2007 C30 with 31k on the clock... good investment or not?

[Serth]

Hi all, newbie here. Looking to move over to the Volvo side of life, got my eyes on a C30 2.0d manual, that's only covered 31000 miles.

Whilst a low mileage car sounds like a good investment (less miles = less wear and tear), I have growing concerns about the DPF system that may be present on the vehicle (not sure if they were installed this early), and the simple fact with that less oil moving around the engine, there is potential for things to seize up or for rubber seals etc to perish quicker.

With an average of 2000 miles a year, and the car was registered in the city I'm looking to buy from, it wouldn't seem like its had much of a chance to stretch its legs.

So, I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions on buying a low mileage older vehicle such as this one. Am I worrying unnecessarily? Are there other common faults to look out for?

The seller is asking quite sensible money for it, it's in VGC, and I'm tempted, but after paying well over a grand to fix DPF issues on my 2014 Toyota van, I've got (very small) reservations about whether this car is a sensible investment.

Thanks in advance

Serth

[T5R92011]

I always tell people to go for the 2.0-litre petrol Mazda engine for best combination of Power, MPG and fun and reliablity. It's not 100% trouble free, but it's quite a lot less problemantic than a 2.0d can be.

Friend of mine who was on fairly low wage owned the 2.0-litre petrol and never complained about fuel economy, which was in the low 30s average.

If you have your mind set on the diesel, I'd request a for good solid test test drive where you get to plant your foot a couple of times and see if it goes into limp mode.

[Tannaton]

It's not an investment, it's still a mainstream used car and it will lose value over time during the short to long term (although the current market might say otherwise). Also, in London, the costs and time where you can or can't use it might become more restrictive.

It all depends on the price really, it sounds a rarity but you will only get the value out of it if you are going to do a lot of miles.

[Bonefishblues]

That /\/\

Judge it on its merits as a second hand car. I don't chase low mileage cars, I try to buy good, well-maintained cars from sellers who give me confidence.

[Serth]

Thanks for the replies.

Ideally I’d like a petrol but second hand cars are in high demand and this has been offered to me at £2k... hence the investment part - might tidy it up (mainly the wheels) to shift on to help afford a slightly newer/petrol one. Just concerned really about the lack of usage and how this may have a negative impact on the longevity or the mechanicals and exhaust system, compared to a 60-80k mile example of the same age.

Want a car to use instead of my work van for personal mileage - van is on 165k and not comfortable. I live in the countryside so would not be pootling around towns, it would be able to stretch its legs to clear the DPF.

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Serth

Thanks for the replies.

Ideally I’d like a petrol but second hand cars are in high demand and this has been offered to me at £2k... hence the investment part - might tidy it up (mainly the wheels) to shift on to help afford a slightly newer/petrol one. Just concerned really about the lack of usage and how this may have a negative impact on the longevity or the mechanicals and exhaust system, compared to a 60-80k mile example of the same age.

Want a car to use instead of my work van for personal mileage - van is on 165k and not comfortable. I live in the countryside so would not be pootling around towns, it would be able to stretch its legs to clear the DPF.

just avoid the "DPF" issue and get a petrol
as you state its a "personal use" car as you have a Van for work, which would be doing the bulk of the milage, your Going to have DPF issues with "weekend driving" style, it Wont get to the temp For the time needed At the rev's needed to regen without problems ,, IF said problems are not already there due to useage pattern
or ignore the advice and end up back on here asking "wot am cheap fix for dpf" ,,your choice

[Spacemonkey]

I'd bet that 31k city miles are a LOT harder on a car than 100k miles on motorways...