What can Oppotopia tell me about the Volvo C30 T5?

"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
08/19/2014 at 07:00 • Filed to: Volvo, cuddleyoursenses

I'm looking at a 2009 C30 T5 with 33k circular bends. I've never owned a Volvo and don't know their quirks. I am aware that they come furnished with and inside and an outside, and use the tears of Europe as engine lubricant. I'm looking for something a little more practical than my Abarth. Is there anything to watch out for? Is it going to be as much of a pain in the ass as my 335d? Yeast out and touch faith:

DISCUSSION (11)

thebigbossyboss > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 07:03

Me and fiancee test drove on yesterday. Good brakes on that car.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 07:11

I know that they have a really cool rear window..

48 Spoons > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 07:14

Test drove one a while back, and I can't imagine that its actually all that more practical than the abarth. The back seats aren't great and the hatch space is just pathetic. I'm pretty sure I can fit more stuff, as long as its not tall, in my FR-S.

Jobjoris > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 07:25

I own a V50 T5 AWD. Only technical issues this far (120k kms) were an A/C pump unit. It's kinda heavy (it doesn't handle like your 335d), but I suppose the C30 (without AWD?) is somewhat lighter so maybe that's not an issue for you. Engine is bullet-proof.

Oh yes: when you mount 18" rims you'll need spacers on your steering-rods so your turning circle (not sure if correct English, if not excuse me) will become biggish. But that's probably not an issue as well if you're in the US.

I wouldn't dare saying a C30 is practical though? Look and feel of the Dash isn't 'German'.

It's the DD for my girl and she wants me to replace it soon.

Hooker > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 08:35

It's sexy. Does that count as useful information?

Juan Tawn > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 10:57

I own one. Love it so far.

Cons:

-It is definitely more of a cruiser than a corner carver- the body lacks overall rigidity and the suspension is somewhat crashy. The R-design suspension is much stiffer and remedies many of these issues, but the ride is noticeably harsher.

-Space: the trunk is small, the hatch opening, and the back seat room is pretty limited

-AC: can sometimes be weak (I have not sorted this issue out it only happens sometimes when it is very hot and humid)

Pros:

-The engine both sounds and pulls great.

-The seats, while not Volvo's best, are some of the best I have ever sat in, and the overall comfort level on 1000 mile plus road trips is top notch.

-Even the base radio is quite good.

-Great prices on used models when considering feature set.

-Tactile buttons for everything

I'll gladly answer any other questions you may have. From what source are you looking at purchasing (dealer, private party etc.)?

DipodomysDeserti > Juan Tawn
08/19/2014 at 11:20

Looking at one from a dealer. Thanks for all the info. Have you had to do any repairs, or are there any known trouble spots I should look for on the car?

Juan Tawn > DipodomysDeserti
08/19/2014 at 12:27

Offhand, I can think of an excessive negative rear camber issue from the factory. There was a service bulletin about it, and the fix should be free. Overall, the car my from 2011, has 56,000 miles and has had no mechanical or electrical issues. I have the T-tec seating material and the inside feels new.

A friend of mine had some significant radio issues in his s40, which were pricey to fix since the unit controls everything. That was my biggest fear when making the purchase (as it has the same radio), but after perusing several c30 and Volvo centric sites, I found his issues to be uncommon in the c30.

The front of the car is about average in resisting rock chips (average to me is a negative). The rest of the paint has been quite stout.

The most active c30 forums I know of are c30crew.com and the one on swedespeed.com – they have a fairly good archive of issues.

Also, Volvo's CPO program is seriously the shit (lots of talk about the carmax warranty on this site, but Volvo's warranty is truly amazing), but I think your model is too old for it.

DipodomysDeserti > Juan Tawn
08/19/2014 at 12:34

Thanks for the info.

Salvador > Juan Tawn
01/10/2017 at 07:30

Hi, I’m thinking about buying one c30 t5 2008 with 114.000 km. I was hopping you can tell me if do yo have any problem so far.

I’ll be using it in almost just for road trips, does the turbo resist ok? What about the rest of the engine? General car thing, etc?

Juansalvadordiaz@gmail.com

Juan Tawn > Salvador
02/01/2017 at 10:48

Hi, sorry this reply took so long just had my first child and I’ve barely been on the computer. I’ve got 80,000 miles on the car now (128,747 km) and have only had one issue. The Sirius XM radio, which I don’t even use, had a bug where the XM radio module would remain on after the car was shut off and ping search for satellites. It kept draining my battery, but a software update fixed it. I’ve had no issue with Turbo.