OK so I've been looking to replace my 00 VW Golf TDI sometime next year. It's been a great car but I want get something newer. In my searching I find the S40 from time to time and I like the looks plus turbo , stick and awd got me wanting to know more . I also like the c30 but they tend to be out of my price range. Main requirements are stick, sporty feeling, and not tearable to work on. I'm not interested in the older pre 04 s40. Miata is out as I have kids . let me hear what you think !
Am I crazy for looking at a Volvo ?
I know they share chassis elements with the mazda 3 and Focus, but other than that my knowledge is limited.
It's the Volvo Mazda 3. They share a lot of components but Volvo chose a much softer suspension tuning.
The 2.4 is not bad power wise. The suspension is a little soft but if you really want, careful shopping will get some performance parts. I added a Mazdaspeed 3 RSB to my c30 (Same Chassis), Some factory sport springs from Europe and FSD Koni shocks. Cost me a little over a grand but made the car feel like it should have from the factory IMHO.
If you want bigger brakes, you can fit the 320MM brakes on from different volvo models.
All of the issues I had was body related. I haven't had a single electrical or mechanical issue with 45K Miles on it. I finally got all of the bugs worked out of the body though. The motor doesn't burn any oil at all over the 7500 mile oil change interval.
It's not a sports car but I find it a really good daily driver.
Thanks for the info , I love the C30 but I have kids..and grandkids. After loading / unloading the little bugger out of a vw Beatles I found out I loved four door cars ! Forgive my lack of knowledge of Volvos but I can't seem to find much on them, like can you raise the boost without killing them or what year to stay away from ? From what I did find out the v50 is just a v40 wagon ? Is the awd any good ?
Not a problem. The AWD is Haldex so take it or leave it there. it's a 90/10 mix in normal driving. I'm not a big fan of the Haldex systems but that is just me. The AWD version also cuts down on some of the suspension choices. The AWD versions get the larger 320MM front brakes.
The V50 is the Wagon version of the 2nd gen S40 chassis. In Volvo speak it's the P1 chassis. That is the one that is shared with the Euro Focus and Mazda 3.
The 2000-2004 S40 and V40's are based off a mitsubishi charisma chassis. I would avoid those. The 2005-2013 models are the 2nd generation models based off the P1 chassis. The first year had a few bugs but they worked them out.
The drivetrain is pretty stout. They have been used in larger volvos for years. It'll take some more HP. They do the factory warrantied tune from Polestar that adds about 10% more power. There are more than a few running around in the 400hp range without issues other than getting the power down
One thing to note, if you get an automatic, they torque limit those in 1st and 2nd gear. That is why they are slower 0-60 than the manual. With that removed, the auto is just as fast.
More power is easy on the 5cyl turbo models and it made more power stock in various larger Volvo's and the previous generation Focus RS, up to 350 hp in the RS500.
While I'm a fan of modern automatics stay far far away from a T5 with an auto, it's dreadful.
Back seat is surprisingly roomy. The C30, S40 and V50 all share the same wheelbase and you can fit four people in comfort in my C30 easily. I'm 6' 240lb's and have spent hours back there no issue.
My car has pushing 90k trouble free miles. All it's had are tires, brake pads, one set of front rotors and recently a new battery. Great car, I'd recommend any C30/S40/V50 to anyone.
Yeah, I would totally recommend one as well. I think the body assembler on mine had a bad day in Belgium because all of my issues have been body seal related. Warranty took care of that though.
It does seem to have some of the toughest paint I've seen on a car. I never see one all chipped up in front. I've got the chameleon blue color and it's pretty cool.
I get in the Wife's BMW and that car just feels massive to me where the Volvo just seems right sized. I plan on driving mine into the ground. It just does such a great job as a daily driver.
bmw88rider wrote: Volvo just seems right sized. I plan on driving mine into the ground. It just does such a great job as a daily driver.
Agreed, love my C30, it's a great balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. There are fast sportier cars out there, but few that will soak up the potholes so well while still handling great. 'Perceived' quality is awesome too. Things close with a nice solid 'thunk' and the ergonomics are great.
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