What’s it worth

[Kev0607]

I was browsing through AutoTrader & come across this car (linked below). It looks clean & tidy from the pictures, the MOT history looks very good too.

So, is this car reasonably priced? What’s the maximum it would be worth? What are the common issues to look for/to go wrong on this particular model?

Thank you.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...02105152668888

[Kev0607]

Oh, air con is a must. Does this model have it? I can’t tell from the pictures.

[turboboy]

Two things immediately jump out at me.

Service light is showing.

Reading the write up it has had four, not two owners (although seller is up front about its history and perhaps means it has has been owned by two families?).

Also, as Kev0607 suggests you check for A/C, check it actually works.

[Kev0607]

I think the seller has been fairly upfront about that. Even if it has had four owners, that’s not bad in 24 years!

So what’s it worth? Does this model have air con?

“Service” on dash. What does that mean? Is that an engine management light, or does it just mean it needs an oil change?

[john.wigley]

How long is a piece of string, 'Kev0607'? It might be worth that to someone specifically wanting an S70 of that age, condition and provenance.

Almost five years ago, I bought an early 2000 (V) V70 with 118k up from a dealer for £550. My air conditioning is marginal. The service light comes on at start up but goes out after the required interval even though the car has been duly serviced. Of more concern is that the EM light randomly comes on from time to time, but does not appear to adversely affect either performance or economy in any way. My garage tells me that it is most probably a borderline sensor and to not be overly concerned about it.

On that basis, I would say that, in my opinion, the example that you reference is overpriced by several hundreds of pounds.

Regards, John.

[turboboy]

Something is worth what someone is willing to pay.

I would suggest that £800 is a reasonable asking price, subject to viewing and everything being O.K.

You have to factor in that a) a saloon is not as popular as an estate and b) it has the 10 valve engine which is again not so desirable as the 20v.

With the above in mind it will probably only attract local interest as, personally, I wouldn't travel far to view a car unless it was something I really wanted, but then again if you are looking for reliable transport on a budget and it is within easy reach then it is always worth viewing.

Personally, the asking price appears about right, but if I was in the market for one I would be looking at paying around £600.

[turboboy]

Missed your question about the service light.

It is just that - the car requires a service and the light resetting. Which service depends on what has been done on previous services.

It could be just oil & filter but it could also be timing belt, serpentine belt, plugs, points etc. and can only be answered by checking the service history against the mileage and dates.

[Laird Scooby]

Is it just me that thinks this or does that car really look "down at heel"?

A little bit uncared for, nothing i could definitely say that it's been neglected as such but likely to need a fair bit of TLC on lots of silly things that should have been done as a matter of course.

If i had £800 to spend on another car, i'd look for something that seemed more appealing at first glance.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Is it just me that thinks this or does that car really look "down at heel"?

A little bit uncared for, nothing i could definitely say that it's been neglected as such but likely to need a fair bit of TLC on lots of silly things that should have been done as a matter of course.

If i had £800 to spend on another car, i'd look for something that seemed more appealing at first glance.

Exactly my thoughts^^^^^^^ It is basically an old gas guzzling saloon and an auto to boot. Apart from a Volvo enthusiast looking for that specific spec it will have little appeal in the general second hand market.

[john.wigley]

I think the consensus is that you could do a bit better than this, 'Kev0607'. An asking price of £800 does seem a little on the high side for this particular car, but, in fairness, what can you get for such a sum these days? Go shopping for a new bicycle and one could easily spend that and more.

Coming back to the car in point. If I were the seller, I would put a year's ticket on it (to make it more saleable), and then advertise it at £695 in the expectation of 'shaking' at somewhere between 500 and 600 pounds.

As a potential buyer, if I particularly wanted a saloon, and subject, of course, to the aforementioned MOT, I would be prepared to offer £500, but expect to 'shake' at somewhere between that figure and £600. Result. Both parties satisfied that they have secured a good deal - isn't that all that really matters?

The early S/V70s are now at the bottom of their depreciation curve. This is good news for buyers but not so good for those looking to sell. I fully expect to have to almost give away my V70 when the time comes; but, by then, it will not owe me a penny!

Regards, John.