We'd recommend a petrol unless you're planning on covering a lot of motorway miles in the C30 (more than 12,000 a year). The petrols are generally reliable, although we'd recommend avoiding the 2.0-litre petrol with the automatic gearbox as this is a troublesome Ford Powershift unit.

As with any car of this age, evidence of regular maintenance (i.e. a stamped service book and receipts for work carried out) is desirable. Look out for electrical issues - Volvos of this age can throw up various warning lights sporadically. A Honda Civic of the same age might be a more dependable choice.