Hi all! I am considering purchasing a 2011 Volvo C30 R-Design 6-Speed with 105,000 miles for $11,000, and I would appreciate your advice before I pull the trigger. The car has had 7 previous owners and just had its water pump, timing belt, and rear control arms replaced at a Volvo specialist shop, along with new General GMAX AS-02 tires. The CarFax lists one accident with minor damage to front and rear - both bumpers have small scratches and the rear bumper is very slightly misaligned. The car appears to be in excellent condition otherwise. It has a few modifications: Polestar tune installed in 2022, BC coilovers, IPD rear sway bar, rear wheel spacers, as well as an Elevate turbo intake pipe and air intake which are removed to pass smog but included with the car.

I test drove this car having never driven a Volvo before and I think it is a wonderful daily driver. It handled very well with minimal body roll, the five cylinder sounded great and the car has great power with the Polestar tune. It seems one of the front wheel bearings will need replacing at some point, but I found no other flaws with the car. I thought the steering lacked feedback and the clutch and shifter felt vague. The owner told me he has an IPD lower torque mount which he hasn't installed - from what I've read, this part can improve feedback and bring more vibration/feel into the steering and pedals. Does anyone have insight on this? Other than this and LCA bushings, are there other things I can do to improve steering and/or pedal/shifter feedback?

Given the water pump and timing belt were just replaced, what do I need to look out for? I've read that the thermostat housing often needs replacing. I will also check the sunroof for leaks. If you were in my situation, what would you inspect in the car and what maintenance and repair items should I be aware of?

I drive approximately 20,000 miles per year in the Bay Area and Sacramento, where it gets to 110 degrees in the summer. Mix of highway and city driving, but mostly highway.

I wanted to get a C30 enthusiast's opinion on the car I'm looking at buying. It seems this is a great niche community and I would love to be a part of it.

 

Sounds great but if I ere you I'd take this car over some bumpy roads. It's going to be a hard - riding car I think.

 

hey Shiftright, thanks for the feedback! I ended up buying it in late April and have put ~7,000 miles on it since. It is definitely harsher than a stock C30 but for a car on coilovers the ride is fairly compliant. Good enough for me at least. Handles exceptionally well - I had low expectations coming from a miata. Loving the Volvo life!

 

Any pics?