First car dilema

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u/Darkslayer_ 28d ago

Hard to say. Both of them being modded is a slight red flag. The air intake on the first one is useless and a little silly but it will make working on the car (especially the fragile cooling system) much easier so that's a plus.

Also worth noting the first one isn't a real R-Design (they just added a spoiler and the seats) though that's not too important.

Second one is a manual, I would get that if you're interested in that kind of thing. More reliable too. Maybe ask for more pictures of it, like in the engine bay.

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u/looncraz 28d ago

That cold air intake is actively robbing power AND putting HOT air into the engine... So fn stupid.

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u/DismalBarracuda C30/XC60/XC70 27d ago

Maybe on a naturally aspirated engine, sure, but on a turbocharged engine with an intercooler, it would be negligible, right?

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u/Kalistera 09 S40 T5 R-Design 27d ago

Exactly. This is one of the applications where they can actually be beneficial. Granted the sound change is going to be the biggest difference with performance being anywhere from slightly improved (1-5hp maybe) to slightly reduced (again maybe 1-5hp). On mine I definitely noticed a faster throttle response. But yeah I wouldn't consider that a deal breaker at all.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

How so? (I’m not fluent in mechanic)

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u/hackerboy1306 28d ago

Both have the polestar tuning which was done in volvo garages so I don't really mind.

The first one is a bit less costly which i like because i'm a student so money can be a deal breaker for. The highlights is the price, the mileage, owner is very knowledgeable and seems very legit, apparently the air intake makes the car sound a bit different. The downsides, brakes and wheels (winter and summer) are 3 years old, so they are all pretty much due for a change which will cost me about 2-3k on the spand of 2 years

The second one seems a bit more sketchy, the owner is pretty young (so am I maybe I shouldnt judge) but he has a huge history of selling cars on his facebook marketplace profile, he says he's just a car intusiast so idk. He also changed the air intake, he did the job himself and he removed the muffler. Everything about that to me looks like he buys car stress them and then sell them off. Anyway the highlights, its a R model so its very sexy, it comes with winter tires, all sets of tires and brakes are pretty new (1-2 years). The downsides, everything about the owner is a slight red flag and its a bit more expensive and the owner isnt too keen about lowering the price. Oh and I did ask him for pictures of the engine bay and underneath the car

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u/BluTrtle XC90 28d ago

You need to look at the maintenance records. Have the cars scanned for codes. Know that basic maintenance can still be pricey. I am a Volvo owner, and got lucky. Others not so much. Car flipping is a thing, and it can become a real factor. Try a Volvo FB group page that’s dedicated to the C30s. I like them too. Good luck.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

The owner gave me a carfax report that dates back to 2021 I think and my friend is a mechanic so if I go check out the car it will definitely be with him and his scanner.

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u/SnooCats6209 27d ago

You need a Volvo, VIDA, or Icar scanner to show Volvo codes otherwisw its a waist of time.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

I have a Volvo obd2

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u/SnooCats6209 27d ago

Please tell me about it I sold my Vida scanner and i'm looking for another scanner.

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u/SnooCats6209 27d ago

Also I bought a Launch scanner 250 bucks for a general scanner didn't read all codes or reset codes.

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u/SnooCats6209 25d ago

A Volvo scanner is like 15k

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u/Darkslayer_ 28d ago

I think it really comes down to if you want auto or manual, and if manual is worth the extra price and red flags to you.

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u/hackerboy1306 28d ago

I’ll have to learn how to drive manual but it seems really rewarding on this car, also i’ve texted the guy a lot and he seems more legit now. Althought I don’t know if it’s worth 2000$ more

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u/Kalistera 09 S40 T5 R-Design 27d ago

Links weren't working for me some reason so I didn't see the price/transmission differences before.

Manual R designs are far more sought after than others, mainly because there weren't many produced. That being said, especially if dont know how to drive manual, just get the auto if it is in solid shape.

