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Hi Jack
After reviewing several postings here for Volvo has made me all the more cautious in my recent interest in buying a Volvo c30 2009 I spotted at a car yard.
In your postings, a lot has been mentioned about Volvo's commitment in building around safety features than mechanical durability and reliability, which is quite a contrast to Japanese manufacturers.
As this particular Volvo I saw was a year 2009 model, NZ new vehicle with relative low mileage, since it is relatively new comparing to your previous postings commenting on models in the early 2000s, my question is should this car then, a lot better product over those early ones? Or does it still remain what Volvo is in that durability and reliability still a big concern for buyers like me?
keen to hear your thoughts
It's generally accepted in New Zealand that Japanese cars are less expensive than European cars to service and maintain. That's partly because they are more commonplace, that every mechanic on every street corner understands them better than their European counterparts, and because they sell here in bigger numbers so parts supply is less of a problem.
However, one factor that has tarnished Volvo with perhaps a slightly unfair reputtion for questionable reliability is the huge number of Volvos imported here as used vehicles from Singapore. It is fairly well understood that the climate in Singapore causes wiring, electrics, electronics, cooling systems, rubber and plastic components to deteriorate and fail prematurely, resulting in unreliability.
So, back to the low mileage, NZ new late model C30 you are considering. Obviously, the C30 has never sold here in any real quantity, so some of the factors I've mentioned apply, but not all.
It's fair to say that the C30 will not be as easy to obtain parts for than, say, a Toyota, and there is not as much specialist technical expertise among the repair industry as there may be with a Japanese car, or even a more mainstream European car such as a VW or BMW.
However, it is not an overly sophisticated model like an S80 for example, so it shouldn't be too risky.
I don't think it's fair to say that Volvo isn't focused on durability and reliability, as I'm sure they are. But if hassle-free motoring and a low cost of ownership are priorities, there are models out there that fit the bill better than a Volvo.
Hi Jack
Really appreciated for your answers, and we have now planned to visit the car again as it definitely is under our shopping list now.
One last question though, if we bought this car, is AA in a good position for us to take it for regular service in the years ahead, and if so, would the cost for service be the same as those Japanese cars?
Or is it recommended that we go to the more specialised European car garage?
The AA Auto Service and Repair network is set up to accommodate servicing on European cars, but the pricing is higher than for Japanese models. However, in the event of electronic failures etc, sometimes a specialist for the particular brand may be the better option.