Can I Modify This Car? (Volvo C70)

activ8newbs on 15/12/2017 - 23:41
Last edited 16/12/2017 - 11:22

Hi Ozb,

I'm not a petrolhead. I have an old car, and it's time for an upgrade. My budget is about $25,000. I'd like a convertible, but would settle for a sport coupe.

Been thinking between Nissan 370Z, BMW Z4, Audi TT or Peugot RCZ - Each approx 2008-2010 model.

Lately I came across the Volvo C70. Beautiful car for under $20k. I'm pretty much settled on this because of the price, convertible, more than 2 seater practicality, and safe.

Looks wise it could do with a bit more reform. I would like to add nicer looking sharp white led lights, and maybe lower the car and any other nice looking modifications that will enhance aesthetics.I'm not concerned about performance.

If I can adjust the looks of the car to make it look more modern, I would purchase it. Can I do all this, and how much will it cost approx.?

Something a bit like this:

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volvo-C70-2010/S…

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Volvo-C70-2006/S…

Thanks

EDIT: I still haven't received an answer, despite the many responses below. Thanks for the responses nonetheless, however Can I modify the car once I buy it (or pay someone to), and what can I modify and how much can I expect to pay?

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • Marcsie on 15/12/2017 - 23:51
    +2

    Mazda MX5 :)

    • mskeggs on 16/12/2017 - 01:09
      +1

      I have owned (disclosure, still own one) silly convertible cars. So I can appreciate the fun in the sun desire to tool about in a convertible.
      A few elements I would suggest you consider:
      Top down in heavy traffic people are very forthcoming about their opinions about your driving and choice of vehicle. Like, very abusively.
      Nobody ever lets you in if there is traffic
      People are cruel to you in car parks.

      I share the desire to tool around with the top down, and we own a ridiculous old Peugeot that despite its auto transmission just rides so low and sticks to the road so well it is a joy to drive. I dream of a rear wheel mx5 when the stars align and they are “throw away” cheap and I have dollars to indulge.

      I would not ever buy a soft top for my daily commute car, it adds more stress than the fun top grants. I drove one for a few years and every moment in traffic was a double misery.

      • mskeggs on 16/12/2017 - 01:33
        +1

        I should also say that driving on the open road with the top down is actually one of my greatest pleasures, and I enjoy it all the more because I know how financially dumb it is. I put the top down, throw some kids and their mates in the back seat and coast about sometimes for just the pleasure of running around feeling nice!
        I never get any joy from driving my sensible car.

      • whooah1979 on 16/12/2017 - 07:05

        Top down in heavy traffic people are very forthcoming about their opinions about your driving and choice of vehicle. Like, very abusively.

        really? why would other motorists have a problem with convertible?

        • toristo on 16/12/2017 - 08:26
          -1

          Tall poppy syndrome.

          Ever seen how people get around cyclists? Some people just want to see the world burn.

      • pegaxs on 16/12/2017 - 23:06

        Top down in heavy traffic people are very forthcoming about their opinions about your driving and choice of vehicle. Like, very abusively.

        What absolute garbage. I have owned a lot of different convertible cars in my time and have never had anything other than thumbs up or total indifference. Generally, other drivers don’t care what you drive, just so long as you don’t drive it like an utter tool.

  • Yttrium on 16/12/2017 - 00:03

    Why do you care what your car looks like ? no one gives a shìt about what your car looks like.

    And why are you trying to impress people by spending money ?

    • xoom on 16/12/2017 - 06:18
      -4

      Need you be reminded of the need to getting into the $80k high yielding investment.

      NOTE: Job at westpac as financial analyst a requirement.

    • Ares98 on 16/12/2017 - 06:55
      +3

      that's not for you to decide he's asking for help so either help him or just don't say anything

      • Yttrium on 16/12/2017 - 14:10
        -2

        Keep your $X,000 and don't bother making your car look pretty.

  • adr8 on 16/12/2017 - 00:08

    I wouldn't lower it looks good as is, but if you do decide to then I recommend also getting short travel shocks to match the lowered springs.

    Just changing to lowered springs without changing the shocks to suit can quickly damage the OEM shocks because they keep hitting the bump stops and then you might find you will need to replace them anyway.

    Also look up the legal height requirements in your state, in Vic it is 100mm so don't go too low.

  • zuuutoootuuu on 16/12/2017 - 00:15

    Don't waist money on ebay light upgrades, choose a car that's worth modding to improve the drivability (handling and response), otherwise just pick a car you like the looks of from the factory and leave it stock.

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2017 - 09:09

      Ebay LED replacement gloves for headlights are probably not legal as they are not manufactured to meet the design spec for the car, they also tend to only look better looking at the car, but don't let you see as well as regular globes.

      Besides, being an up-spec Volvo they probably already have Xenon or HID lights. The two listed have Xenon, which is a more white light already

  • shadowarrior on 16/12/2017 - 00:18
    -1

    Want an awesome car which you will enjoy driving? BMW 135i…. You can find one within your budget.

    • activ8newbs on 16/12/2017 - 11:20
      -1

      That's a good recommendation -thanks!

      • shadowarrior on 16/12/2017 - 13:20

        Even though they have a convertible, but I preferred their coupe version. It was way more lighter hence superb in handling. It will do nice comfy long trips as well as spirited driving. Both the n55 and n54 engines are amazing and have their own pros. Even though you are not a petrol head, but this car gets you similar performance as the M series. As usual for any used cars, get a thorough check up done before purchasing from a mechanic. Call your nearest bmw service centre and ask how much they charge for a pre purchase check on a beemer.

