T-5R time to go (sadly)

[Timmilne]

Following on from my previous post — two weeks into the ULEZ extension and it's pretty clear, my Gul T-5R Estate is going to spend most of the time parked, unfortunately. The added ULEZ factor has added a layer of decision-making I can't be bothered with.

So, my dilemma is — do I spend some money fixing the things that need fixing, namely:

– new valve guides (it's a bit smokey)
– paint the rear tailgate (two small bits of rust along the top edge)
– fix the heated seats (new elements)

Or, shall I sell it as is and let the new owner take care of these?

It's an Auto, with 136K miles (15K in my ownership is little more than a year), with a well-documented history (full main dealer servicing until 2016).

Bodywork is good (other than the tailgate), original paint is faded in places. Interior is pretty much unmarked. Brand new Michelin Pilot 4s on the front, same on the rear (15K miles ago). 305mm discs on the front, braided lines all round. Timing belt / PCV all done and stage 0 service. Other than the heated seats, everything works

What do y'all think I should do?

[s1monc]

I don’t think you will have any trouble selling it unless it’s a complete dog. I’d just sell as it is. You won’t even need to advertise it really being a Gul it will just sell when someone sees this post!
Re the heated seats, it’s normally wires broken away from the thermostat in the seat pad. Neither of my heated seats worked. Took me about 30 mins per seat in situ. I doubt it needs new pads.

[JohnM 855 T5R]

Originally Posted by Timmilne

So, my dilemma is — do I spend some money fixing the things that need fixing, namely:

– new valve guides (it's a bit smokey)
– paint the rear tailgate (two small bits of rust along the top edge)
– fix the heated seats (new elements)

Or, shall I sell it as is and let the new owner take care of these?

I feel your pain and angst on this. If you are sure selling is the best option for you, my feeling is

Valve guides (assuming its the cause as with your mileage, its very premature for those to be at fault) - if they are REALLY smoky, then I would be tempted to fix before sale as the cost of fixing Vs the loss of sale value would probably work in your favour. I'd get D&A to give you a quote. Probably in the region of 6 hours labour @ £60/hr plus VAT and the cost of guides, seals and gaskets.

Rust spots and paint fading. Again, rust/paint issues usually really detract from value. If you have a good local repairer, it's likely (from what you describe) that you wouldn't be looking at painting the whole tailgate. And a light machine polish all over would also bring the paintwork up like new and deal with any fading. (Mine was done before I bought it and the paint is now "minty fresh".) I think again, the cost Vs sale value would work in your favour. I'd budget about £ 450 to £500

Heated seats. Don't bother, it won't make any difference to value.

As to what its worth - with the engine and paint sorted, its history and it's mileage - its a desirable beast. Most Guls are over 200K miles now, so 136K is a good 'un. I'd be tempted (given it's an auto like mine) to be thinking £14,000 to £16,000 if all the fine detail on interior and underbody is good. For the doubters on here, I've had more people than I can count stopping me in car parks and petrol stations almost begging me to consider selling, so there is clearly interest and demand. (I turned down an on the spot offer of £14.5K)

Regards
John

[Timmilne]

Thanks, John, that's encouraging

I'll speak to D&A and get it up there — not massively convenient for me in London, but he knows what he's doing. You're right, it might not be the guides — it's not hugely smokey, but the MOT people were a bit unsure about it — so I'll see what D&A say.

I also agree about the tailgate — it spoils what is otherwise good bodywork and I'm sure the rest of the paint will come up nicely. Then it'll be a decent example that will befit its low miles, impeccable interior and interesting history.

It's such a shame, but I've realised the (ULEZ-friendly) Abarth Spider is going to get all the mileage and it's daft to keep the custard car just to look at (nice as that might be)

[Luxobarge]

Regarding the smoking, mine does that a bit but only when the oil is fully up to the max mark. A third down from max or below and it's fine, so now I just make sure I don't top the oil right up just before an MoT like I used to! I seem to recall that this is born out by the experience of some others on here too. Just a thought!

[400-ascona]

Originally Posted by Luxobarge

Regarding the smoking, mine does that a bit but only when the oil is fully up to the max mark. A third down from max or below and it's fine, so now I just make sure I don't top the oil right up just before an MoT like I used to! I seem to recall that this is born out by the experience of some others on here too. Just a thought!

Interestingly I was told by a dealer (well I read it on a notification stuck to the wall in their parts area!) that Volvo recommended not filling to the max on early D5 engines. I wonder if they had seen similar issues to that which you refer to for these earlier designs?