I understand that there was a modification to the V50 around 2007 but I don't exactly know what the changes were. I was looking to purchase one around a 2008 model so this model would include any face lifts and modifications. Thanks for your reply Grampian91, I was hoping a V50 owner could throw more light on this as I'm not over keen on travelling without a spare like some vehicles do like the Ford S-Max etc.
From what I have seen, the Tempa space-saving spare wheel is fitted under the boot floor in a polystyrene carrier.
There are comments on the web that a full-sized wheel & tyre will fit there, without the polystyrene carrier, but I have not seen any pictures to confirm this.
I'd be inclined to drive to a dealer and ask the question.
I have since found out that the Volvo V50 does actually have a compartment in the rear with a spare wheel in place but is actually narrower than the standard wheel which is used solely for emergency purposes if you have a puncture.
On the subject of spares and towing - nice article in the C & CC mag this month on a Mazda CX-5. Guess what we find in the 'at a glance' list? "Spare Wheel - Repair kit (temporary spare optional, Mazda say neither is suitable for towing)" Why the hell have C & CC put an article on this car in their mag? Ridiculous. At the least, the editor should have researched to see whether a full-size wheel would fit in the spare wheel well, and if not then the article has no place in a caravanning magazine. My Saab's owner's manual does not forbid the use of its temporary spare when towing but if I had to use it while towing I would ensure it went on the front.
pete why would you put the temp spare on the front ?
surely the safest option is to have it on the back even when towing
Well, I am of the opinion that if the temp wheel went on the rear, it would be able to affect the stability of the outfit more than if it were on the front. I always considered that the stability of a car/caravan depended upon the firmness with which the rear is planted on the road surface, and certainly our Saab is excellent in this respect, compared with the other cars I have towed with. So the thought of having one of those rear wheels considerably skinnier than the other is of concern. Obviously if it were to be on the front, one would have to drive much more carefully - lesser of evils in my opinion. The only alternative, other than to purchase yet another full-size for a spare (for which, happily, there is ample room), would be to carry one of my full size winter wheels, but then I would fall foul of the C & U regs due to slight size differences. Bummer, eh?
You cannot fit the smaller temp spare wheel on the front of my volvo
the 16 inch temp spare will not fit over the bigger brakes on my model so you have to swap a rear one for a front and then stick the smaller diameter wheel on the rear bit of a palarva but thats the way it is !
You cannot fit the smaller temp spare wheel on the front of my volvo
the 16 inch temp spare will not fit over the bigger brakes on my model so you have to swap a rear one for a front and then stick the smaller diameter wheel on the rear bit of a palarva but thats the way it is !
Al - I take it the bigger brakes on the front of your Volvo are an upgrade? Surely not standard, or the spare could not be used?
I am willing to listen to anyone who says that a skinny spare should deffo not be put on the front while towing, but I am at the moment of the opinion that maximum firmness of ride and control at the rear is very important.
I know this is also the case for Honda Civic type R, as its been said, there are a few vehicles that have larger brake caliper/disc combo on front meaning rear fir only.
Having any spare is now a luxury, the weight saving gives the edge on emission mileage and performance claims, which seems to be the main focal point of any car sales pitch.
Quote: Originally posted by katycymru on 22/7/2012
Front brake discs bigger on the front on quite a few cars (my Espace for example). Heard that skinny spare has to go on the back on a few cars.
Blimey = that smacks of 'not fit for purpose' to me. IF I was in the enviable position of having a lot of pennies to spend, and the car of my choice had a handbook which excluded towing with a temp spare, I would be ensuring that the car would have a spare wheel well capable of accommodating a full-sized spare, also if the salesman wanted the deal included would be said full-sized spare, or I would walk away. Surprising what the buyer can obtain - when we bought our Saab, the deal hinged on the dealer warranty, which was 'free' for up to 15k miles for the year, but we would have to stump up £500, yes £500, to increase it to the next stage, ie 30k miles PA. As my mileage at the time was 22k PA, I merely said that we would not be able to complete. The sales exec disappeared to speak to his manager, and came back with the warranty free. Now if a sales exec can do that, I take it they could cover the cost of a full-sized spare! My research before we bought the Saab showed that towing is acceptable with the temp spare on, that it does not specify whether it has to be used front or rear, also that the well can accommodate a full size wheel by merely lifting the position of the wheel cover and sacrificing the small storage area above.
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Topic: Volvo V50 Owners
