Before you buy a Volvo V50 in Uganda

by Edwin

VOLVO V50

Volvo Cars introduced the Volvo V50 at the 2003 Bologna Motor Show as the station wagon version of the Volvo S40 small family car—manufacturing both models at their facility in Ghent, Belgium.

Before you buy a Volvo V50 in Uganda

The Volvo V50 is the compact sport estate wagon. The front design is symbolic V-shape bonnet with traditional lattice grill. Two types of engines available; 2.4-Liter in-line-five DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) 140ps/22.4kgm (UA-MB5244) and 2.5-Liter in-line-five DOHC 220ps/32.6kgm (UA-MB5254) gasoline powered. Manual-like shifting device "Geartronic" 5-speed AT with drive train FF (Front Engine Front Drive). The suspensions are MacPherson strut in front and multi-link in rear. Safety devices are dual and side airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and DSTC (Dynamic Stability & Traction Control System).

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Buying a foreign used Volvo V50 from a local Ugandan car bond

There are a number of ways you can buy a Volvo V50 in Uganda today and one of the simple ways is through a car bond. Here, everything has been done by your car bond dealer. All you have to do is simply pay for the car from the car bond and drive home. However, you can also find that some Volvo V50 have only been cleared the CIF fees only.

This would mean that if you want a Volvo V50 then you will have to clear the rest of the taxes. Alternatively, you can buy a Volvo V50 from a local car bond in Uganda with all the due tax charges and fees paid. All you have to do is to pay the whole price of the car and then the car is transferred to you as the new owner. You can find the Cost, Insurance and Freight of a Volvo V50 (from abroad to Kampala) to be around $ 6,000 or even above as stated by the car bond dealers. The total sum of the CIF can change due to year of manufacture, condition of the car, mileage and the dealer you choose to buy your Volvo V50 from.

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Importing a foreign Used Volvo V50 from Japan or other parts of the world

In case if you prefer to import you own Volvo V50 from say Japan, the things would change a bit. First it would require you to find a trusted dealer or seller in that regard, determine your specific car features and requirements, expected budget you plan to spend on buying the car and well calculated taxes to be paid to the tax authorities in order to clear Volvo V50.

The taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees basing on the CIF of the Volvo V50 from Japan. For example a Volvo V50 2012 can be got at a price of $2,800 and will have a fee of Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) totaling to $4,900 to Kampala, Uganda with no Local taxes paid yet.

On arrival to Kampala, Uganda, you will have to clear the taxes at The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), apply and pay for a number plate and then the third party license. You will also notice the some of these charges or fees differ from other vehicles.

Some of the taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority for motor vehicles include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees.

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General Volvo V50 reviews for Uganda

Looking at the design and technology, the years have been kind to the V50, as it still stands out from mainstream rivals such as the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer. The mix of traditional Volvo boxy lines and soft curves help give the car a surprising amount of up market appeal. There’s a choice of ES, SE, SE Lux and R Design trim levels, with all versions benefiting from alloy wheels silver finish roof rails. Go for the range-topping R-Design and you’ll get a sporty body kit, matt-chromed door mirror housings and a unique front grille. The V50’s cabin is well laid-out, robustly built and includes the brand’s trademark ‘floating’ centre console design.

Considering the boot and comfort, in the past, Volvo estates were famed for their space and practicality. Sadly, the V50 can’t live up to the legendary load-carrying reputation of its predecessors. The boot will swallow only 417-litres of luggage, 88-litres less than the VW Golf. However, fold the rear bench flat, and space increases to a respectable 1,307-litres, and the front passenger seat can be folded flat to accommodate long loads. While the Volvo’s seats are comfortable, rear occupants will feel cramped and you’ll only seat three adults at a pinch. At least the cabin is packed with plenty of storage cubbies.

Volvo V50 complaints basing on model year comparison in Uganda

Previous and current owners usually complain about over heating of the engine. Over heating is a common problem of the V50 in Uganda. Secondly the spares are not readily available as the compact estate wagon originates from Europe. Cars from Europe are not very popular in Uganda especially the Volvos.

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Availability of Volvo V50 Spare Parts in Uganda

Volvo V50 spares are available in Uganda though for some specific models. Latest models may prove to a headache in terms of spare accessibility. However, there are people who can help to import for you spare parts from Europe or you can do it as well.

Volvo V50 competitors in Uganda

We the VW Golf Estate, BMW 328i, Ford Focus Titanium and Subaru Forester.

Click here to buy or hire a Volvo V50 or Car Spare parts in Uganda

Our Conclusion

The versatile Volvo V50 is a handsome and desirable family estate car, despite its age. Its well built, practical and good value for money.

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