This is my old car - and really enjoying watching you getting to fixing her up! Sorry about all the stuff that's wrong with it, we tried to fix things here and there as our finances would allow - but it's kinda hard when you're living on a fixed income. Hopefully you'll either get to enjoy it yourself, or make some money if you sell it. I got 3 1/2 pretty good years out of it before it started to need too many repairs. Good luck, and I'm going to keep watching to see what you can do with her!!
I’m in a similar boat right now. I’ve had my 2009 C30 for 3 years now and it’s starting to get really expensive. I’m trying to hunt down a vibration problem now. I’ve replaced all motor mounts, axles, and control arms and it still persists. Getting pretty frustrating, but I really love the car when it’s 100%
Leonidae you DO know that General tires are actually manufactured by Continental Tire (an extremely reputable tire brand) and that if you were to walk into a Walmart Auto Care Center, to price a set out, they are usually $70-$80 a piece?
Look up VIDA/DICE for volvo. You can purchase a DICE unit for ~$80 online which is the ob2 interface, then you can find VIDA 2014d online and pay ~$80 for a 3 day subscription to the software service then you can “install” the cruise control update cheaper than the dealer.
Or you could... get a Chinese knockoff with lifetime VIDA for under $100. 😁 Edit: Actually no. The Chinese knockoffs don't have online access and thus can't download software updates.
Check the timing belt!!!!!!! and replace it if it hasn't been done recently, if it breaks, it will bend the valves!, serpentine belts are around $8 each, timing belt ~$30, it is a cheap car to mantain (if you do it yourself). Only way to add cruise control is with a Software download with the volvo diagnostic software (VIDA), you can purchase a 3 day license and download software updates, they charge you for every SW download.
Yes, definitely check the timing belt. Also the lower radiator hose T-joint. Those like to crack and leak coolant out while you're driving and you'll never know until your engine stalls out and next thing you know, you need to pull the head.
This car with the 6 speed is quite a hidden gem. Two of my friends have/had a C30 and it's quite a difference. Love the sound of the I5. Funny we've never made the connection to twilight though.
I drive one currently and it was passed down to me as my first car and even though it is 150,000 miles in and 13 years old it is still extremely quick (turbocharged and light) and reliable even as a 6 speed manual. I couldn't ask for a better car and I agree that it is a hidden gem.
The A/C and alternator belts are very important on the T5 engine as the design allows a failing belt to interfere with the cam belt and you can imagine what happens when that fails. Easy to do both belts plus replace the idler from passenger wheel arch.
This unfortunately happened to me a month ago... All 10 valves bent while idling in a parking lot, heard popcorn from the belt and opened the hood and boom! Guess who's serp somehow got in the timing belt?? Had to rebuild the head at 82k
Funny you say that cuz I just watched a video earlier today of that being done by another channel where they had to remove the gas pedal and peel back the upholstery beside it to pull the old one out. I guess it didn’t look THAT bad but then again I don’t know how much easier it is on other cars lol
That or the oil filter housing which are kown for leaking.... Last we work in one of those engines (FOCUS ST) it took us hours to get the air filter box out. We ended up not refIting it and got an induction kit instead.
@@panjoshua6251 The only car I have that has a cabin air filter is a 2003 Ford Windstar, and that has a plastic access door specifically for it right next to the wipers under the hood. Super easy to change it out on that van.
Being someone who rebuilt a S40, your best friends will be J&J, Ebay, and for the hard to finds, there's Volvo. I would also recommend 'Volvo Vida'($200) which is the software diagnostic tool to upload updates, look at schematics, and run tests on the cars computer.
In 2013 I was dumb enough to lease a new Volvo S60. During one of its many trips back to the dealer for repair I was given a C30 as a loaner. I was excited because it was so quirky, but then highly disappointed. It's like a Swedish Civic with less soul and more plastic. I consider my Volvo phase to be a real automotive dark spot in my life so it will be really interesting to see if this one can wind up being good.
If you’re going to go through the trouble of doing those rear anti-sway bar bushings then you might as well swap out the entire sway bar for the thicker Elevate bar. I literally just did this today on my Volvo V50 (same platform as C30) and it makes a massive handling difference. Im honestly shocked at how big of an improvement it made, definitely worth it.
I was behind a Polestar Blue C30 over the weekend, and a good friend of mine has a C30 that's been chipped and lowered. His also has the 6-speed manual and something like 65,000 miles on it. Looking forward to the fixes and upgrades - especially the cruise control hack, if it works.
Haven’t finished the video as I write. I have an ‘09 C30 RDesign, I’ve had it for almost 3 years. As recommended by Volvo enthusiasts, always have a Volvo inspected before buying. So I knew full well my car had many things to do. I had to replace all the rear suspension bushings, replace the clutch position sensor, gas pressure sensor , front lower control arms, brakes, replacing the rear calipers, replacing the front sway bar end links 3 times, Both CV axles. It drives great . And the paint JUST came out of the paint shop for a paint repair cause I’m in east Canada so salt damage. But with all that, I still love that car dearly. It has character compared to what I used to drive before, an ‘10 Yaris.. I’ve spent more than 4K working on that car which is more than half what I paid for but I have no regrets. I’m gonna drive this car till it collapses. @WatchJRGo I’m no specialist but any questions I’m willing to try and answer.
