drive it. Would do more if it was long distance on a motorway I would assume.
Only real issue is the odd engine has rising oil level issue. As the engine gets older some fuel leaks past the pistons over time and into the sump. Hence oil rising levels. Not a problem as not enough gets through, unless car is not serviced for many years. If serviced then oil is changed before it would materialise.
Cheers
K
Only real issue is the odd engine has rising oil level issue. As the engine gets older some fuel leaks past the pistons over time and into the sump. Hence oil rising levels. Not a problem as not enough gets through, unless car is not serviced for many years. If serviced then oil is changed before it would materialise.
Cheers
K
V50 is a great car. With engines yes the D5 is great but quite dated really and defenitly sounds like tractors, but should serve you very well. I would personally sway more towards the D3 D4 engines, a well maintained one will server well, bring you better mpg, less road tax etc if you need anymore poke a simple map will help.
I had the 2.0D previously which I do not recommend at all and currently have the T5. If it helps, with the T5 I can get 35mpg.
I had the 2.0D previously which I do not recommend at all and currently have the T5. If it helps, with the T5 I can get 35mpg.
D5 is a good engine. Far from agricultural as suggested but the BMW, Audi and Mercedes 6 cylinders are slightly more refined still.
However:
1.6D; skin off a rice pudding. I honestly wouldn't bother. Chewed through fuel as well, because it constantly was having to work very hard.
2.0D; good middle ground. There are issues with them but there are issues with all of the engines, so I wouldn't let that sway me. It's very possible to achieve north of 50mpg with the 2.0D in a right conditions, and we occasionally saw 60mpg.
D5; it is more expensive to run, insure, maintain, parts are more expensive and less common - but not drastically so. Fuel economy is a chunk worse though - 45mpg is a realistic estimate as long as it's manual, the autos are dire and barely crack 35mpg. It does drive significantly better than the 2.0D though (more power/torque) and sounds much better.
The platform itself isn't without issue. They are getting on a bit now but they are still fairly modern cars electronics-wise. The CEM if it fails can take the car to the graveyard; new ones are scary money and used ones require significant effort to tackle - although there is an option for refurb units but I've no experience with them myself. This is because they have a security mechanism on them that "links" the many modules of the car.
However:
1.6D; skin off a rice pudding. I honestly wouldn't bother. Chewed through fuel as well, because it constantly was having to work very hard.
2.0D; good middle ground. There are issues with them but there are issues with all of the engines, so I wouldn't let that sway me. It's very possible to achieve north of 50mpg with the 2.0D in a right conditions, and we occasionally saw 60mpg.
D5; it is more expensive to run, insure, maintain, parts are more expensive and less common - but not drastically so. Fuel economy is a chunk worse though - 45mpg is a realistic estimate as long as it's manual, the autos are dire and barely crack 35mpg. It does drive significantly better than the 2.0D though (more power/torque) and sounds much better.
The platform itself isn't without issue. They are getting on a bit now but they are still fairly modern cars electronics-wise. The CEM if it fails can take the car to the graveyard; new ones are scary money and used ones require significant effort to tackle - although there is an option for refurb units but I've no experience with them myself. This is because they have a security mechanism on them that "links" the many modules of the car.
Just to add some input, we have just picked up a late 2011 V50 with the D2 Drive engine fitted (6 speed). Its got the 1.6 8v engine 115bhp with 270mn, dry dpf system and much better oil system (older 1.6 16v engines can play up). Free road tax also.
We are seeing over 50 mpg mixed driving with a/c on, the engine pulls well upto NSL and the car feels nimble due to the lightweight engine under the bonnet.
I would definitely recommend the later d2 engine based on our experience.
We are seeing over 50 mpg mixed driving with a/c on, the engine pulls well upto NSL and the car feels nimble due to the lightweight engine under the bonnet.
I would definitely recommend the later d2 engine based on our experience.
D5s are a proper solid lump of an engine with proven mechanicals and a tendency to do do moon mileages if looked after. Change the belts religiously at the appointed time (inc aux belt that has to be changed more often if I recall correctly) and even that is a straight forward job.
Only weak point is the auto box (Geartronic) if that’s your preference. Need fluid changing every now and then despite being sealed for life and if it clonks between P and D or R then walk away or haggle a wedge off.
V50 is decent looker especially in R-design trim and make a decent family motor.
Only weak point is the auto box (Geartronic) if that’s your preference. Need fluid changing every now and then despite being sealed for life and if it clonks between P and D or R then walk away or haggle a wedge off.
V50 is decent looker especially in R-design trim and make a decent family motor.
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