Volvo C30 Learn Me

I think there's some people on the forum who have one? Would like to get their input on long term ownership. I recently bought a Fiat 500T manual and just dont enjoy it. I've aired my complaint here before, but at least I tried. I was looking at other hot hatches they had a nicer build quality and a better ride. Volvo C30 stands out because I think it's a car I could own for years and years and not grow tired of it. Which is what I sort of want right now.

Looking at this one in my area, not cheap, but that black and interior is SPEAKING to me WOW. VW Golf is about the only comparison I can think of for other car alternatives. I like that I could get a non turbo VW Golf..

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1043&zip=27518#listing=123368766_isFeatured

Test drive it. I did back in the 2008 model timeframe and came away unimpressed. Came away probably bottom of my list in fact. In my opinion it felt slow like it was really heavy or the gearing was off (but mileage wasn't all that great either). In my opinion Volvo cheaped out on some elements of the interior that really seemed out of place and stood out to me (80s lcds, and sunroof controls). In all, it didn't feel as quick or fun as a mini or ms3, not as refined as an a3. That being said, I'm not an owner and I'm sure there is a refresh in there where some of my issues may have been dealt with by MY14.

It's basically a 2-door, chopped S40, and since we've had an '06 S40 since new, I'll weigh in.... after 10 years, my wife still loves that s40, and I gotta admit, I'm impressed too. it's been rock solid reliable, still feels tight and solid, and still handles better than a porky volvo family sedan has much right to.

You want a turbo and stick. otherwise it will be pretty lethargic. We have a non-turbo five-speed, and it's barely adequate. The non-turbo autos are total slugs.

Note that on the C30, the back seat and cargo area are much tighter than you'd expect. The golf is WAY roomier.

Adrian has one. He will be in shortly to write a novel expressing his love for it, I'm sure.

Haha. The things that have been brought up is stuff I was expecting. Not as sporty as the Golf or Mzda3. But I think I want something that is more comfortable / numb. I'm testing out a manual and an auto.

What do you dudes think -

2009, Type R Design, 2 owners in 2 different states, 14k http://www.fiatusaofcary.com/used/Volvo/2009-Volvo-C30-raleigh-nc-c95fa5e90a0e0adf6bb0c903485f76c1.htm

Or that newer one. I posted

The Volvo R design (no "type," that's Honda) bits basically amount to a body kit, I'm not sure there were even suspension changes. And honestly, I think the base car looks better anyway without the body kit.

I would buy the newest one you can afford to get the benefit of better build quality that is inherent towards the end of any production run. I know the first year P1 S40s were kind of a nightmare, considering that these cars are pretty complicated I'd certainly want the newest one I could get.

Ok, that sounds reasonable. I think with the base car too, you don't have to worry too much about previous owners abusing it.

I'm 99% sure the R design gets a suspension change and a lot of what I read is that it's actually too stiff.

So here is the deal. I had an 2011 base chassis. It's basically a more luxurious 2nd gen Focus ST with numbed down suspension. Same engine and suspension pickups. The R chassis is not really worth the extra money IMHO as it makes it very jittery. Drive it and form your own decision there.

You can make the suspension really nice for about a grand with the Volvo comfort sport springs (I have a set in my garage), Koni FSD's, and the MS3 stock rear sway bar. The car is pretty heavy so it does take a little bit to make it dance.

I hated the brake feel of it. I also went through 2 brake master cylinders under warranty. It just never felt right to me. You could put on the MS3 calipers and the T5 AWD rotors. It's suppose to help.

Polestar upgraded tune is nice but a little overpriced in you are not under warranty. IPD has a nice one and so does Elevate.

My car had horrible sealing issues. Most of the body seals were replaced under warranty. That combined with the just not right seating position for me is why I'm rocking my G37 and not looking back.

Here is basically my old car:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=78681&endYear=2016&modelCode1=C30&showcaseOwnerId=0&startYear=1981&makeCode1=VOLVO&searchRadius=25&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BVOLVO%5BC30%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=414068188&Log=0

bmw88rider, thanks for the information. I've heard about the brakes while doing reading. I'm going to have to see for myself.

Ahh G37, thats my first choice actually. I just can't afford it, it's a bit more $$ than the C30 and it's a bit that would break my back. How do you find available space on the c30 vs g37? If yours is a coupe. I know C30 doesn't have much room compared to it's competitors, but prolly has more than a sport coupe..