  • Kangal on 16/12/2017 - 00:25
    +1

    Why not a >2014 new-model WRX ?
    Practical and sporty. Won't age as badly, great Japanese build quality, should retain value a little better (if you care for that stuff).

    And if you want to go bananas later on and rice it out, it's definitely community supported from that point.

    The STi is slightly out of your reach here, but the new 2L Turbo FB20 Engine in the WRX is great, and a good competitor to the aging old EJ257 in the STi. So it's got potential.

    • mskeggs on 16/12/2017 - 00:47
      +1

      Convertible?
      Edit: sorry, you are right convertible isn’t essential
      WRX would be a fun choice on challenging roads where you can open up, like a cop chase! :-)

  • SPCTRE on 16/12/2017 - 01:05
    +2

    Don't modified unless you want to become cop bait.
    They hand out defects like free candy.
    And if you still end up modifying your car, make sure it's reversible and keep stock parts when you need to clear defects.
    Buy a dashcam to record all interaction with cops. Eventually your gonna have a run in with those on a power trip and will try get you for anything.
    If cbf with the hassle, leave the car stock.
    Good luck with your car choice

  • RobMel on 16/12/2017 - 06:06

    You might also want to look at one of these beauties.
    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-CL…

    Great drive.
    Smooth, fast, also great for cruising, decent factory sound…love mine

  • Baysew on 16/12/2017 - 08:53
    +2

    Can I Modify This Car?

    I'm not a petrolhead.

    =No

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2017 - 09:06
      +1

      Don't buy a Volvo convertible and try to make it look better. Volvos (in Aus at least) are not sold to be cool.

      Sure, you could buy some aftermarket wheels, but that's about it.

  • Peck on 16/12/2017 - 10:23

    I live in Eastwood (Sydney). If you know the area, then you will know why I would like to put a loud horn into my car. Is it possible, and would it void my new car warranty?

  • spackbace on 16/12/2017 - 12:25

    Buy a hard-top, not soft-top, unless you love insurance claims.

    • activ8newbs on 16/12/2017 - 12:26

      I agree. Hence considering Volvo C70

      • spackbace on 16/12/2017 - 12:28
        +1

        Ok so to answer the stuff:

        • Yes, you can lower it. But drive it first! Own it for 6 months before you do. Lowering can make it a lot more uncomfortable to drive (depending on the amount you lower it by). It stiffens the suspension and means you feel everything.
        • Typically you can't easily change the headlights and still stay within ADRs. I mean, you can do it, but the 5-0 might not like you
        • Car audio replacement in a Euro can be really difficult. A lot of the time they're very integrated with the car (a/c controls etc). You might be able to upgrade the speakers, add a sub, but will be difficult changing the head unit

        If you buy one of these from a dealer, have a good look at an extended warranty - if that roof screws up, you're gonna be out by a large sum of money!

        • activ8newbs on 16/12/2017 - 12:34

          Very good advice - thanks heaps.

          Can I ask:

          • How much will it cost to lower? I aim to only lower the car slightly - enough to give it a sporty look?
          • I want to change the lights to modern looking lights with sharp white LEDs. How much could that cost and why is it so difficult?
          • I'm not overly worried about sound system. Surely, it can't be too bad. Ideally I would love to add a small tube subwoofer in the back which I imagine should cost less than $500 installed.

          Thanks

        • Euphemistic on 16/12/2017 - 16:39

          @unistudent1:
          1. Don’t bother lowering it. As a convertible is a ‘spirts’ model they already look fairly low. Suspension mods for a Volvo in Aus could be pricey as it is an unusual model to modify.
          2. The headlights will already be bright white if they are xenon. Not worth ‘upgrading’ to make them be less effective just for looks
          3. Try the sound before you upgrade, but replacing the speakers with ‘better’ ones might help.

    • activ8newbs on 16/12/2017 - 12:27

      Also, I was really hoping you'd add some input. I love reading your posts on Car-related topics.

      Do you know anything about aesthetic mods? E.g. lights, lowering, aftermarket sound etc.?

  • itsdougie on 16/12/2017 - 18:09

    Would you go with a Merc SLK kompressor but is only a 2 seater. Really who cares the extra passengers can uber to the destination ;)
    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-SL…

  • Crown3d on 17/12/2017 - 12:30

    Youre not a petrol head, yet youre looking at 370z and m4 bmws?

    Anyway, dont lower it, the ride will be harsher, and put stress on all the other suspension components, i.e. Bushes linkages control arms etc

    However, if you wanted to, for some silly reason, expect to pay up to $600 for springs, vagie guess, but considering its a vovlo cant imagine parts being easily attainable. Then youre gonna need shocks to match, another $600-$800. Then your gonna need some to put em in… another $400-$600. The ride will be shit 90% of the time apart from when you go for spirited rides. Which will be once in forever. If that

    Dont bother with led lights, but yeah you could probably replace them, sure $200 for decent phillips LED's on ebay. Simple enough to install yoyrself.

    Soynd system should be decent in there, but as someone else has mentioned, euro cars can be painful to swap.

    My opinion has always been the car manufacturer probbaly knows gow to make the car better than you, so why bother?

    Anyway, goodluck !

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