Yeah John I know you been going through all kinds of moments but you certainly seem the eternal optimist now with your little Volvo c30. 👍 I hope it works out unlike the BMW coupe...keep on chuggin'
hi, in 2:49 you said the was gone, if you replace it and starts working at max speed and it gets super hot, then the problem is an electrovalve that is behind the brake fluid reservoir. Happend to me when replaicing that pump on a c70
These were made in Ghent, Belgium. Always found that interesting. Belgian built Swede. If the wheels don’t work, C30s have some really nice OEM wheels other than these. Looks like it’s worth the suspension package but keep that color, it’s a nice blue. If you had a manual or R-Design I’d say otherwise
Ive had my 2011 c30 t5 for a few months and i can tell you its one of the best cars i ever owned. Luckily im a volvo tech and went to training and was able to "polestar" it for free(equivalent to $1000 software download) and enjoy the excellent power its got now making about 260 stock and i cant wait to mod it. Made it from california to indiana which is about 2100 miles with no leaks or engine lights. Luckily mine came with cruise control😅 So much potential if you keep it
Josh Smith no it’s not - it’s Swedish engineered and built. It’s actually a very tunable engine too especially if it’s a T5. Only drawback is the pcv problem
@Josh Smith dude you don't know much about Volvo's if you think that, prior to being bought almost all their engine offerings were developed in house. primarily all their cars came with two engines, the b200 series red block or the five cylinder that was used in fwd cars starting in the early 1990s. Volvo only outsourced development of their diesels, which were only a small fraction of the cars they actually sold. even their six cylinder engines were developed in a joint venture with french automakers. Volvo's prior to the buyout almost have entirely swedish built and designed engines
Nothing wrong with these C30s if they are maintained as with most quality cars. They last a long time. 135k on my R-Design I bought new in 2011 with normal maintenance to 125K, and I am keeping it, plus I added at least 80 bhp and 80 ft.lb. not so long ago. For the first time: changed the belts and assoc. parts, timing belt and so on, battery (actually 3rd battery), breather box, and normal maintenance like fluids, plugs and filters. Upgraded the suspension (quality upgrade not a significant drop at all), turbo control components, intercooler set, downpipe, some other components and so on, added a tune. $4k in total (intercooler, suspension, tune being more than half of that; in fact the comprehensive service without performance parts may well have cost around $1000 (parts only; not OE but OEM/similar Bilstein on the suspension)). I effectively now have a new car a lot quicker and better handling than it was new. Very reliable and happy with it. Was my first Volvo, my wife now drives an XC60 T6 Drive E (excellent and I can service it should I need to) and I likely will get a Volvo SUV in the future, but also keep the C30. I am keeping my eye on their offerings!
If you can find a steering wheel (and maybe a new clock ring) with cruise control you should be able to get cruise on this car, you will just need a reflash of the ECU from a dealer to turn it on. Most modern cars (07 and up) are setup from the factory to have features but they are omitted by the factory depending on trim level. If nothing else it is worth looking into to see if it is possible as it will up the resale value, and nothing ventured nothing gained.
Leave the CV joints for last. After all the bushings replaced, you might find the CV’s are fine. 150k miles doesn’t seem like a lot. The CV boots are still good too. In my experience, replacement CV axles are never as good as the OEM.
I only paid £950 ($1,307) for my 2008 manual 1.6 Petrol C30 a month ago. It had a few cosmetic issues. But I was able to repair them for under £100. It also has cruise control and it drives perfectly. I don't seem to have that issue with the indicators either. All in all, I definitely got a bargain, because it may have 116k on the clock and is as slow an aging snail. But I didn't buy it for speed. I bought it for it's looks, and for what I paid, I love it. Sorry you got all these issues with it dude. 3k's a lot to spend on a car with so many problems.
I changed my struts all around with Koni STRT's. Not too expensive and worked great. Every oil change I dumped 3 quarts of ATF and replaced with new. After about 3 times the ATF looked a lot better.
I had a 2009 C30 R Design with the m66. Such a blast to drive, and would go anywhere and with decent economy if you weren't getting on it. It sang the sweet 5 cylinder song of Sweden to many cars who didn't expect it
Oke it's now 4 years later when you post this video. Im living in the Netherlands my c30 is made in Belgium yours too i think. Software for the ecm to get Cruise Control is here 250 euro is about 275 dollars. I added the cruise control buttons myself in the steering wheel. ( Carefull if anyone wants to do this, there is a special way to add them without errors later on) I now have a working cc and i love it.
Is it my understanding that this Volvo is built on a Ford focus chassis? I know these are terrible in gas consumption , but the 5 cyl sound is really nice.
I actually really appreciate you making the videos on this car, I’ve got some of the same issues on my s40. I’d also love to see this car lowered on some aftermarket wheels!
I had a Volvo that used to shake awful like a CV axle issue. Replaced both of them and still had it. Turned out to be the passenger engine mount. They often look fine but usually separate rubber from the mount and often look fine on inspection until you jack the engine up off the bracket
Hey so pro tip from someone who races and wrenches on their C30, just replace the control arms and bushings as a unit. You will need to airhammer the old bushings off and it is possible you will damage the control arms also. They seize together which makes it much easier to replace them together.
Man, I feel really good about my 08 C30 T5 that I got for $3,600 after watching this. Nothing wrong with mine, few small dings here and there. No repairs needed, runs great. Got it off a Volvo mechanic would rebuilt the engine after someone overheated it. New heads internals etc.
