Debating to maybe get a Volvo C30 for daily

[sean350z]

It's about that time to get rid of the Z33 as a daily, it's racking up the miles but still running strong but a hassle every winter so I figured I'd look for another daily driver.

I test drove a WRX but hated it, would like a Nissan but all the designs right now are boring, and test drove a Volvo C30. I really like the Volvo but don't know much about them (reliability, service cost, etc.) Anyone have any thoughts?

It's not bad, 2.5L 5 cylinder turbo, fwd :eek:, comfortable ride, etc.

http://www.swededemon.com/images/c30/shots/exterior/day1-f.jpg

I'm going to try to test drive a Mazdaspeed 3, Civic Si, and Sentra SE-R this weekend.

[sick_lazy_gray-s13]

Sentra Se-R, read good reviews on it.

[Jgrand03]

i think it looks good kinda like a gti but sweeter cause or the turbod 5 cyl and its longer new stis/wrxs are the ghey

[exitspeed]

Dope DD. Options get put of control though. Makes it overpriced. At least when I looked into one.

BTW, moving to Off-topic since this is not 240 related.

[jfc3po]

i know someone with one...badass car...

volvos are the safest cars on the road....reliability is good....not sure about service costs...

i say do it..

[azndoc]

Yeah as far as safety goes. It's a Volvo. Their legit. But that styling doesn't suit me though.

[SlideWell]

i dig the new volvos. so sexy with oem aero!!!!

[muddafakka]

I still haven't seen one in real life yet. I built one on their website, came out pretty expensive after you add all the options.

[fromxtor]

I'm an old school volvo fan but I've also owned a B15 spec V and that shit was a blast.

[SW20Racer]

what about the new saturn astra? or a hyundai? hard to beat a hyundai warranty....

[300hp owen]

04/05 STi for sure.

or an EVO.

;)

[origin_s135]

i like the mazdaspeed3 more, maybe because it placed #1 in a review in car&driver back then.

[RiversideS13]

c30's options are expensive.. what about a GTI?

i think civic si would be the most reliable and fun DD

[SimpleS14]

Legacy GT Wagon? I hear they are phased out...so you can get one on clearance for a decent price.

[S14DB]

Volvo maint is easy if you do it yourself. They tend more to gouge on parts then labor. Just buy everything online and it will be cheap.

[exitspeed]

i like the mazdaspeed3 more, maybe because it placed #1 in a review in car&driver back then.

I agree with this. If you're looking for a Hatch that looks sharp and is a fun DD, it's hard to beat a MS3 for the price. In-fact, it's impossible really. I think you can even get NAV in'em now.

EVERYTHING is a damn option on the C30. Floor mats, headlight bulbs...JK. But it does slightly jump over the line of ridiculous.

[JoeC1982]

I actually like the 09 Corolla XRS myself, its not the most powerful of the bunch but comes well equipped under 20k.

[flip3d]

^^ Corolla or Matrix XRS! 2ZZ ftw!

I had a 00 Celica GTS. Lift is awesome! Upgrade the head and rev to 9k! :) :) :)

[S14DB]

^^ Corolla or Matrix XRS! 2ZZ ftw!

I had a 00 Celica GTS. Lift is awesome! Upgrade the head and rev to 9k! :) :) :)

The 2ZZ is great in the GTS but the gear ratios feel totally off in the Matrix and Corolla.


I missed the other cars listed in the bottom. I would go with the Mazdaspeed3 out of all your choices.

[B Love]

Volvo would be the dopest and safest car. I used to work at volvo and parts and service is expensive. Also if you wanted to get upgraded parts that were manufacture certified then that stuff is pretty expensive too. But over all they are really really good cars.

[Yuri]

Go with it, one of only a couple FF's I'd consider owning (the Mini being the other.)

Get a C30 with the manual, it almost didn't get made.

[sean350z]

Yea I'll be test driving the Mazda this weekend. But man that C30 felt smooth. The clutch feels like nothing which I didn't like but it'd be good for a daily. The gears were really smooth and so was the engine.

The WRX's engine just didn't seem smooth. Hmm Corolla, I never thought about that. Maybe I'll give that a try as well.