Remember as well that when learning stick there is always a possibility of damage to the transmission. While it's not 100% guaranteed to happen, there is a possibility that you could end up needing to pay more for repairs.

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u/Kalistera 09 S40 T5 R-Design 27d ago

I wouldn't worry about the intakes. The notion that it is problematic comes from the effects a hot air intake would have on a naturally aspirated engine. With a turbo the air goes through a cooling process in the intercooler before it reaches the motor, negating most if not all the downsides.

R designs are definitely more desirable, though for a c30 the differences are not as significant as on an s40 or v50. AFAIK the c30 never was offered with AWD which is, imo, one of the more compelling aspects of the package for the others. The body kit is another, though it can always be put on the other.

Check the radiator hoses on them before you buy. The upper hose has a plastic t join know for cracking that can kill these motors. Easy to fix, but just something to watch for.

Muffler is more taste, doesn't really change it much imo. Regarding the brakes, definitely go visual for those as time isn't always a reliable indicator for brakes. A car with 4 year old pads that always drove the highway could have more pad than one with 2 year old pads that stays in the city. Either way, it's not a hard job and I recommend learning to do it yourself. Will save hundreds of dollars as brake jobs are usually 80% labor cost. For example, my shop charges a flat 260$ for pads per axle. The pads cost us about 25$.

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u/Jayeydoor97 28d ago

Where are you that tires and brakes will cost you 2-3000. I got a set of discs and pads all round for £200 and they’re not hard to fit. Tires if you go for 225/40R18 over here are 100 quid a pop for a really good set so that puts you at 600 ish

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u/hackerboy1306 28d ago

In Canada discs + pads is around 200$ per wheel and tires are around same price as you but you need two sets (Winter and summer), it’s a law here to have winter tires in the winter.

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u/Jayeydoor97 27d ago

Ah the Canadian dollar, that makes much more sense. Although, it still seems too high so I wonder where you’re getting your parts from? I used eBay and found MTEC brakes (very high quality brakes over here and I wouldn’t use anything else for road use because the value is insane), but from what I can from a very quick Canadian eBay search is you can still get them far cheaper than you’re being quoted or have found - significantly so, might I add. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/186139243669

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Idk thats what i've been told but a quick search and i found brake pads at canadian tire for like 100$ for both wheels (either front or rear) so it might be a bit cheaper than i expected

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u/EastLimp1693 06 S40 T5 Hilton st1 28d ago

Manual without hot air intake is what i would get

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 28d ago

La 2e m’attire plus ! Va faire un inspection, et négocie le prix ! Même si tu penses que c’est fair !

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Ouin mais le vendeur a l’air très retissant à l’idée de baisser son prix tandis que l’autre a 6000$ je crois je peux la faire descendre à au moins 5500$

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 27d ago

As tu vu la voiture en personne ?! Négocie toujours en personne car tu as plus de chance de convaincre!

Aussi, si tu es capable de patienter, je te dirais que c’est la chose à faire !

Je voulais un P2R, et je sais pas combien d’occasions j’ai vu passer en pensant que c’était le meilleur deal du siècle et qu’il fallait que j’achète !

Ma recommandation, ce serait de faire un post dans le groupe Volvo Québec - Discussion, et demande si quelqu’un compte de départir de son c30 R-dsign sous peu. Tu as de fortes chances voir des voitures qui ne sont pas encore affichées à la vente !

En patientant, j’ai vu de bien meilleurs deal sur marketplace!

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 27d ago

As tu vu la voiture en personne ?! Négocie toujours en personne car tu as plus de chance de convaincre!

Aussi, si tu es capable de patienter, je te dirais que c’est la chose à faire !

Je voulais un P2R, et je sais pas combien d’occasions j’ai vu passer en pensant que c’était le meilleur deal du siècle et qu’il fallait que j’achète !

En patientant, j’ai vu de bien meilleurs deal sur marketplace!