Keep in mind that knock in front end is almost for sure the sway bar bushing. Great thing is that the budding do NOT spare from the bar! You have to replace the WHOLE sway bar!! Volvo used a ton of recycled rubber for the “good other environment.” So it all goes bad. Ball joints and strut too. Good luck!
The 2032 batteries usually show 3.2 volts when they're new but shart to fail to operate things when the voltage gets down to 3 volts so maybe you do need a new battery.
I had a 2007 t5, cosmic white / java brown. Such a beautiful car.. you either love them or hate them, designwise.. I upgraded mine to step 3, more or less everything besides changing turbo.. full exhaust, intake, software eft ect.. upgraded swaybar front and rear mine already had a 2 cm spring lowering from factory. Heck it went! Around 300hp on the crank, original 220 if I'm not misstaken. allthough she was a little to heavy to really do great- brake upgrade is a must when you start pushing up the power imho.. But no doubt a funny little car ;-) if you'd go all in with the ford focus to turbo you'd be in for a nice ride ;-) about 400 hp on the crank without messing with the internals, thats not too bad.
The vibrations could be a bad engine mount. Had it with a lot of my Volvos. If you decide to get more power out of it... Shim the engine. Otherwise it's going to crack the liners.
Tell me again why most car companies stopped making cars like this?? I'd buy this in a heartbeat over any CUV or SUV on the bland market right now. Can't wait to see this thing fixed up! 🍻
Mine had 230k when the engine blew a rod, the oil filter/pvc leaked all the oil out, check that, and my sons V50 had the plastic water tank leak and it overheated. Awesome looking cars, I think I need to keep mine, put new engine in it, they are FAST cars, geared to take off and crank the boost immediately. And love the swoopy roofline. Good luck with it.
The inner cv joints can sometimes be swapped from right to left as a temporary fix for the steering shake under acceleration. The torquey motor in this C30 is the same as in the Ford Focus ST. Both are notorious for eating through inner cv joints.
Yeah the interior and the "Waterfall" look didn't come untill 2008 with the body style change on the V/XC70, the next upgrade interior wise for the V/X platform came in 2014 with new rear lights and new entertainment system in the front with upgraded dash aswell
Check the passenger side engine mo uh not. . The signal combination switch will require a shop with volvos Vadis to update software for the new switch( $20 for software. Plus labour). Put the largest battery you can fit, these cars have issues with lower capacity batteries. Any questions, just ask..I've worked on a lot of these.
This generation Volvos were built during the Ford ownership. Basically only the V70 was any good and you still see a boatload of them on the road here in Sweden today. Also some models were built in Belgium and not in Gothenburg and the Belgium built models are almost always worse in quality.
The shifter blind will be a fairly easy install, only took me like 30 minutes on my V50, just make sure to put it in right side up. As for the key, my car gave me a warning on the dash when the battery was low, so maybe the circuit board in yours is shot.
I own one of these cars. Common issues: CV axles (you called it), the PCV valve (do it, even if it seems okay), and cracked coolant tanks. Other than that, they’re pretty solid reliability wise. Must do mods: a Becker eBay exhaust really sounds nice (throaty, doesn’t drone too bad), intake (elevate or DO88), bigger intercooler (DO88) and a time (Hilton does a nice job). It would behoove you to get a Volvo Vida Dice unit. Might help with adding the cruise control. Don’t quote me on that though. Oh, and the polestar blue would be awesome. Most annoying issue I’ve seen so far is that the car is tied together with fiber optic wire. You can’t really upgrade the head unit with anything modern. That and the doors may break your legs if the wind catches it.
Programming requires the VIDA, which is the OEM tool. But to change any software, you need to be connected to the mothership, so pretty much only the dealership can do it.... Well a 3rd party Volvo specialist may have a subscription to Volvo's system.... Also, if you need OEM that FCP doesn't have, TASCA pretty much has the cheapest parts. Lastly, you probably already have control arms, but Mevotech control arms are exactly the same as OEM (at least on a 2008 XC70) but hella cheaper.
Near dead batteries will read correct voltage with no load. Those disc batteries are rechargeable as are nickel cads even though they say they are not - just monitor the temp while recharging.
If it was the R-Design or something like that, I’d consider the strut assembly with lowering kit, but most likely, this is going to become a teenager’s first car, so I’d just replace it with what was originally on it.
I believe if you hit the unlock button 3 times your windows all roll down before you get in the car ( that’s how it was on my s40 t5, I noticed yours looks Exactly like mine except yours is hatchback obv).
I also know where you can get a GRAY r design steering wheel, new in the box for less than $300 if you choose that rout. One last tip. Volvo charges a premium for parts....cross reference EVERYTHING with w/ Mazda Speed 3, and Focus RS.....many, many, MANY common parts.
Always liked the C30 looks. I must be the only one. My vote would have been CV, too for the wobble. I think JR will come out good on this one. Car is solid, and I agree you’ll be cheaper than 100% Jake. Admittedly us Volvo guys are biased.
the most common reason the magnet on the shifter get broken is because the plastic carrier piece is really easy to put on wrong. make sure you double check when you install it so you don't snap it off when "shifting"
Those rear shock absorber mounts break completely at the top and make a horrendous noise when the wheel basically starts moving back and forth over bumps, I’d replace them before they break completely, they’re relatively cheap parts.
JR, I’d love to see you get your own garage, that’d be a dope addition to the channel down the road. It would be really cool to have your own place to store, and work on your cars!
