Volvo C30 (2010)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 10,218 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,228
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1560cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.
75% of MOT tests on Volvo C30s from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 10,218 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 107,309 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
107,309
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2010 Volvo C30 had 107,309 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2010 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Volvo C30 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2010 Volvo C30
The 2010 Volvo C30 is a premium car. Our records list a 1560cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 10,218 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 107,309 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo C30 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2010 Volvo C30 Fuel Costs
The 1560cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 Volvo C30?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Volvo C30 Reliability Trend
Newer Volvo C30s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2010 Volvo C30
At 16 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 10,218 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 107k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2010 Volvo C30 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo C30(2010) | 75% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2012) | 76% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Ford Focus(2012) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228same |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£75 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2011) | 75% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,900-£328 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2010 Volvo C30
Is the 2010 Volvo C30 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2010 Volvo C30s ended in a pass, from 10,218 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2010 Volvo C30 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Volvo C30?
75% of 10,218 MOT tests on the 2010 Volvo C30 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 348th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (bottom half).
Which year Volvo C30 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Volvo C30 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80% and the 2006 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2010 Volvo C30?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 Volvo C30 is 107,309 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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