Finally back on the road! time to buy - Volvo C30?
 

Hey folks.

Hoping this is the right bit to post! Been given the all clear after a seizure in April this year - now looking to buy a car, and as ever it's Volvo that I go to. I'm interested in the Volvo C30. The model that catches my eye is the R-Design 1.6/1.8/2.0 models with the T5 being hard to come by!

Anything I need to know about these cars other than the usual FSH etc?

Thanks in advance.

I presume it's petrol you're considering? If so, I would say the 2.0 litre would be the best compromise of the lot (unless you go for the heart ruling choice of a T5). It revs nicely and has just enough power for a car of the C30's size. The 1.6 litre is a Ford Kent engine and with 100bhp is just a bit slow.

If looking at the 1.8 or 2.0 litre I would make sure to check for oil burning symptoms. I have seen it on many of the 1.8's and it is quite common on less well maintained examples.

Thought the 'Kent' engine was long dead and buried.

Yes, I am only looking at Petrol models. Don't have a commute anymore to work.

Didn't realise they suffered from oil-burning issues? I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker, though not reassuring.

The S40 Mk2 is a consideration as well. Pretty much any engine interests me in the range. Ideally 1.8 upwards, though wouldn't turn down a 1.6 if the right one came up local.

Glad to see you back on the forums and that your health issues are obviously improving :thumbs_up: Good luck with the search. Cannot add much to the car debate, other than my son has a V50 T5 and it is a lovely car to drive. Not quite up to the build quality of your old S40, but still nice.

Cheers mate.

I've drove a C30 1.6 years ago and found it well built, but I would agree not quite as solid?

Though in general I would say it was very solid which a Volvo should be :)

I ran a 2.0 petrol c30 for 7 years and 127,000 miles, other than the t5, it's the best petrol - Are you sure you don't want a diesel?

I had zero major issues over the entire period (bought from new in 2009) but it was cared for well and serviced only at Volvo for the full 7 years.

Good luck with your car hunt!!!

Hey. No need for a diesel tbh.

Thoughts on this one? https://www.gumtree.com/p/volvo/volv...ol-/1278121574

S40 1.8

Looks a very nice car :thumbs_up:

definitely agree with the petrol direction, but T5's are hard to come by and if you are after a bit more power i would definitely wait for a T5 to appear :thumbs_up:

Definitely. :thumbs_up:

What I'd like to know is how reliable are these MK2s in comparison to the MK1? I used to have a 2002 S40 which was pretty solid! Reliability is important for me.

Love the floating console in these cars as well :)