My plans for the C30 would be to:

1. Lower it
2. Tint
3. Volk CE28N
4. Badgeless grille (see picture)
5. Exhaust

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2006/11/heico_hs3_d5.jpg

[VROOOM]

this sounds weird but im kinda waitng to see what the new Cobalt SS and HHR SS are gonna be like. launch control and no lift shifting sounds interesting. it supposedly has the fastest FWD time at the ring

[slothonaleash]

That is a beautiful car...just remember, parts that aren't at the dealer/mechanic come from sweden

my brother has learned this the hard way a couple of times with his 960

I'd definitely go for it though

[steve shadows]

I would rather pick up a VW GTI

[exitspeed]

this sounds weird but im kinda waitng to see what the new Cobalt SS and HHR SS are gonna be like. launch control and no lift shifting sounds interesting. it supposedly has the fastest FWD time at the ring

That and they just freshened up the new Cobalt SS. They got rid of the dumb wing and the front fascia is WAY understated now.

That's a good choice actually. I can't wait to see the comparo's with the MS3, and others.

Edit: Observe:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/01_08cobaltss.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/11_08cobaltss.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/04_08cobaltss.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/15_08cobaltss.jpg

[BustedS13]

1.) i like volvos. i had an 850 and i'm looking for an old 240 for a beater. i like the c30. but it's overpriced, and, like all european cars, the value is going to drop like a rock over the first few years.

2.) my old roommate had a saturn ion redline. and while he paid WAAAAY too much for it (after financing he could have easily bought a lightly used 350z), it was a sound car. we drove it from here (saint louis) out to san francisco, down the PCH to LA, and back through the southwest, and it never skipped a beat (although we did burn off a SUBSTANTIAL amount of tread on the PCH). those supercharged ecotecs are good engines.

[sean350z]

C30 = 2,970 lbs / 227hp 13lbs/hp
GTI = 3,100 lbs / 200hp 15.5lbs/hp
Cobalt = 2,680 lbs / est 260hp 10.3lbs/hp
Sentra SER = 3,048 lbs / 200hp 15.24lbs/hp
WRX = 3,142 lbs / 224hp 14lbs/hp

So when does that SS Cobalt come out?

[exitspeed]

C30 = 2,970 lbs / 227hp 13lbs/hp
GTI = 3,100 lbs / 200hp 15.5lbs/hp
Cobalt = 2,680 lbs / 260
Sentra SER = 3,048 lbs / 200hp 15.24lbs/hp
WRX = 3,142 lbs / 224hp 14lbs/hp

So when does that SS Cobalt come out?

I added it above for you.

Here's a quick article on Autoblog. Doesn't say a date though. I'd guess it's coming real soon.

Everything looks better with proper lighting. The 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS just stepped into the studio for its glamour shots and they didn't come out half bad. Though the Cobalt itself is somewhat ancient compared to other small cars that have been significantly redesigned in the past few years, it still sells well and the Cobalt SS will likely be the cheapest cost of entry into the wonderful world of direct injection technology when it goes on sale. Its motor is the same one used in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Red Line and Chevy HHR SS. The turbocharged, direct-inject 2.0L four cylinder produces 260 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque, though is tasked with towing around a lighter weight package than other inexpensive pocket rockets like the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 and Mazdaspeed3. Torque steer, of course, is always an issue, but the FE5 sport suspension package was tuned on the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany and GM promises a ride you can live with on a daily basis. As for the design, it's 95% Cobalt and 5% go-fast tomfoolery. That combination makes for a great sleeper car, as the Cobalt SS does not announce itself on arrival. The 10-split-spoke wheels, subtle (and still useless on a FWD car) rear spoiler, new fog lamps and side sills are extremely tasteful. No scoops and fender vents here, thank you very much. We'll start bothering GM for one to review right now, but in the meantime check out the new 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS shots in the gallery below.

[VROOOM]

im more looking forward to the HHR SS panel.

here is a pic of the concept
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/hhrss2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/hhrss1.jpg

[SimpleS14]

FYI: There is a Cobalt SS Sedan coming out...in case you wanted the extra doors.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/2008-chevy-cobalt-ss-sedan-first-look-and-pricing/

[ras6761]

the new volvos are hot.
i worked at a honda dealership and drove the si's almost daily and they are a lot of fun.
6th gear is hot when your cruising at 60 and they are very comfortable, even on our horrendous jersey roads.