I would expect motor mounts to be a problem at that age with bad struts - you will end up replacing suspension but check mounts before you replace axles (which are notorious for needing replacement and everyone says to go oem). Btw the air box is a royal pain in the a- to remove so plan on using elevate to replace it - you don’t want to put original back in... and check thermostat housing while there - it’s famous for leaking. Last, the timing belt is due at 120k - so i predict you will be doing full timing belt and seals, water pump etc before this is all over. Looking forward to it!
Nice look at the Mazda 3-5, Ford Focus, Volvo C30 Platform. I have a 3 and a 5. Front control arms bushings does not last and will make you steering shake. All 4 shocks have to be replaced, but at least, they are cheap. Replace the 2 rear shock upper support. They tend to crack and they make an horrible rattle noise. Of course, the 4 link kits have to be replaced. It is strange that of all the cars who used this Platform, only Volvo is a luxury brand and the interior looks way cheaper and worse than the Ford or Mazda one. As of the 5 cyl. engine, I don't know if it is good or not, I only know about the 2.0L and the 2.3L engines, who are very reliable.
I’m only three minutes and 45 seconds in but I can already tell you that you cannot program that with an Autel. The software download comes from the Volvo bookstore website which requires a VIDA subscription. You can only do it with VIDA & a DiCE
Want to “R” swap it? 😬
I do. 💍
Same motor as the ford focus rs that the UK got but the usa didnt. Id manual swap it then lift it and slap some rally lights and mudflaps on it🤟🏽
@@WatchJRGo AWD swap and m66 swap time pls
Grant Batista Ofc, it is a Volvo-engine.
I now pronounce you TH-camr and salvage yard.
This is my old car - and really enjoying watching you getting to fixing her up! Sorry about all the stuff that's wrong with it, we tried to fix things here and there as our finances would allow - but it's kinda hard when you're living on a fixed income. Hopefully you'll either get to enjoy it yourself, or make some money if you sell it. I got 3 1/2 pretty good years out of it before it started to need too many repairs. Good luck, and I'm going to keep watching to see what you can do with her!!
I’m in a similar boat right now. I’ve had my 2009 C30 for 3 years now and it’s starting to get really expensive. I’m trying to hunt down a vibration problem now. I’ve replaced all motor mounts, axles, and control arms and it still persists. Getting pretty frustrating, but I really love the car when it’s 100%
Struts/Mounts? I don't know. Would be worth putting on a treadmill and find out. The vibrations can cause even more problems.
Terry Cullender I was thinking recently that could be a possibility. It certainly wouldn’t hurt for me to change them out
Wondermitedelight have you checked your wheels are balanced? The rear tyres can also wear unevenly and make a droning noise.
Jacob My friend had this problem with continental tires. Car was shaking. The problem was- thease tires wear out uneven.
that C30 has seen the inside of a Walmart Auto Care Center; the tires installed are General Exclaim HPXs, and those tires are EXCLUSIVE to Walmart.
And that's why you should run away.
Leonidae you DO know that General tires are actually manufactured by Continental Tire (an extremely reputable tire brand) and that if you were to walk into a Walmart Auto Care Center, to price a set out, they are usually $70-$80 a piece?
@@digitalrailroader Thank you for this!
@Josh Smith It's not a problem with the tires...the problem is that Walmart techs had their hands on it.
Leonidae they are fine, a tiny bit noisier than michelins, a little less grip, fine for the money, especially versus old tires....
Look up VIDA/DICE for volvo. You can purchase a DICE unit for ~$80 online which is the ob2 interface, then you can find VIDA 2014d online and pay ~$80 for a 3 day subscription to the software service then you can “install” the cruise control update cheaper than the dealer.
Agree - don’t see any other way... volvo is evil
Beat me to that answer.
Nice! Thanks for the info!
Or you could... get a Chinese knockoff with lifetime VIDA for under $100. 😁
Edit: Actually no. The Chinese knockoffs don't have online access and thus can't download software updates.
You can't get a sub on a hacked 2014d copy anymore. $80 for vida 2015 and no hackery involved.
The reason the hood struts still work is because nobody ever opened the hood haha
Jimmy JimJims yep. straight outta Texas
All good in the hood
🤣👍🏼
Check the timing belt!!!!!!! and replace it if it hasn't been done recently, if it breaks, it will bend the valves!, serpentine belts are around $8 each, timing belt ~$30, it is a cheap car to mantain (if you do it yourself). Only way to add cruise control is with a Software download with the volvo diagnostic software (VIDA), you can purchase a 3 day license and download software updates, they charge you for every SW download.
Yes, definitely check the timing belt. Also the lower radiator hose T-joint. Those like to crack and leak coolant out while you're driving and you'll never know until your engine stalls out and next thing you know, you need to pull the head.
Not all versions has timing belts mine has got the timing chain.
@@Dutchamp All 2.5L T5 engines have timing belts.........
This dude is like hoovie but actually makes money
and actually works on his purchases
Hoovie can afford to do this as a side job. John’s been fired from his main job a year ago I believe so he needs to make money
....and actually knows how to turn a wrench. LOL
He isn't making money on shitboxes like this.
This guy is a fake JR garage 😅
This car with the 6 speed is quite a hidden gem. Two of my friends have/had a C30 and it's quite a difference. Love the sound of the I5. Funny we've never made the connection to twilight though.
