Volvo C30 (2006-2013)

Volvo is much better known for its large cars rather than small models; the C30 is its most compact car to date. Distinctively styled and good to drive thanks to it sharing so much with the Ford Focus, the Volvo C30 was never a big seller in the UK as it never really captured buyers’ imaginations. That’s a shame because the C30 has much to offer, not least of all excellent safety levels, good build quality and most models are well equipped too. The C30 also came with some excellent engines from mild to wild. However, the tiny boot, limited rear leg room and lack of availability of a five-door option made the C30 a non-starter for some. But the C30’s low profile ensures you get plenty for your money and with around 30,000 sold in the UK over a seven-year lifespan, there are more to go round than you might think.

Key dates

10/06: The C30 debuts with 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4 or turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol engines, along with 1.6, 2.0 or 2.4-litre diesels.

2/08: A dual-clutch transmission is now offered on the 2.0D, and there’s an R-Design bodykit option too.

1/09: A 1.6D DRIVe model is introduced, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

1/10: A revised C30 appears with a heavily revised nose, facelifted tail and the option of new colours inside and out, plus a sportier chassis. At the same time, a 99g/km stop/start 1.6D DRIVe model arrives.

6/10: The 1.6D became the D2, while the 2.0D is split into D3 (148bhp) and D4 (175bhp) derivatives.

Checklist

• Wind noise of some early cars can be an issue, usually because of the door mirror design; it can be fixed.
• The air conditioning stops working when the condenser fails, although system leaks aren’t unusual either.
• Big alloys on sporty C30s get kerbed easily. They can usually be refurbished inexpensively though.
• The focus is on style rather than practicality; the C30 can carry no more than four people as there’s no provision for a fifth seat.
• Door trim panels can squeak or creak and quietening things down can be a time-consuming job.
• If you do a lot of night-time driving, it’s worth buy a car with xenon lights, as the standard units aren’t that good.
• Windscreens are susceptible to stone chips and cracking; see if it’s been renewed already.

We like

• Safety levels
• Build quality
• Stylish design
• Strong engines
• Keen prices
• Fun to drive

We don’t like

• Tiny boot
• Four seats only

Volvo XC90 (2002-2014)

When it arrived back in 2002, Volvo’s first SUV proved a massive success; long waiting lists quickly formed thanks to this seven-seater 4x4’s versatility, discreet styling and keen pricing. More comfortable on the road than off it, the XC90 was one of a new generation of road-biased 4x4s that were good to drive and capable of providing ideal family transport. In the intervening years there’s been no shortage of rivals introduced, and while the XC90 is no class-leader any more, it can still make a great used buy – just beware of neglected cars and be aware that running costs tend to be high.

Key dates

11/02: The XC90 reaches UK showrooms in D5 turbodiesel or T6 turbo petrol forms.

5/03: The XC90 Executive comes with standard rear-seat entertainment.

3/04: The D5 engine is now offered with a six-speed manual gearbox; previously it was an automatic only.

9/04: A 2.5T petrol engine joins the range.

1/05: 2.5T engine arrives; a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit with manual or automatic gearboxes.

9/05: An all-new D5 engine replaces previous unit.

7/06: A facelift brings an exterior refresh plus better trim materials, along with a 4.4-litre petrol V8. Also, a 3.2-litre engine replaces the previous T6 unit. 

7/09: The R-Design brings a sportier look

7/10: A 2.0-litre D5 is introduced, with better economy. 

1/11: A 197bhp 2.4 D5 joins the line-up.

Checklist

• Fuel consumption can be very heavy, even where diesels are concerned – and especially if you’re towing.
• The Geartronic auto works well enough, but can prove weak, with cars used for towing especially vulnerable.
• Some early XC90s could suffer drive failure to the rear wheels, making the car front-wheel drive only.
• Check the state of the interior trim, as it doesn’t always wear very well. The leather trim gets scuffed, while the carpets can look tatty.
• If you’re looking at a D5, start the car from cold. If it struggles to fire up, it’s probably because of injector problems; repairs are costly.
• Check the exterior brightwork hasn’t gone cloudy; some chemicals used in car washes can attack the metal and replacement is the only cure.
• Electrical issues are common on early cars. Sometimes it’s just a question of securely attaching the battery connections.

We like

• Great image
• Seven seats
• Looks great
• High safety levels

We don’t like

• Expensive to run
• Patchy reliability
• Cramped third row