[BustedS13]

im more looking forward to the HHR SS panel.

here is a pic of the concept
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/hhrss2.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/hhrss1.jpg

that's.... shockingly cool.

[silviaguy240]

C30R, nuff said about that. saw one at the philly auto show, sooo fucking sick.

[allntrlundrgrnd]

i say go for the c30, great looking car+stock turbo+rock hard volvo=:bigok:

[pinkarrowsnow]

If you get the c30 here's some inspiration.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/gtracer123/c302.jpghttp://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/gtracer123/c30.jpg

[allntrlundrgrnd]

and this http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Volvo/c30/SEMA/Evolve/4650_1.jpghttp://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Volvo/c30/SEMA/4669_1.jpg

[SlideWell]

^^^ WOW, can i get a hot Swiss wife to go with that too? :bigok:

[TurDz]

The 2ZZ is great in the GTS but the gear ratios feel totally off in the Matrix and Corolla.


I missed the other cars listed in the bottom. I would go with the Mazdaspeed3 out of all your choices.


New XRS (and Vibe GT) come with the 2AZ engine now (i.e. Camry 4-banger).

[exitspeed]

Since we were on the subject of the Cobalt SS, how about 'Ring laptimes of 8:22. 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. Price starts at $22,995. You can get a LSD too.

To put those lap times into perspective:

8:20 --- 148.32 km/h -- Audi RS6, 400 PS/ 1815 kg (sport auto 03/01)
8:20 --- 148.32 km/h -- BMW M3 E36, 321 PS (Autocar magazine 1997)
8:20 --- 148.32 km/h -- 2008 Honda NSX, 500 PS/??? kg, www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/225863/
8:20 --- 148.32 km/h -- Porche 993 GT3, Walter Roehrl (Car magazine 10/99)
8:22 --- 147.75 km/h -- BMW M3 E46, 343 PS/1584 kg (sport auto 12/00)
8:22 --- 147.75 km/h -- BMW M Coupe, 321 PS/1445 kg (sport auto 10/98)
8:22 --- 147.75 km/h -- Mercedes-Benz C55 (sport auto07/2004)
8:22.38 147.62 km/h -- Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R (Best Motoring video "Carrera Invasion") http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ua_wcOnPkxk
8:22.85 147.49 km/h -- Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 260 PS/1349 kg, company test driver John Heinricy www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=true&bottom=0&gID=0&fID=0&tID=153640
8:23 --- 147.44 km/h -- Aston Martin DB7 GT, 442 PS/1833 kg (sport auto 07/03)
8:23 --- 147.44 km/h -- Porsche Boxster S, 280 PS/1426 kg (sport auto 04/06)
8:23 --- 147.44 km/h -- Porsche 996 Carrera 4, 300 PS/1466 kg (sport auto 01/02)
8:24 --- 147.14 km/h -- Audi S5, 354 PS/1718 kg (sport auto 01/08) www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=0&fID=2&tID=147974
8:24 --- 147.14 km/h -- Mercedes SLK 55 AMG, 360 PS/1566 kg (sport auto 04/05)
8:24 --- 147.14 km/h -- Subaru Impreza WRX STi (sport auto 05/04)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h -- Audi RS4, 375 PS/1675 kg (sport auto 10/00)
8:25* -- 146.85 km/h –- 2007 BMW M5 Touring, 507 PS (*mfr.)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h -- Corvette Callaway C12, 400 PS/1564 kg (sport auto 04/99)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h –- Jaguar XKR, 416 PS/1775 kg (sport auto 11/06)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h –- Maybach 57 S, 612 PS/2835 kg
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h -- Mitsubishi Carisma GT Evo VI, 300 PS/1466 kg (sport auto 11/99)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h -- Mitsubishi Carisma GT Evo VII (sport auto 11/02)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h –- Porsche Cayman S, 295 PS/1412 kg (sport auto 11/06)
8:25 --- 146.85 km/h –- Porsche 911 ST, Michael Eschmann, fastest car at Oldtmer Grand Prix
8:26 --- 146.56 km/h –- BMW 335i Coupé, 306 PS/1610 kg (sport auto 10/06)
8:26 --- 146.561 km/h -- Mercedes Benz SLK 32 AMG, 354 PS/1480 kg (sport auto 05/01)
8:26 --- 146.56 km/h -- Nissan 350Z, 280 PS/1526 kg (sport auto 10/03)
8:28 --- 145.98 km/h -- BMW E49 M5, 400PS/1833 kg (sport auto 03/99)
8:28 --- 145.98 km/h -- Nissan Skyline GTR, 277 PS
8:28 --- 145.98 km/h -- Porsche 993 Carrera 2, 285 PS/1452 kg (sport auto 01/98)
8:28 --- 145.98 km/h -- Porsche 993 Carrera Cabrio (sport auto 04/97)
8:28.1 - 145.98 km/h -- Nissan Skyline GTR www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/228511/
8:28.93 145.69 km/h -- Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (1992) www.subaru.com.hk/pdf/SNW0404.pdf
8:29 --- 145.69 km/h -- Audi S4 4.2 Avant, 344 PS/1826 kg (sport auto 11/03)
8:29 --- 145.69 km/h -- Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG, 347 PS/1593 kg (sport auto 05/00)
8:29 --- 145.69 km/h – MTM VW Golf V GTI, 272 PS/1437 kg (sport auto Tuning 07),
8:30 --- 145.41 km/h -- Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa, 320 PS/1593 kg (sport auto 10/02)
8:31.--- 145.13 km/h -- 2006 CADILLAC STS-V, 440PS/1948 kg,
8:31.42 145.01 km/h -- Ferrari F355, 380hp (Top Gear magazine)
8:32 --- 144.84 km/h -- BMW Z4 3.0 SMG (sport auto 04/03)
8:32 --- 144.84 km/h -- BMW Z4 3.0si coupe, 265 PS/1408 kg (sport auto 08/06)
8:32 --- 144.84 km/h -- Lotus Exige, 192hp (sport auto 08/04)

