Which C30s to avoid?

[aland]

I have extensive experience with V70’s and the XC90, but currently looking at C30’s to replace an MR2, mostly for day-to-day communing by my wife.
I know there are often engines or gearboxes to avoid, like the XC90 T6 ‘box, but I have no idea what to look at or avoid with the C30.

I do most car repair work myself, so DIY-able is a factor.

- Probably prefer T5 or D5
- Prefer manual
- Heated seats and AC are essential as far as wife is concerned
- Probably looking at 2008-2010 age range

Any pointers or advice welcome...

[steadvex]

the D4 2.0 5 cylinder engine is really nice engine in the C30, personally I would go for that one over all others, auto and manual both drive nicely.

[Markos01]

I think both T5 and D5 seem to be well regarded units, fuel economy will differ quite a bit between the two of them though. Depending on type of journey my T5 will vary from low 20s to low 30s for mpg I guess: I mainly do long journeys in it and overall I’m averaging just shy of 32mpg which is good IMO. Facelift T5s are from 59 plates onwards I think, and all seem to be R Designs but with a relatively low spec I think: all will have air con but my guess would be half won’t have heated seats. Hope that helps.

[marc]

I’ve had my D5 for 9 years and can’t fault it, for me it’s a great mix of performance and economy.

The only one really to avoid, from what I’ve heard, is the 1.6 petrol, but it sounds like you’re not interested in the small lumps anyway.

[StatusRed]

Get the T5.

[Welton]

My previous car had heated seats,but my T5 S40 doesn't have them, I thought this was going to be a bad thing but I honestly don't miss heated seats, my seats are leather and even on the coldest winter days they quickly blend with your body temperature within a minute.

What I mean is don't pass up on a decent car just because it lacks heated seats.

[LizardOfBodom]

if C30 is the same as s40, heated seats would be part of "winter pack" so easily recogniseable from outside by headlamp washers. C30 fans may need to confirm that, but its highly possible. Also I think AC was standard for the cars for any equipment version.
T5 engine is a gem, you will fall in love with it if you can only live with high consumption. Otherwise go for D5 for economy and power. Both are easily mapped if you are into it. Both use the same M66 6-speed manual gearbox that has its pros and cons, but I would take it over geartronic any day :)

[T5R92011]

One very important point is that 2012 onwards models included bluetooth music streaming, as well as phone calls.

This is quite a significant feature if use your phone for Spotify etc as you can control tracks via the steering wheel buttons.

Earlier models didn't have the streaming capability and instead had USB/Aux input and you cannot control spotify etc via USB or Aux.

Do bare in mind that D5/D4/D3/T5/2.4i Volvo engines (while very nice) do come with Volvo running costs. You're getting great Volvo engines, but have maintenance items that need replacing that aren't always easily accessible, such a TCV valves and Oil Filter housings etc.

If you want a C30 that has good MPG, fairly good performance and is easy to maintain at home on the driveway with a modest tool set (and no timing belt to change), then the 2.0 Petrol (Mazda 'L' engine) is the one to go for. Lovely quiet smooth engine with so much space around it to work on:

[Markos01]

Not got BT on mine (:sad-smiley-011:) but do have aux and USB. Surprisingly can control tracks via buttons when playing via iPod (ancient tech now, I know) and Spotify IIRC, was surprised track names from Spotify showed up on the display. Can confirm when next out in it :regular_smile:

[aland]

Thanks for the info so far folks.
This will be to replace a 2000 1.8 MR2 that generally returns low-mid 30's doing a mix of local trips and 25 miles/return commute.
Similar consumption from a petrol 2.0 or T5 is fine.

I've currently got 2 versions of the D5, and have worked on most of the petrol 5-pots over the years - would prefer a 5-cylinder if possible - prefer the noise over a 4 ;)
However, does a 5-pot crammed into the C30 engine bay cause access issues?

My wife rather likes my V70R performance, hence the T5 version is appealing as it's fairly rapid.

Re the heated seats feedback from Welton - ok, noted :)

[LizardOfBodom]

... Lovely quiet smooth engine with so much space around it to work on:
...

...jeeez, you can literally tapdancing in pairs around that engine in the bay! :shocked: Thats a disadvantage of T5 engines, true - so cramped in the bay that is not designed for them, that is hurts (literally, when you are trying to reach anything :)

[foneman]

If you looking for a diesel you need to be doing long trips.
I purchased a low mileage D3 C30 last year and I've had loads of trouble with clogged up EGR valve and manifold.
As for a T5 the manual is quite rare in the facelifted model and as such they go for more money.
I like the torque on my D3 and it likes to rev for a diesel but I would look at petrol if I was to buy again. And yes the heated seats are part of the winter pack option I would try and find a Lux model as mine is Rdesign and the specs quite low really.

[T5R92011]

You mentioned "similar" mpg to the low to mid 30s 1.8 MR2 would be ok.

You will not get this with these particular T5s...You will average somewhere between 19mpg to 25mpg combined. They are BAD on fuel around town, worse than the older 250bhp 2.3 T5.

On the plus side, they are hitting 320Nm by 1500rpm, and still feel strong below 1500rpm, so I guess that's why they're so bad as the turbo is just always on.

If you can live with the fuel costs, you'll love the engine.

[domhart10]

+ 1 on the T5 wagon, great car and nice engine. Mpg seems to vary with users as I can get 30mpg to 35mpg if I'm saving petrol but easily get less than that on a more spirited drive.

If you are after mpg the D5 would be the obvious pick, if not then T5 for sure

[emlyno]

I'm very pleased with my '08 C30 2 litre diesel, SE Lux. 136 bhp engine, 50+ mpg and a reasonable turn of speed.
Full leather, heated seats etc and none of this EGR nonsense.