Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma...

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 21:43
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - dmcg

I'm in a terrible dilemma. I'm a 23-year old male, and I want to buy a new car.

I've finally narrowed myself down to either a Volvo C30 1.6D SE Drive, or a Volkswagen 1.6TDI SE Bluemotion (5dr). They're both a similar price for similar spec. They both have similar economy/emissions/VED price. They're both great looking cars.

But what one do I buy? I just can't make my mind up, and having both is not an option. Would love to gauge popular opinion on this site! Over to you...

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 22:15
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - Devolution

If I had to choose then probably the Volvo. Slightly biased as a Volvo owner now, but out of both makes in general I've had better drives (comfort and control) and reliability with Volvo. although I am not a fan of the C30 - love the front, but hate the rear.

I think they are both solid cars. Have you thought about test driving either?

Edited by Devolution on 19/03/2010 at 22:15

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 22:26
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - dmcg

Indeed I've driven both. VW Dealer let me go for a good long drive at 70mph up the motorway and back through the towns.

Volvo dealer took me round the block....

But still, I didn't find much to differentiate between the two and it left me none-the-wiser!

I find myself thinking about 5 doors and practicality, but kids are nowhere near being on the horizon, and there's only me and the better half to worry about. My Dad says get a Golf for the re-sale, but then I think he just says Golf because he's a Dad!

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 22:43
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - Marc

If it was the Scirocco you were considering then that's fair enough but between a Golf and a C30 the C30 would win it for me easily. Much more stylish. I'd be looking at the petrol turbo version.

However if you have kids you will need five doors and possibly a rear bench seat (the C30 only seats two in the rear)

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 22:46
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - Devolution

Hmmm. I see your dilemma then! How long would you plan on keeping the car? VW do hold the price well. Volvo prices drop very quickly but there is a sweetspot where they tend to stay static, from around first MOT time to year 5, dependant on mileage and condition of course.

I know the test drive experience was different between models, but perhaps try to relate it to the journeys you might be doing, commuting/long distance/leisure etc.

Can't think of much else to help I'm afraid! If you are torn directly between the two, you could get insurance quotes to see if there is a cost difference that might sway you, although I imagine that there is little difference as the cars are similar in some respects.

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Fri 19 Mar 2010 22:53
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - rtj70

>> I find myself thinking about 5 doors and practicality... etc

VW Scirocco. A curve ball but a nice car.

Edited by rtj70 on 19/03/2010 at 22:55

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Sat 20 Mar 2010 10:01
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - theterranaut

You do know that a dilemma is a:

"state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options".

a "choice" would have been more appropriate in your subject. Unless you think that all your options are unfavourable, in which case why are you considering buying any of these?

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Sat 20 Mar 2010 10:00
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - colinh

In a recent "First Drive" of the revised C30 it was commented that:

+ High-class interior/good performance/stand-out looks

- Intrusive engine noise/poor ride/too expensive

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Sat 20 Mar 2010 11:56
Volvo C30 - Which new car? a dilemma... - Avant

I think your dilemma is whether or not to have a coupe. If you want a coupe, you need to like what it looks like - that's the only reason to have a coupe. as rightly suggested above, VW's rival to the C30 is the Scirocco, which is more expensive, and you can't have it with the 1.6 TDI.

If you want a 5-door hatch to rival the Golf, you'll have to look elsewhere than Volvo.

You are of course a mere male and your other half will probably tell you what to have anyway.....

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