[Omarius Maximus]

No doubt the cobalt SS is gonna be a monster. It's more potent than any of the fwd econo turbos.

The main problem with the C30 is that the price is a bit decieving. The stuff you get standard on a gti or ms3 you'll have to give your right arm for on a C30.

If your looking for daily duty, nothing does the job better than the dsg gti. Take ALL of these cars out for a spin, and I guarantee that you'll agree that it is by far the most sophisticated, most luxurious, most complete out of all these cars.

Not to mention, 500 dollar chip and your up to 250hp, low 14s..

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/stne2Ov/P1000425.jpg

http://www.pmpdesigns.com/gti/5.jpg

JDM style:
http://newing.img.jugem.jp/20080209_325208.jpg

[exitspeed]

The main problem with the C30 is that the price is a bit decieving. The stuff you get standard on a gti or ms3 you'll have to give your right arm for on a C30.



Yep, that's why I wouldn't get one. You're like, 'Oh wow this thing is affordable.' Then you see that floor mats are an extra $200, windshield wipers are optional, etc, etc and you have a $40,000 econo hatch.

[Omarius Maximus]

Yep, that's why I wouldn't get one. You're like, 'Oh wow this thing is affordable.' Then you see that floor mats are an extra $200, windshield wipers are optional, etc, etc and you have a $40,000 econo hatch.

Yep, plus the interior is lacking a bit. It was actually designed by women for women. If you look at the center console, it's actually a very thin panel, and there is a hollow space behind it. Why? Because women needed a place to put their purse. No joke. :loco:

[sean350z]

Yea...I might just have to wait until this cobalt comes out. It sounds pretty nice and it's relatively cheap. I'm in no hurry to sell the Z so whatever happens happens. Thanks for the info exitspeed +rep for you.

[sean350z]

The styling is some what lame but it might look better with like a darker paint.
Not digging the cheap boost gauge and gauge cluster but hey...it's def worth a test drive once they arrive at the dealerships.

MSRP $22,995 + limited-slip differential ($495) + high-wing rear spoiler ($195)

$23,685 = Not bad at all.

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/08/pic/cobalt/ssturbocharged/popup_ext_01.jpg

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/08/pic/cobalt/ssturbocharged/popup_performance.jpg

[Omarius Maximus]

Dude, launch control, no lift shift, 260hp, new front end geometry/knuckes = no more understeer, brembos, forged wheels, nice seats. You realy can't go wrong.

[exitspeed]

The styling is some what lame but it might look better with like a darker paint.


I kinda dig that it isn't all aero-y looking with giant air dams and scoops and vents. I'd like it without the big wing too. Just an LSD. I'm sure with coils it would be a great auto-X car.