I drive one currently and it was passed down to me as my first car and even though it is 150,000 miles in and 13 years old it is still extremely quick (turbocharged and light) and reliable even as a 6 speed manual. I couldn't ask for a better car and I agree that it is a hidden gem.
@@rileykeeler4213 - I’m 19 and am in the exact situation.
The A/C and alternator belts are very important on the T5 engine as the design allows a failing belt to interfere with the cam belt and you can imagine what happens when that fails. Easy to do both belts plus replace the idler from passenger wheel arch.
This unfortunately happened to me a month ago... All 10 valves bent while idling in a parking lot, heard popcorn from the belt and opened the hood and boom! Guess who's serp somehow got in the timing belt?? Had to rebuild the head at 82k
Wait until he finds out how annoying it is to simply change the cabin air filter on this car...lmao
Funny you say that cuz I just watched a video earlier today of that being done by another channel where they had to remove the gas pedal and peel back the upholstery beside it to pull the old one out. I guess it didn’t look THAT bad but then again I don’t know how much easier it is on other cars lol
@@panjoshua6251 The several cars I"ve had were all behind the glove box and easy to get to.
That or the oil filter housing which are kown for leaking.... Last we work in one of those engines (FOCUS ST) it took us hours to get the air filter box out. We ended up not refIting it and got an induction kit instead.
@@panjoshua6251 The only car I have that has a cabin air filter is a 2003 Ford Windstar, and that has a plastic access door specifically for it right next to the wipers under the hood. Super easy to change it out on that van.
I've got a RHD 08 plate S40 and it was a swine of a job on that, having to dismantle the glove box and secondary fuse box shelf under there.
Being someone who rebuilt a S40, your best friends will be J&J, Ebay, and for the hard to finds, there's Volvo. I would also recommend 'Volvo Vida'($200) which is the software diagnostic tool to upload updates, look at schematics, and run tests on the cars computer.
You have became "that guy" who drives down the road with the turn signal on while you drive straight 😂
"Terrible noises coming out of the rear end" is what happens after some Taco Bell.
🤣😅😆🤣😅😆
Here before JR hits a million subs. Love the content.
+John Doe
Why not?
🍻😁👍🏼
Ya but the stereo is EXCELLENT!!!!..lol
No doubt about it, makes everything better 🍻
Very impressive stereo indeed
That's what made the car value = $3K. 😉
Crank up that stereo and watch all these problems just disappear!
@@petelite the best tool in the tool box for sure my friend!
Volvo shares suspension with a mazda3 and ford focus. Same goes with motor mounts too
I think the back end of those cars is awesome. I loved the volvo 1800s wagon and it was almost the same.
P1800 estate, 480 and C30 share the style. It’s nice.
In 2013 I was dumb enough to lease a new Volvo S60. During one of its many trips back to the dealer for repair I was given a C30 as a loaner. I was excited because it was so quirky, but then highly disappointed. It's like a Swedish Civic with less soul and more plastic. I consider my Volvo phase to be a real automotive dark spot in my life so it will be really interesting to see if this one can wind up being good.
You can always see Johnny’s big smile when he’s cracking up over JR’s euro cars
If you’re going to go through the trouble of doing those rear anti-sway bar bushings then you might as well swap out the entire sway bar for the thicker Elevate bar. I literally just did this today on my Volvo V50 (same platform as C30) and it makes a massive handling difference. Im honestly shocked at how big of an improvement it made, definitely worth it.
I put the rear sway from a c70 (22mm) on my c30 (20mm) and it made a difference. Rear upper support bar made a huge difference in the back though
I was behind a Polestar Blue C30 over the weekend, and a good friend of mine has a C30 that's been chipped and lowered. His also has the 6-speed manual and something like 65,000 miles on it. Looking forward to the fixes and upgrades - especially the cruise control hack, if it works.
I’ve got a Polestar Blue (rebel blue ) C30
Look at the engine mount on the passenger side it can also cause a vibration while accelerating when it's worn out.
Haven’t finished the video as I write. I have an ‘09 C30 RDesign, I’ve had it for almost 3 years. As recommended by Volvo enthusiasts, always have a Volvo inspected before buying. So I knew full well my car had many things to do. I had to replace all the rear suspension bushings, replace the clutch position sensor, gas pressure sensor , front lower control arms, brakes, replacing the rear calipers, replacing the front sway bar end links 3 times, Both CV axles. It drives great . And the paint JUST came out of the paint shop for a paint repair cause I’m in east Canada so salt damage. But with all that, I still love that car dearly. It has character compared to what I used to drive before, an ‘10 Yaris.. I’ve spent more than 4K working on that car which is more than half what I paid for but I have no regrets. I’m gonna drive this car till it collapses. @WatchJRGo I’m no specialist but any questions I’m willing to try and answer.
Only ppl who've watched
twilight call it the twilight car.
I'm glad that John generally rips through his projects pretty quick. Hopefully I won't need to suffer through a lot more twatlight jokes and puns.
I refuse to watch the Twilight films without Riftrax commentary.
I didn’t get the Twilight jokes. I just remember that Volvo made a car like the C30 that featured that solid glass hatch.
Yeah John I know you been going through all kinds of moments but you certainly seem the eternal optimist now with your little Volvo c30. 👍 I hope it works out unlike the BMW coupe...keep on chuggin'
hi, in 2:49 you said the was gone, if you replace it and starts working at max speed and it gets super hot, then the problem is an electrovalve that is behind the brake fluid reservoir. Happend to me when replaicing that pump on a c70
I love the existing blue paint!
