Is the 2009 VOLVO C30 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of VOLVO C30s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 10,321 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 VOLVO C30 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 VOLVO C30?

The 2009 VOLVO C30 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 10,321 tests in 2026. This ranks 346 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year VOLVO C30 is most reliable?

The 2013 VOLVO C30 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%. The least reliable year is 2006 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 VOLVO C30?

The average mileage for a 2009 VOLVO C30 is 106,413 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO C30 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,321 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1798cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1798cc17 years old10,321 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1798cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1798cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 17 years old, 74% of VOLVO C30s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,321 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,413 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars346th of 575(top 60%)

Rank among VOLVO models547th of 635(top 86%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average-1%(75% avg)

vs VOLVO average-13%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,413

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 VOLVO C30 has 106,413 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 80% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2009 sits between the two at 74%.

VOLVO C30 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	80%	1,985	85,409 mi
2012	77%	5,587	90,974 mi
2011	76%	6,663	104,329 mi
2010	75%	10,218	107,309 mi
2009	74%	10,321	106,413 mi
2008	72%	6,383	114,056 mi
2007	72%	4,341	110,248 mi
2006	72%	276	112,548 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

75%

+1%

VAUXHALL CORSA

2011 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

75%

+1%

FORD FIESTA

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

72%

-2%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2011 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,217/year

69%

-5%

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About the 2009 VOLVO C30

The 2009 VOLVO C30 is a premium with a 1798cc petrol engine. 10,321 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,413 miles at 17 years old, VOLVO C30 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 VOLVO C30 Fuel Costs

The 1798cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2009 VOLVO C30?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO C30 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO C30s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2009 VOLVO C30

At 17 years old, the VOLVO C30 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 80%. With 10,321 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 VOLVO C30's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 106k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2009 VOLVO C30 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO C30(2009)	74%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2011)	75%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
VAUXHALL CORSA(2011)	75%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£475
NISSAN QASHQAI(2011)	69%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.