QLD - C30

Bren

Hi all,

New member looking to get in to my first Volvo! I am on the lookout for a C30, preferably turbo diesel. D5 would be great, but will also look at the 1.6 DRIVe models as well. Looking for a car with relatively low km as I do 120+km per day (hence the preference for a diesel model!)

I am not 100% set on a diesel, will consider a T5 as well if the right car comes up.

I am located in the Lockyer Valley in QLD so would prefer something relatively local, but interested to talk to interstate owners as well.

Thanks for your time!

carnut222

What type driving do you do? We have a 2008 C30 T5 manual and have averaged 7.55 litres per 100 km since we bought it...mostly freeway/country driving. City it would be closer to 10-12 l/100 km I reckon. Just a thought vs a diesel. Are you after a manual or auto? Pretty sure the DRIVe was manual with start/stop, which is what gave it a good city fuel economy rating.

Bren

Hi mate,

It is mostly highway/country km. I was 100% set on diesel but would consider a turbo petrol for the right car. Manual or auto doesn’t bother me either way.

Ex850R

Drive e is to be avoided at all cost according to @iceton1975 from Berry Motor group, Volvo specialist.

2.4D or T5.

Bren

Ex850R
Drive e is to be avoided at all cost according to @iceton1975 from Berry Motor group, Volvo specialist.
2.4D or T5.

Thanks for that, I believe he has also replied on a post I made on Facebook. When they are good they are really good, but if something goes wrong you're up shit creek basically!

I'm going to keep an eye out for a D5, but there doesn't seem to be a lot come up for sale. Would prefer diesel, but am leaning towards a T5 now as well.

ingabinga

Hi Bren,

I've got a 2009 Ford Fiesta Econetic. Its siblings are the C30 Drive, some mazdas and Peugeots.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_DLD_engine#DLD-416

I was looking for a C30 when a 2009 Fiesta econetic with low kays popped up for half the price so I got distracted and bought it.

Im pretty happy with it, no problems in the last 14 months 40K.

Fuel consumption wise, when 90 percent highway running it uses 4lts per 100.

Mix of town and highway pushes it up to 4.4.

I believe the C30 Drive is very similar in consumption.

Bren

ingabinga
Hi Bren,
I've got a 2009 Ford Fiesta Econetic. Its siblings are the C30 Drive, some mazdas and Peugeots.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_DLD_engine#DLD-416
I was looking for a C30 when a 2009 Fiesta econetic with low kays popped up for half the price so I got distracted and bought it.
Im pretty happy with it, no problems in the last 14 months 40K.
Fuel consumption wise, when 90 percent highway running it uses 4lts per 100.
Mix of town and highway pushes it up to 4.4.
I believe the C30 Drive is very similar in consumption.

Cheers mate, I actually started off by looking at Fiesta/Focus diesels! I have a few saved in my car search, however would prefer a C30, just because :p

I wonder why people have warned me against the DRIVe C30 when it uses the same engine as the Fiesta, which seems to be a reliable car.

timbo

The main reason that Volvo specialists warn against it is because they don't have much experience with those engines.

Bren

What is your opinion on them, Tim?

timbo

I replied to your post in the C30 owners group. If your goal is economy then forget about the D5, the drive E uses almost half the amount of diesel.

In my opinion T5 manual is the best C30.

Bren

So you did, thanks for that. I have a bit to think about now, thank you. I do like the idea of really good economy, but I might see if I can find a local mechanic who has experience before purchasing. And it's not like the T5 is terrible on fuel on the highway.