These were made in Ghent, Belgium. Always found that interesting. Belgian built Swede. If the wheels don’t work, C30s have some really nice OEM wheels other than these. Looks like it’s worth the suspension package but keep that color, it’s a nice blue. If you had a manual or R-Design I’d say otherwise
Leave it the original color and height. Just fix the car, just like anyone trying to save money.
It needs it to be honest.
@@Gabe-ABNCW3 I like the current color, but I like dark metallic blue... As for a lower stance, maybe? The rear end does seem kinda high.
2011 c30 77k black $5100. I love it
That is crazy that Johnny lets you use all his stuff.
JR: You want to throw it on the alignment rack?
Ninja: You're thiiiiiis close to no longer using my shop.
Being out of Texas and having water stains in every seat, is it possible it's a flood car?
Ive had my 2011 c30 t5 for a few months and i can tell you its one of the best cars i ever owned. Luckily im a volvo tech and went to training and was able to "polestar" it for free(equivalent to $1000 software download) and enjoy the excellent power its got now making about 260 stock and i cant wait to mod it. Made it from california to indiana which is about 2100 miles with no leaks or engine lights. Luckily mine came with cruise control😅 So much potential if you keep it
Also if you get the 3 day vida subscription go on volvos website and you can find the code to polestar ur volvo too!
I don’t think I’d put 2k into suspension on an automatic economy car just because it has a tiny turbo which was probably put there for fuel economy
Yeah, nothing about the T5 is there for fuel economy.
Jacob Rippey don’t they make like just over 200 hp? Out of a 2.5 turbo that sounds like they’re holding back for economy to me
volvo c30 shares the same chassis as mazda 3, and the ford focus uses volvo t5 engine,
@Josh Smith Nope Volvo built all their own engines except for a couple of diesels. Ford used the T5 in the Focus RS
The enginge is made in Sweden in Skövde engine factory.
@Josh Smith assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups.
Josh Smith no it’s not - it’s Swedish engineered and built. It’s actually a very tunable engine too especially if it’s a T5. Only drawback is the pcv problem
@Josh Smith dude you don't know much about Volvo's if you think that, prior to being bought almost all their engine offerings were developed in house. primarily all their cars came with two engines, the b200 series red block or the five cylinder that was used in fwd cars starting in the early 1990s. Volvo only outsourced development of their diesels, which were only a small fraction of the cars they actually sold. even their six cylinder engines were developed in a joint venture with french automakers. Volvo's prior to the buyout almost have entirely swedish built and designed engines
Nothing wrong with these C30s if they are maintained as with most quality cars. They last a long time. 135k on my R-Design I bought new in 2011 with normal maintenance to 125K, and I am keeping it, plus I added at least 80 bhp and 80 ft.lb. not so long ago. For the first time: changed the belts and assoc. parts, timing belt and so on, battery (actually 3rd battery), breather box, and normal maintenance like fluids, plugs and filters. Upgraded the suspension (quality upgrade not a significant drop at all), turbo control components, intercooler set, downpipe, some other components and so on, added a tune. $4k in total (intercooler, suspension, tune being more than half of that; in fact the comprehensive service without performance parts may well have cost around $1000 (parts only; not OE but OEM/similar Bilstein on the suspension)). I effectively now have a new car a lot quicker and better handling than it was new. Very reliable and happy with it. Was my first Volvo, my wife now drives an XC60 T6 Drive E (excellent and I can service it should I need to) and I likely will get a Volvo SUV in the future, but also keep the C30. I am keeping my eye on their offerings!
The issue with the accelaration are not the CVs, are the engine mounts, a tipycal issue with the 5cyls on Volvos.
Coming from being a s70 owner, go nutz with the c30! 2k suspension and a mild tune/exhaust get ya near 300hp on a modest budget
If you can find a steering wheel (and maybe a new clock ring) with cruise control you should be able to get cruise on this car, you will just need a reflash of the ECU from a dealer to turn it on. Most modern cars (07 and up) are setup from the factory to have features but they are omitted by the factory depending on trim level. If nothing else it is worth looking into to see if it is possible as it will up the resale value, and nothing ventured nothing gained.
The Ninja needs his own channel
He already has one. Check out Velocity Garage!
Dumb Yank, lol. Nobody "needs" to have a TH-cam channel.
How many felt like you were watching hoovie with his cheapest car in the world routine .
Acceleration shake on these high mileage c30s are usually the motor mount and possibly the cv
Leave the CV joints for last. After all the bushings replaced, you might find the CV’s are fine. 150k miles doesn’t seem like a lot. The CV boots are still good too. In my experience, replacement CV axles are never as good as the OEM.
got this car as rental once, was very impressed, fun to drive, and smooth and quiet for a hatchback
I only paid £950 ($1,307) for my 2008 manual 1.6 Petrol C30 a month ago. It had a few cosmetic issues. But I was able to repair them for under £100. It also has cruise control and it drives perfectly. I don't seem to have that issue with the indicators either. All in all, I definitely got a bargain, because it may have 116k on the clock and is as slow an aging snail. But I didn't buy it for speed. I bought it for it's looks, and for what I paid, I love it. Sorry you got all these issues with it dude. 3k's a lot to spend on a car with so many problems.
Your video working on the S60 brought me to your channel, been a sub ever since! Keep up the good work!
