New Driver looking for C30, anything to look out for?
 

This has probably been asked before, I did take a look but can't find any information.
I passed my driving two weeks ago & have decided to buy a Volvo 1.6 D R Design C30 facelift. When searching is there anything you suggest I keep an eye out for?
I just love the look of the car, especially the R design. I haven't seen any local to me, in fact I haven't even managed to see on in real life yet! lol :_:

Are you sure that you want a diesel?

Unless you are doing long journeys then a petrol is probably more suitable and more reliable.

My partner has a 1.6 petrol C30 R-Design and its a great first car.

I mostly want the diesel, correct me if I'm wrong, because it as cheaper road tax + has better mpg?
I don't know why but I didn't even consider a petrol?

Diesel is a more expensive fuel per litre and will more than likely cost you more on repairs during your ownership as modern diesels and short journeys don't get along.

If you drive under 12-15k miles per year I would not consider a diesel.

Had a 1.6 petrol C30 in the family for 11yrs. A lovely little car, nicely finished,comfortable and reliable. On the down side, not particularly practical if you want to carry stuff. Underneath this car is mechanically a Ford Focus.
As far as I know the 1.6D has a 'wet' DPF i.e requires topped up with fluid every 37000miles (I think) and replacement at 76000 (Expensive!).
The deisel may give better MPG but will cost money in other ways. Petrol is better unless you intend to do a lot of motorway driving

As above don't get a diesel if you do less than 15000 miles a year. That 1.6 PSA diesel doesn't have a great reputation either. Engines seem the weak point of the C30 really with underwhelming Ford petrol engines apart from the Volvo 5 cylinder T5. You could look for a 1.6 or 1.8 if it isn't too expensive to insure though. The C30 is a great looking car and a real shame Volvo didn't replace it.

I normally will be travelling across the country as I'm a wedding photographer, If Covid-19 allows then Im very busy next year, with weddings ranging from Scotland to London (I live in blackburn).

I am going to see a Volvo C30 1.6 diesel R Design tomorrow, & the owner has had the dpf replaced 10,000 miles ago. Not really a car guy so will be taking my brother to have a look at it. I'll keep you updated!

Also side note, I am a bit of a audio enthusiast. The car comes with the standard sound system, not performance or anything. Obviously I've not heard the sound yet BUT if I was looking to upgrade the door speakers is this difficult?

IF I don't purchase the car I will definitely start to look at petrol ones too.

Really appreciate everyones help! What a good community :teeth_smile::teeth_smile:

Yes, the diesel is maybe the better option for you.The relatively new DPF is definitely a plus. Hope it all works out.

The standard sound system is "ok" but has no EQ options which lets it down. THe high performance and premium stereos are much better and have EQ options. You can tell what you have by pressing the power button (top left knob) on the center stack, when you press it you will either get:

- Picture of your car on the screen with no words (this is the basic stereo)
- Picture of your car with "high performance sound".
- Picture of your car with "Premium sound" or dynaudio etc

If your car has a center speaker on the dashboard then it has the top stereo, labelled "dynaudio".

Speakers are rivetted to the door frame so can just drill them out to change.

Worth noting that you basically cannot change the headunit in these cars because it is fully integrated into the climate control system etc. So you need to make sure that whatever car you buy has the required Auxilary inputs etc that you need. 2012 onwards cars allow bluetooth music streaming, anything older than that is phonecalls only.

Older cars will have USB, ipod and aux inputs inside the armrest if specced.

Don't buy a car that has only a CD player and no aux inputs, or you will kick yourself.

I will keep you all updated, and yesss I hope so too @big square car.
Thanks @T5R92011 i will definitely check the system and make sure it has an aux input, the seller mentioned bluetooth but might just be phone connectivity not actual media.
Yes I read up about the speakers being troublesome to change, so fingers crossed I get lucky and I'm happy with the sound! :)