My G37 is a sedan. I have an elderly FIL I have to transport on a regular basis so sedan it is now.

The C30 is comically small in the back with the rear seats up. A heck of a lot smaller than the GTI. The good thing is you can fit a real human in the back seat in decent comfort. My wife would ride back there for hours in comfort on our regular Austin to Houston trips. Basically though if you wanted to carry anything in it, You had to fold the seats down.

Have you looked at Mercedes C300 at all?

They're pretty reliable overall, can be had for $20k easily. Sport has wider rear wheels/tires, Luxury models have a square setup. Also different grills, but you can get the sport grill on a luxury model too.

I REALLY like them. Worst issues I've seen was an alternator failed($600ish part) and a bulb socket melted. Be careful removing from the headlamp to not break.

Just GET IT LOOKED OVER HEAVILY before buying. I'd be willing to check one out if you needed since I've got a good amount of experience with them.

Well, it is a 2nd generation focus that ate all its feelings away with chocolate cake. Other than that, each one I've driven has been fun, but a little subdued versus competitors(which is what you're after by the sound of it)

Also, I vote a forced forum screen name change to "Edward" will be required for getting one....

Keep in mind the second gen focus ST never came to the US. We got the first and 3rd gen here. The second gen was the C1 chassis version.

Just drove a 2011 manual one. I liked it. Was comfortable. I'd like to try a 2013 automatic. Think black and dark blue are the only two colors I'd buy this car in. I need to look at a fully packaged out Golf. I wish you could get the regular gasser non turbo with leather seats, but dont think that's available?

WOW Really Paul? wrote: Well, it is a 2nd generation focus that ate all its feelings away with chocolate cake. Other than that, each one I've driven has been fun, but a little subdued versus competitors(which is what you're after by the sound of it) Also, I vote a forced forum screen name change to "Edward" will be required for getting one....

Oh god no, girls say I look like him and that drives me crazy.

bmw88rider wrote: Keep in mind the second gen focus ST never came to the US. We got the first and 3rd gen here. The second gen was the C1 chassis version.

The c30 is indeed the 2nd gen focus, we never got the second gen here wearing a ford badge. We just got a cheapened down car worthy of the escort nameplate.

Coldsnap wrote:

WOW Really Paul? wrote: Also, I vote a forced forum screen name change to "Edward" will be required for getting one....

Oh god no, girls say I look like him and that drives me crazy.

BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, you must buy a base version in silver, then roll in the lady parts that fall from the skies.

WOW Really Paul? wrote:

Coldsnap wrote:

WOW Really Paul? wrote: Also, I vote a forced forum screen name change to "Edward" will be required for getting one....

Oh god no, girls say I look like him and that drives me crazy.

BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, you must buy a base version in silver, then roll in the lady parts that fall from the skies.

I mean, I'm recently single, so if that's all I gotta do to make that happen. Consider it DONE!

I wonder why silver though, its a str8 grocery getter in that color.

In reply to Coldsnap:

Because said movie?

Coldsnap wrote: bmw88rider, thanks for the information. I've heard about the brakes while doing reading. I'm going to have to see for myself. Ahh G37, thats my first choice actually. I just can't afford it, it's a bit more $$ than the C30 and it's a bit that would break my back. How do you find available space on the c30 vs g37? If yours is a coupe. I know C30 doesn't have much room compared to it's competitors, but prolly has more than a sport coupe..

Why no 07-08 G35? Updated body style just like G37. $15-18k at Carmax. Is your budget about $20k like that C30 you posted?

flatlander937 wrote:

Coldsnap wrote: bmw88rider, thanks for the information. I've heard about the brakes while doing reading. I'm going to have to see for myself. Ahh G37, thats my first choice actually. I just can't afford it, it's a bit more $$ than the C30 and it's a bit that would break my back. How do you find available space on the c30 vs g37? If yours is a coupe. I know C30 doesn't have much room compared to it's competitors, but prolly has more than a sport coupe..

Why no 07-08 G35? Updated body style just like G37. $15-18k at Carmax. Is your budget about $20k like that C30 you posted?

Hmm yea if I could find a really clean '08 or '07 I'd consider.

Is the c30 not direct injected?

no. None of the 5 cylinder volvo's are. It's a very old design.

bmw88rider wrote: no. None of the 5 cylinder volvo's are. It's a very old design.

Intradesting. So no carbon buildup I'd might get in a 2015 VW TSI I was looking at... I can take some super short trips. That's almost a plus to me..