I have the V50 - estate version of this platform. On the same miles as yours: the front wheel bearings were toast when I got it.
I changed my struts all around with Koni STRT's. Not too expensive and worked great. Every oil change I dumped 3 quarts of ATF and replaced with new. After about 3 times the ATF looked a lot better.
I had a 2009 C30 R Design with the m66. Such a blast to drive, and would go anywhere and with decent economy if you weren't getting on it. It sang the sweet 5 cylinder song of Sweden to many cars who didn't expect it
Oke it's now 4 years later when you post this video. Im living in the Netherlands my c30 is made in Belgium yours too i think. Software for the ecm to get Cruise Control is here 250 euro is about 275 dollars. I added the cruise control buttons myself in the steering wheel. ( Carefull if anyone wants to do this, there is a special way to add them without errors later on)
I now have a working cc and i love it.
Is it my understanding that this Volvo is built on a Ford focus chassis? I know these are terrible in gas consumption , but the 5 cyl sound is really nice.
I actually really appreciate you making the videos on this car, I’ve got some of the same issues on my s40. I’d also love to see this car lowered on some aftermarket wheels!
I had a Volvo that used to shake awful like a CV axle issue. Replaced both of them and still had it. Turned out to be the passenger engine mount. They often look fine but usually separate rubber from the mount and often look fine on inspection until you jack the engine up off the bracket
I love this channel because I'm from Kansas and want to get into automotive and this guy helps show you don't have to work at a shop to be a mechanic
"terrible noises coming out of the rear end" hehehehe
Needs lube?
So it went to Taco Bell?
@@Liowen or had Busch's Brown Beans.
@@I_am_Allan That or had Hormel's chilli sauce.😂
Followed by terrible smell's
Hey so pro tip from someone who races and wrenches on their C30, just replace the control arms and bushings as a unit. You will need to airhammer the old bushings off and it is possible you will damage the control arms also. They seize together which makes it much easier to replace them together.
Man, I feel really good about my 08 C30 T5 that I got for $3,600 after watching this. Nothing wrong with mine, few small dings here and there. No repairs needed, runs great. Got it off a Volvo mechanic would rebuilt the engine after someone overheated it. New heads internals etc.
Keep in mind that knock in front end is almost for sure the sway bar bushing. Great thing is that the budding do NOT spare from the bar! You have to replace the WHOLE sway bar!! Volvo used a ton of recycled rubber for the “good other environment.” So it all goes bad. Ball joints and strut too. Good luck!
The 2032 batteries usually show 3.2 volts when they're new but shart to fail to operate things when the voltage gets down to 3 volts so maybe you do need a new battery.
I had a 2007 t5, cosmic white / java brown. Such a beautiful car.. you either love them or hate them, designwise..
I upgraded mine to step 3, more or less everything besides changing turbo.. full exhaust, intake, software eft ect..
upgraded swaybar front and rear mine already had a 2 cm spring lowering from factory. Heck it went!
Around 300hp on the crank, original 220 if I'm not misstaken.
allthough she was a little to heavy to really do great- brake upgrade is a must when you start pushing up the power imho..
But no doubt a funny little car ;-) if you'd go all in with the ford focus to turbo you'd be in for a nice ride ;-) about 400 hp on the crank without messing with the internals, thats not too bad.
The vibrations could be a bad engine mount. Had it with a lot of my Volvos. If you decide to get more power out of it... Shim the engine. Otherwise it's going to crack the liners.
Tell me again why most car companies stopped making cars like this?? I'd buy this in a heartbeat over any CUV or SUV on the bland market right now. Can't wait to see this thing fixed up! 🍻
Mine had 230k when the engine blew a rod, the oil filter/pvc leaked all the oil out, check that,
and my sons V50 had the plastic water tank leak and it overheated.
Awesome looking cars, I think I need to keep mine, put new engine in it, they are FAST cars, geared to take off and crank the boost immediately. And love the swoopy roofline.
Good luck with it.
The inner cv joints can sometimes be swapped from right to left as a temporary fix for the steering shake under acceleration. The torquey motor in this C30 is the same as in the Ford Focus ST. Both are notorious for eating through inner cv joints.
Yeah the interior and the "Waterfall" look didn't come untill 2008 with the body style change on the V/XC70, the next upgrade interior wise for the V/X platform came in 2014 with new rear lights and new entertainment system in the front with upgraded dash aswell
So, if this is the "Twilight" car, I guess that makes the R8 the "Fifty Shades of Grey" car?
You can enable cruise control with VDASH also. It’s not free but lot cheaper than enabling it with ”official way” with Vida
The Focus ST has exactly that engine from Volvo. I am a proud c30 t5 owner for the last 5 years already. Absolutely love my car
Check the passenger side engine mo uh not. .
The signal combination switch will require a shop with volvos Vadis to update software for the new switch( $20 for software. Plus labour). Put the largest battery you can fit, these cars have issues with lower capacity batteries. Any questions, just ask..I've worked on a lot of these.
This generation Volvos were built during the Ford ownership. Basically only the V70 was any good and you still see a boatload of them on the road here in Sweden today. Also some models were built in Belgium and not in Gothenburg and the Belgium built models are almost always worse in quality.
The shifter blind will be a fairly easy install, only took me like 30 minutes on my V50, just make sure to put it in right side up. As for the key, my car gave me a warning on the dash when the battery was low, so maybe the circuit board in yours is shot.
