FOR SALE - 1997 Volvo S90 3litre 204bhp auto

[capt jack]

My 1997 Volvo S90 will be going up for sale shortly, and I thought I'd start by testing the waters on here before heading for Ebay and Autotrader.

1997 S90 3litre 204bhp automatic saloon, in Nautic Blue pearlescent with cream leather interior.

• 137,000 miles.
• One previous owner, from new until 2018, then mine since then. I've done a little under 50,000 miles in the car. The car still has its dealer sticker and number plates.
• MOT until the end of November 2023, with no advisories.
• In my ownership new front wishbones have been fitted, new front callipers, new brake pads all round, new handbrake shoes, and most recently a brand new Nissens radiator.
• The car starts and drives with no issues.

The interior is pretty good, very clean, with a little of the characteristic door car wrinkling, but not excessive. The drivers seat is worn around the bolster, all the other seats are in superb condition. The car is pretty much original:

• Beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel in very good condition
• Glass tilt and slide sunroof, which works fine.
• Original Volvo radio cassette player, with wiring for a CD changer in the boot.
• Original Volvo overmats in excellent condition.
• Air conditioning which does run cool, but isn't as cold as it was last year. I'm tempted to say a recharge is probably all that's needed!
• Original alloy wheels, with good tyres, and an unmarked full size alloy spare.
• Electrically heated and adjustable mirrors.
• Heated front seats.

Externally the bodywork is pretty good and it polishes up well, bearing in mind that it is almost 27 years old.

The engine ticks over smoothly and drives effortlessly, the gearbox works as it should. There are no obvious fluid leaks and no untoward noises. The car came to me with a fully stamped service book, and I've changed the oil myself each year since then. The car uses no oil between changes.

For someone looking for a "usable modern classic" with some scope for improvement this car certainly fits the bill, if you've a taste for a super-smooth 3litre straight six automatic.

It will be for sale because I'm starting a new job in a couple of months time which will involve a 60-mile per day commute. I will need to change the S90 for something a little more frugal. I have topped 30mpg on a run, but realistically the car averages around 25mpg in daily use. As a family we could do with an estate car, and so will be looking for a newer V70 or XC70.

Price wise, I'll be looking for something around the £1750 mark. Do you think it's saleable, and am I being realistic in my price expectations?

Thanks

Jack