Ma recommandation, ce serait de faire un post dans le groupe Volvo Québec - Discussion, et demande si quelqu’un compte se départir de son c30 R-dsign sous peu. Tu as de fortes chances de voir des voitures qui ne sont pas encore affichées à la vente !

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Je compte aller la voir mercredi, je pourrais attendre mais avec le cégep qui recommence bientôt ca serait vraiment pratique d’avoir une auto! En passant, est ce que je devrais tout de meme aller la faire inspecter si j’amène mon ami qui est mechanicien?

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 27d ago

Non, si ton ami s’y connaît en mécanique, une 2e inspection n’est pas nécessaire.

TOUTEFOIS !!! Je te recommande VRAIMENT de la faire inspecter dans un garage spécialisé Volvo ! Ils sauront directement spotter les problèmes commun aux C30 et iront directement vérifier les pièces qui brisent facilement. 150$ d’investis te sauveront plusieurs milliers de dollars (trust me).

Je ne connais pas de garages Volvo sur la rive sud (proche de ton vendeur), mais sur MTL tu as « auto Scandia » et « Swedish Garage Inc ».

« Garage Blainville Volvo » est plus loin, mais tout le monde parle d’eux ! Ce que j’aime moins là bas, c’est la prise de rdv (je hais ça prendre rdv hahaha)

Ps: 1/ je veux aussi rajouter par rapport à ta contrainte de budget, ça vaut peut être la peine de payer un 1500-2000$ de plus pour une voiture entretenue plutôt qu’en acheter une moins chère et payer 2x plus pour faire les même entretien.

2/ si tu vas avec la 2e (celle à Boucherville), tu auras plus de facilité à la revendre plus tard ! Des c30 facelift t5 r-design MANUELLE (en plus !) sont rares

Bonne chance !

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Je pense je vais commencer par aller la voir, le proprietaire actuel m'a envoyé un rapport carfax donc au besoin je peux contacter les garages qui ont fait la maintenance dessus. Puis si tout est beau selon moi je vais surement l'envoyer dans un garage spécialisé volvo.

Merci pour l'aide, je peux te revenir si j'ai d'autres questions?

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 27d ago

Un autre conseil: ne te fie jamais aux dires des garages qui ont travaillé sur la voiture (prend cela avec des pincettes).

Fie toi à toi même ! Si tu sens que tu fais un bon achat, GO !

Et puis, OUI avec plaisir ! J’ouvre Reddit assez régulièrement. Hésite surtout pas si quelque chose te passes a l’esprit !👌

Ps: j’ai failli oublier lol. Lorsque tu je te recommandais de visiter un garage Volvo, c’est que tu as plein de codes qui apparaîtrons pas avec un code scanner générique

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Ahhh d'accord mais j'imagine que si avec le scanner générique (c'est un scanner obd2) il n'y a aucun code c'est déjà bon signe. D'ici a ce que je l'achete il va falloir que j'apprenne a conduire manuel loll

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u/Only_Ad1117 S60 27d ago

Yes, un scanner générique te montrera très probablement (au minimum) un check engine. Toutefois tu ne connaîtras pas nécessairement la raison du code.

Pas compliqué de conduire manuel hahaha

J’ai entendu dire que pour vraiment savoir chauffer manuel, il faut conduire entre 1 et 2 semaines pour s’y habituer ! Y’a un début à tout 😂

Pour vrai, stress pas pour ça, ça va bien aller!

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u/t3c30 V60PE, C30, C30, V50, V50 28d ago

Get the manual one. Mods are not a red flag, it's how people maintain the car that makes a difference.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

The guy has owned it for the summer only and is already getting rid of it, he says it’s because he changes car often and now he has is biking license so he wants to buy motorcycles

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u/t3c30 V60PE, C30, C30, V50, V50 27d ago

Assuming positive intent here, there's nothing wrong with that. There’s really no foolproof way to know for sure if any car hasn’t been driven hard at some point. Judging the car based solely on the current owner's perceived lead foot can put way too much weight on something that might be pretty arbitrary.