The color is awesome already, but thank god you said another blue. Keep her blue!
Looking forward to the next E46 video as well.
I own one of these cars.
Common issues: CV axles (you called it), the PCV valve (do it, even if it seems okay), and cracked coolant tanks. Other than that, they’re pretty solid reliability wise.
Must do mods: a Becker eBay exhaust really sounds nice (throaty, doesn’t drone too bad), intake (elevate or DO88), bigger intercooler (DO88) and a time (Hilton does a nice job).
It would behoove you to get a Volvo Vida Dice unit. Might help with adding the cruise control. Don’t quote me on that though.
Oh, and the polestar blue would be awesome.
Most annoying issue I’ve seen so far is that the car is tied together with fiber optic wire. You can’t really upgrade the head unit with anything modern. That and the doors may break your legs if the wind catches it.
***hilton Tune
Programming requires the VIDA, which is the OEM tool. But to change any software, you need to be connected to the mothership, so pretty much only the dealership can do it.... Well a 3rd party Volvo specialist may have a subscription to Volvo's system.... Also, if you need OEM that FCP doesn't have, TASCA pretty much has the cheapest parts. Lastly, you probably already have control arms, but Mevotech control arms are exactly the same as OEM (at least on a 2008 XC70) but hella cheaper.
The blue is cool already , don't need to be another....in my opinion
Near dead batteries will read correct voltage with no load. Those disc batteries are rechargeable as are nickel cads even though they say they are not - just monitor the temp while recharging.
If it was the R-Design or something like that, I’d consider the strut assembly with lowering kit, but most likely, this is going to become a teenager’s first car, so I’d just replace it with what was originally on it.
Don't think we've forgotten about the John Deere 420. I need closure John Ross
I believe if you hit the unlock button 3 times your windows all roll down before you get in the car ( that’s how it was on my s40 t5, I noticed yours looks Exactly like mine except yours is hatchback obv).
I also know where you can get a GRAY r design steering wheel, new in the box for less than $300 if you choose that rout. One last tip. Volvo charges a premium for parts....cross reference EVERYTHING with w/ Mazda Speed 3, and Focus RS.....many, many, MANY common parts.
Always liked the C30 looks. I must be the only one. My vote would have been CV, too for the wobble. I think JR will come out good on this one. Car is solid, and I agree you’ll be cheaper than 100% Jake. Admittedly us Volvo guys are biased.
Whiteline has a great lower arm mount for those fronts! I vote to save money for nice stick shock/strut replacements.
the most common reason the magnet on the shifter get broken is because the plastic carrier piece is really easy to put on wrong. make sure you double check when you install it so you don't snap it off when "shifting"
Those rear shock absorber mounts break completely at the top and make a horrendous noise when the wheel basically starts moving back and forth over bumps, I’d replace them before they break completely, they’re relatively cheap parts.
Good thing the blower fan works. Hell of a job to get to it !!!!
JR, I’d love to see you get your own garage, that’d be a dope addition to the channel down the road. It would be really cool to have your own place to store, and work on your cars!
VIVA Performance has some nice suspension options. Also, don't forget about the PCV.
Cheapest? Hmmm, I recently picked one up for $550.00. 82K miles. Ran and drove fine but needed $700 in cosmetic repair after a deer hit.
I read about that crash, driver was drunk driving home from a stag do.
I picked up one for $500.00 so I beat you
where the fuck do you find one for 550 lmao.
So it was totaled?
Dunno man that's a nice blue the car has already
It is, but the clear isn’t long for this world.
I enjoy the planters nuts and chocolate trail mix as well.
I would expect motor mounts to be a problem at that age with bad struts - you will end up replacing suspension but check mounts before you replace axles (which are notorious for needing replacement and everyone says to go oem). Btw the air box is a royal pain in the a- to remove so plan on using elevate to replace it - you don’t want to put original back in... and check thermostat housing while there - it’s famous for leaking. Last, the timing belt is due at 120k - so i predict you will be doing full timing belt and seals, water pump etc before this is all over. Looking forward to it!
That noise when spinning the tires are most likely the dust should behind the rotor. I work at discount tire company and see that alot
Nice look at the Mazda 3-5, Ford Focus, Volvo C30 Platform. I have a 3 and a 5. Front control arms bushings does not last and will make you steering shake. All 4 shocks have to be replaced, but at least, they are cheap. Replace the 2 rear shock upper support. They tend to crack and they make an horrible rattle noise. Of course, the 4 link kits have to be replaced. It is strange that of all the cars who used this Platform, only Volvo is a luxury brand and the interior looks way cheaper and worse than the Ford or Mazda one. As of the 5 cyl. engine, I don't know if it is good or not, I only know about the 2.0L and the 2.3L engines, who are very reliable.
To add the cruise control software you might need to get a Vida Dice device and Vdash. It will be a lot cheaper than what the dealer will charge.
I’m only three minutes and 45 seconds in but I can already tell you that you cannot program that with an Autel. The software download comes from the Volvo bookstore website which requires a VIDA subscription. You can only do it with VIDA & a DiCE
it uses an eps pump so there is no belt for the steering btw
refreshed at the right moment
Nailed it 💪
@@WatchJRGo where do you sale your cars when you are finished. From East Texas
Used turn signal stock on eBay - easy to replace. Sometime you can simply clean the contacts inside them.
Pump is probably a Ford part as well you guys got the Focus ST in the States?