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My Polo is too small to cart around a few teen-aged kids plus bags of ice hockey gear, so I was thinking about upgrading anyway.
Then yesterday, as I was driving to Swansea from Cardiff, the Polo broke down, and it could well be a very expensive repair*, so not worth doing.
I have very little to spend on any car, but would like something that will fit 4 adult-ish sized people, plus a load of hockey equipment in the back, or, when I am on my own, bike kit (with bikes on the roof).
Is there much difference in interior space between the aforementioned cars?
I would like another Volvo, as I figure I can get something more safe and reliable for the little money I plan on spending than if I bought something else. But I could be wrong, so happy to hear other suggestions.
Heck, it may be that people would say it's worth fixing the Polo...
*The car had been making an awful squealing/howling/grating noise on and off for about a year, but when my wife phoned the garage, they told her not to bring it in unless it was actually making the noise at the time, and because I don't drive that much, I just didn't worry any further about it. In any case, on the motorway yesterday, it slipped out of 5th and wouldn't go back in, then it wouldn't go into any gear, then after a while, it could go back into the lower gears, but still not fifth. And the squealing/howling/grating can be heard softly, but more consistently now. Anyway, the RAC guy thought it was the flywheel.
Serious question.
I had a Volvo V50 for three years and have to say it was amazing for putting loads of stuff in and for long journeys.
I had the 2.5ltr sports wagon which was a little thirsty, but still amazing for many trips all over the country.
Drive a V40 at the moment. Great car.. I've got a 2.0D sport without a dpf. If you can find one without a dpf go for it as they are troublesome to say the least! There basically a focus with a different body; so cheapish parts.
I drive a 6 week old D2 V40 (r-design with winter pack). It is a lovely car to drive. Will fit 4 in no problem, 5 adults is a bit of a squeeze. No idea about hockey kit as well, best just to take your kit down to a dealer and try the boot. I don't have to worry about all that as our other vehicle is a van!
If you don't do massive miles then a 1.8 petrol V50 is an ideal car. Really enjoyed our V50 2.0 diesel , just ragged it to keep the dpf clear and was never an issue , but was a great car.
What's your budget? I had a 2005 Mondeo Estate until recently, 1.8l petrol. Not brilliant fuel economy, but tonnes of space (the boot is mahoosive), really comfortable, great to drive. Put nearly 35,000 miles on mine in just over a year. Only got rid because of an unfortunate interaction with the central reservation accelerating off a dual carrigaeway roundabout that wrote it off. Cost me 1.3k with 85k on the clock.
I bought a Volvo V40 eight years ago and due to my "use it till you dump it philosophy" I'm stuck with the bloody thing, keeps going.
Not the V40 your interested in though. Like it though.
Another Volvo next.
Loved my V50 D4 Sportswagen it was very good was quick and good for moving stuff about, didn't like the look of the V60 when time came to change.
Still have the roof bars if your interested ?
Petrol for you I'd say.
Volvos are good but can be thirsty.