Faults:

Starter motor and alternator - both had to be replaced in my ownership. Not too expensive if you know where to get parts.

Driveshafts making noise - replaced both.

Bought used in 2020, the car had full service history on purchase, all oil changes essential for these engines. Do not touch an abused example.

General Comments:

Dark blue 2008 C30 Volvo - still a very nice car to look at and drive even in 2024. Bought this as an interesting second car and I always enjoy driving it.

R-Design Sport model is the best looking - sporty touches here and there, plus the interior is just stunning and still feels fresh. Very comfortable seats and all the electronics of the time.

Ride is smooth and yet still the car holds very well in corners. 2.0 diesel has plenty power and still gets 40 - 45 miles per gallon taking it slow. These engines can get troublesome and expensive if abused, but a looked after one will rarely give trouble and last for many many miles, which is why I had no problems buying this car when it already had well over 150K on it.

The C30 is well worth a look if you just want a good looking, fun to drive car that still has that classic solid Volvo feel to it.

Faults:

Small coolant leak at expansion tank, replaced tank, relatively cheap.

Tiny oil leak from somewhere, not investigated yet. ABS light also came on, but disappeared by itself.

The car has otherwise only had wear and tear issues attended to in my ownership. My mechanic has replaced any belts and done oil changes as scheduled.

General Comments:

A stunning sporty little coupe from Volvo that is still modern feeling despite being nearly 17 years old!

Love the look of this car. Very much like a Volvo S40 on the inside and even some outside panels, but the C30 has its own look and personality. Love the dark large rear glass panel. Log book says the car is green but looks beige to me. Odd color, but not bad.

SE Sport model has very comfy seats and loads of electrics; I love this car's interior, feels modern still and way ahead of its time. The car is quiet and good to drive.

2.4 petrol engine with the auto is fast and smooth. Not very economical however - I am getting around 30 mpg at best, not great nowadays. But used only as a second car it has been affordable.

A little expensive to run, but something a bit different, you do not see many C30's on the roads. If you like Volvo's you have to try this car at some point!

Faults:

Nothing... nada... zilch... niets... rien.

General Comments:

You think of buying this car for three reasons:

1) Fantastic styling/looks.

2) Volvo reliability/safety/comfort.

3) Almost unparalleled balance of performance & economy.

You hesitate because of:

1) The price tag.

2) Limited trunk space.

As for the first three reasons, this car lives up to the billing. It is a beautiful automobile, full stop.

Absolutely no problems encountered in the first two years of driving. It looks great on the outside, and once you step inside, you feel well tucked away in your driving machine.

The seats are incredibly sturdy, supportive and comfortable - luxurious in comparison with the VW Golf 6 I had the opportunity to drive. There are only 2 back seats, but they are equally comfortable with sufficient leg-room for the average 6-footer.

It is a small car, but its feel on the road is of a much larger automobile. Tight handling and grips the road. Does not take rough roads very well, but generally feels very taut and responsive.

I do have some mixed feelings about the 1.6 diesel. Alone in the car, it does well, though it can be sluggish in the short, lower gears. Don't challenge anyone off the line. But I love it on the highway. 120-150 smooth and effortless. But once loaded with 4 adults, the 1.6 engine seems over-matched. Overtaking from 60-80 is painstaking. Still, it is quick enough for the average driver.

The claims to 4l/100km only hold true if you drive on flat highway at 90km/hr, but mixed (and occasionally quick) driving has still produced 5.5l/100km -- or around 55-60mpg. And for this kind of pace and acceleration, that is downright brilliant. As for the start/stop system - I just turn it off by pressing a button. Unless you are waiting for a train, I would not want to wear out my starter for minimal gain.

The interior is sober and classic. Everything is logical and easy to use. A great detail is the little led light that shines down from the lighting system when you shut down the car... almost imperceptible, but well thought-out, as everything else seems to be... except...

...the placement of the seat belts concerning stepping out of the back seat. Despite placing very comfortable back seating in the car, the designers seemed to have neglected everything else concerning the rear-seat passengers. One almost has to be a contortionist to extricate oneself from the rear. And don't open the windows!! The car is apparently so streamlined, that this throws it into a state of shock, and sends loud and pulsating wind into your eardrums.

This is also a very expensive hatchback. While the overall package of styling/performance/comfort is desirable, the price is still rather extreme for a small car without really high-level performance or luxury. Had I paid sticker-price, it would have been €24,000... but I didn't pay that.

Cargo space is another issue, but it depends on how you use the car. The back seats fold down flat so I can easily deposit a weekly shopping trip or a (front tire removed) racing bike in the trunk, but if you are with more than two people, forget about it. I have personally never found it too small, but am usually alone.

In short, this is a great, beautiful automobile. If you do not have to worry about an expanding family, and are not concerned about being the quickest off the line (though it is quick enough), I fully recommend it.