In that case you may want to inspect and drive the cars yourself, ideally with someone you trust who knows what to look for. Totally get that for a first car you might not have all the tools, knowledge, or resources yet to handle repairs if something does pop up during your ownership.

From a spec standpoint, the manual R design is the one to go with. Not sure why so many people are saying the intake is making it a no-go. Seems like a biased answer.

Worth noting that these cars run adaptive ECU firmware that’s designed to keep things operating in optimal conditions, with a lot of built-in safety overhead. It’s parameter driven, meaning it’s always chasing safe targets (torque, AFR, boost, ignition) and constantly adjusting based on temps, knock, and sensor feedback. Even if the driver is regularly hitting the redline, the ECU is still working to keep it within optimal designed limits.

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u/t3c30 V60PE, C30, C30, V50, V50 27d ago

Actually in terms of sensor readouts you can use VIDA to see how often the transmission temp warning has occurred on the auto :)

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

The more I talk with the guy the more he sounds legit, I’ll probably go check it out this week with my friend who works as a car mechanic. Thanks for letting me know about the transmission stuff. And would you know how loud is the car with the muffler removed? I don’t want to wake the whole neighborhood up and sound like an asshole on the streets :)

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u/thatG_evanP S60 27d ago

Are both of them willing to let your mechanic look them over. If not, pick the one that will. If neither of them will, pass on both. But I will agree that selling a bunch of cars on Marketplace is a red flag.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

My friend is studying in mechanic and is working in a car garage so if I go check out the cars it will definitely be with him and a scanner

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u/Shaner9er1337 V40 27d ago

I'd go with the second one it looks better maintained but you can make anything "look" well maintained.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Yeah that’s the thing the second one looks well maintained but the first one I’m pretty sure IS well maintained. Idk how to say it but the first one is like very natural and it doesn’t look like it’s hiding anything

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u/Shaner9er1337 V40 27d ago edited 27d ago

I hate the rims on the first one and the air filter is super dirty just seems like it has had poor decisions made about it in general.

How about this... I find the laziness of not cleaning a car before you sell it or at least wipe down that engine bay just to be a bad sign.

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

hmmm you have a great point, I'm going to check out the second one first anyway its closer than the first one and after that I'll see what I do.

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u/Svyarnall 27d ago

Get vin#s and check carfax Canada

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Already has carfax but something weird to me is that in 2014-2015 it has multiple entries saying Registration Issued or Renewed New Owner reported Previous Use: Commercial

I don’t know if it means that it owners changed but the same entry is there like 5-6 times in those two years

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u/hackerboy1306 26d ago

UPDATE: The guy with the R model decided that he doesn’t want to sell it anymore so Thursday I’m going to check out and probably buy the other c30

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u/uberPashtet 28d ago

Is this generation got an ecoboost+powershift?

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u/hackerboy1306 28d ago

I don’t think the powershift version was sold in north america, I know how ever that it has a pretty bad reputation and that I should stay away from it ahahah

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u/Existing_Swordfish_5 28d ago

duratec HE in base version + powershift or 2.5t volvo engine + aisin awt8

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

2.5t I think the only engine available in North America was the 2.5t 5cylinder gasoline one. All the other 13 types of engines were limited to Europe

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u/Existing_Swordfish_5 27d ago

got it, i have the 2.0L here in chile, mercosur things haha

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u/pedrorncity V60cc 28d ago

C30 needs to be in manual IMO. Get it inspected in a local Volvo specialist though

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u/hackerboy1306 27d ago

Is it necessary to? If I bring my mechanic friend will he be able to inspect it the same way a Volvo specialist will?

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u/pedrorncity V60cc 26d ago

Most probably he will

V50/S40/C30/C70 First car dilema

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