The Volpe is a good choice for a commuter, assuming the bike is the right size for you. It has clearance for decent size tires with fenders, it has a long chainstay so you can mount a rear rack and hang panniers on it and not worry about heel strike. The steel is just fine, that frame should last longer than you do if you treat it well. Brake pads are easily replaced, so no worries there. The bike does not look like it has been well cared for, so it would not surprise me if there were some maintenence issues that needed to be taken care of before you wanted to rely on it for your transportation.