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Volvo C30?

post #1 of 30
5/28/08 at 3:43am
Thread Starter 
What's your take on the Volvo C30? I like the design a lot. It's different and fast. I'm looking for a new car with a budget between 15K->25K, so suggestions of other cars (RWD or AWD) are welcome.

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post #2 of 30
5/28/08 at 10:55am
You should look at the Mini Cooper S. It has a better warranty than the Volvo, and IIRC gets better gas mileage to boot.

Jon.
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post #3 of 30
5/28/08 at 2:40pm
I think it's one the best looking small cars available, plus it's quite stylish for an entry level car. The Mini is the better handler of the 2, but I really like the uptown appearance of the C30, especially with the sport package.

.....I almost forgot, the interior design of the C30 is beyond most cars in that class.
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post #4 of 30
5/28/08 at 2:44pm
Gas mileage is decidedly worse on C30, no?

Jon.
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post #5 of 30
5/28/08 at 2:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by imageWIS View Post
Gas mileage is decidedly worse on C30, no?

Jon.
I think you're right, the C30 is pretty good on fuel consumption, but the Mini is great, especially in the non-supercharged version.

It's crazy how we're at a time, where we have to discuss fuel consumption, in place of style or performance (even though the Mini is the better performer of the 2).......dang gas prices.
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post #6 of 30
5/28/08 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Southern-Nupe View Post
I think you're right, the C30 is pretty good on fuel consumption, but the Mini is great, especially in the non-supercharged version.

It's crazy how we're at a time, where we have to discuss fuel consumption, in place of style or performance (even though the Mini is the better performer of the 2).......dang gas prices.

Look at it this way: less gas consumption is better for the environment.

Jon.
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post #7 of 30
5/28/08 at 3:01pm
I test drove a C30 this past Saturday, and enjoyed the car. Phenomenal style, really smooth 6 speed manual, decent acceleration, etc.

However there are some drawbacks... the turbo 5 cylinder isn't bad on gas, but it's not great either. The back seat is tiny as you could imagine.

The biggest drawback though is the customization program for these cars. There is a one-time fee to enter into the program, and then each little thing you want quickly jacks the price up. The car I drove was a 2.0 version with a 6 sp. and they were asking 28k. This car didn't have the leather or moonroof that I wanted.

I love the exterior look of the car, but I think I'm leaning toward other cars now with more standard features. Possibly the Mini Clubman S, or the Lexus IS250.
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post #8 of 30
5/28/08 at 3:03pm
Have you considered the Nissan Altima 2dr coupe? I rented one while on business and found it to be a very stylish and peppy car.
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post #9 of 30
5/28/08 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gotflute View Post
Have you considered the Nissan Altima 2dr coupe? I rented one while on business and found it to be a very stylish and peppy car.

It's in a completely different category.

Jon.
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post #10 of 30
5/28/08 at 5:01pm
Thread Starter 
How is Volvo's reliability rating compared to Japnaese cars (Honda, Toyota, etc.)?
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post #11 of 30
5/28/08 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakejake View Post
How is Volvo's reliability rating compared to Japnaese cars (Honda, Toyota, etc.)?

Not as good. Honda probably has the best overall quality of any car company in the world.

Jon.
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post #12 of 30
5/29/08 at 12:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by imageWIS View Post
It's in a completely different category.

Jon.

Seems to have about equal storage/people room.

I used to love the way the C30 looked, then I saw one on the road today. That huge hatch window makes it look like a fat spaceship. Now I just like the front 95% of the car.
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post #13 of 30
5/29/08 at 1:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bkk View Post
Seems to have about equal storage/people room.

I used to love the way the C30 looked, then I saw one on the road today. That huge hatch window makes it look like a fat spaceship. Now I just like the front 95% of the car.
I don't think imageWIS was referring to the size of the car... Obviously.

If I were to draw comparisons to a car that wasn't an entry level luxury vehicle I'd probably say the newest version of the VW GTI. I came across this article some time ago when I initially became interest in the C30.
http://www.windingroad.com/features-...olkswagen-gti/

As far as looks... The rear is what makes the car! Otherwise, it's identical to the S40. I'll admit it looks ugly without the rear spoiler, but with it... I think it looks amazing. The fact that it's inspired by the 1800, and not just some new look for Volvo makes it even cooler. I'm with SouthernNupe in saying it's one of the best looking small cars available.
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post #14 of 30
5/29/08 at 2:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by imageWIS View Post
Not as good. Honda probably has the best overall quality of any car company in the world.

Jon.
Yeah, Volvo's reliability has gotten better, but it's not remotely close to Honda/Toyota level.

The problem with Honda/Toyota, is neither has had a stylish small car (non sportscar), I've desired since the CRX.
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post #15 of 30
5/29/08 at 2:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkennett View Post
I test drove a C30 this past Saturday, and enjoyed the car. Phenomenal style, really smooth 6 speed manual, decent acceleration, etc.

However there are some drawbacks... the turbo 5 cylinder isn't bad on gas, but it's not great either. The back seat is tiny as you could imagine.

The biggest drawback though is the customization program for these cars. There is a one-time fee to enter into the program, and then each little thing you want quickly jacks the price up. The car I drove was a 2.0 version with a 6 sp. and they were asking 28k. This car didn't have the leather or moonroof that I wanted.

I love the exterior look of the car, but I think I'm leaning toward other cars now with more standard features. Possibly the Mini Clubman S, or the Lexus IS250.
Are you serious about that price? $28,000 is close to entry-level luxury segment....especially if it's not including leather and moonroof.

....but I agree the 2.0 package looks insane, especially in Black.
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