Volvo C30 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,587 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1997cc14 years old5,587 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.

77% of MOT tests on Volvo C30s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 5,587 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,974 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models457th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Volvo models498th of 619(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-1%(78% avg)

vs Volvo average-10%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,974

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Volvo C30 had 90,974 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+10%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+2%

Audi A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

86%

+9%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-3%

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About the 2012 Volvo C30

The 2012 Volvo C30 is a premium car. Our records list a 1997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,587 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 90,974 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volvo C30 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Volvo C30 Fuel Costs

The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Volvo C30?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2012 Volvo C30

At 14 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 5,587 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 91k 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 2012 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(2012)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£433
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Audi A3(2014)	86%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£433
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 2012 Volvo C30

Is the 2012 Volvo C30 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2012 Volvo C30s ended in a pass, from 5,587 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Volvo C30 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 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 2012 Volvo C30?

77% of 5,587 MOT tests on the 2012 Volvo C30 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 457th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 Volvo C30?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Volvo C30 is 90,974 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.