Got myself an 850 SE

[Cookeh]

Remote fob chirping suggests one of two things in my experience. Either a low battery in the fob, or it not being properly programmed to the alarm system in the car.

Car is looking great, and reminds me that I really need to sort out my exhaust tip. Fantastic finish if the former. Ride height is spot on too, in my opinion.

[4x4]

Looking good now, is that V70 rear light on it?

[RaelG]

Thanks guys for the kind words.

I'll look into the battery suggestion, although I thought I had used a new one when I installed it.

John...yes sir they're V70 items, I much prefer the cleaner look although I do understand the "in period" look too.

[RaelG]

Today’s update is...MOT passed yay! Some predictive maintenance was carried out beforehand on some anti roll bar thingies and a pass with no advisories was the outcome...result! Double bonus is it doesn’t knock over bumps anymore!

In other news...

I’ve replaced a load of the dashboard switch lights including one of the heated seats, the headlights, hazard lights and fog light switches and it’s now wonderfully clear and bright. I got some little LES bulbs off eBay then using the legend that is Robert on YouTube’s video figured out how to change the bulbs which was remarkably easy I’m happy to say.

I’ve fitted my rear parking sensors with partial success. I think the car is sitting fairly low so the sensor is sensing the ground, or it could be the exhaust I’m not sure. Anyway I’ve ordered more little plastic things to help angle the sensor a little more up, hoping that will help.

Still not looked into heated seats or the key fob blipper apart from testing the blipper batteries and they are fairly dead. Problem is they were new when I tried them so now I’m wondering if somehow the fob has “eaten” them, but let’s see. Duracell batteries are en route.

[Volvofreak2]

Great job, nice volvo! Congratulations for the MOT!

[RaelG]

Crikey time flies doesn’t it?! Not been back to this page for a long time but there’s been plenty of things done and a decent amount of driving and enjoying the car too.

But the purpose of my post today is to share with you an admission and a decision I’ve come to; I think it’s time to sell up. It’s our 4th car and as such a bit of a luxury, and really I’m just not using it very much.

So the question is, where to sell it and how to sell it? It’s been a number of years since I’ve sold a car privately (as opposed to trading in) so I’m a bit out of touch. I’m also all too aware that it’s a bit of a marmite car in that it’s been modified and won’t therefore appeal to all tastes. There’s the option of having all new suspension fitted to replace the coilovers, but I’m not convinced I’d get anywhere near my money back on that endeavour. Do I pull the wheels off and sell separately? Same with the spoiler, tail lights and side lights?

Welcome any thoughts or suggestions chaps and chapettes 🙂

[amazondean]

It would be good to see some up to date photos to get a proper response on any ideas about the car and price. I would rather have the original 850 lights and side repeaters because they are harder to find and more expensive than the V70 versions. It does look well from what i have seen. Selling privately you may be disappointed in its actual value, as dealers over price everything and seem to be happy to hang on to them for eternity.

What do you think its worth?

[ITSv40]

The unanswerable question.

If it was me I would look at sold items on ebay for similar spec and condition cars, then decide the bottom price I would be comfortable selling it for and then advertise at a higher price to give some wriggle room.

That is what I did when I sold my Silver Cloud after 33 years of ownership. It resulted in a hassle free sale and a price I was happy with.

[RaelG]

I doubt it’s worth much at all to be honest, it’s a 25 year old car after all so I doubt I’ll get thousands for it.

I’m completely happy to be open and say I paid £625 for it in July 20 and since then I’ve put around £1500 into it which is a combination of repairs, general maintenance and upgrades. I am of course aware that some of these add no value at all but given the work done has meant it has flown through the last two MOTs with no advisories I believe the perceived risk, and therefore potential value, attached to the car is now improved versus the day I bought it.

Good idea about updated pictures, I shall give it some care and attention this weekend and get the most recent photos which will include the repainted black inserts on both bumpers.

I suppose my preference would be for it to go to a loving home, an enthusiast, as opposed to ending up haggling with people.

Thanks for the comments 🙂

[4x4]

If you look on eBay, Car & Classic, Autotrader the prices are all over the place, what sells these cars is condition. There are plenty rough ones available at silly money, a few good ones at strong prices and a couple of excellent ones at crazy prices.

I would expect you should get what you've spent and maybe a little more if you're willing to hold out for the right buyer and at the very least you should get your money back