850 T-5R what's it worth

[andykleeman]

Hi All,

I am considering selling my much loved 850 T-5R, she's served me + the family very well but after a camping trip this summer even the wagon is short on space and I am considering buying a van instead. 3 kids, dogs, bikes, tents = thinking a 6 seater van with lots of space in the back is gonna better meet our needs...

Which leads me to my question - what do you think it's worth?

850 T-5R in Black, Automatic
Approaching 270,000 miles

Drives Faultlessly. 12Months MOT, just passed, needing only a tyre and an anti-roll bar joint replacing.

I've owned 3.5 years and in my ownership have :
replaced timing belt and water pump,
PAS steering rack and pump,
PCV system,
fuel pump,
discs and pads,
termostat,
battery
a few mounts, and some plastics.

Previous owner looked after well and I have a massive folder of paperwork big things are :
Gearbox
Suspension all round
Axels

All electrics work - heated seats, windows, air con etc etc

Seats and carpets in decent condition.

Photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/chLKuzYLBJxan7Je8

To-do's on my list are:
- fusebox cover, rear center light cover and a couple of plastics under the engine slightly damaged - on my list to get a price from Volvo for these (have sourced lots of parts directly from Volvo in Pirbright in my ownership - they can still supply most things, cambelt guard and cover replaced for example).
- I thought it had a slight oil leak so put into Volvo Pirbright to diagnose, they found was from the Turbo return pipe but very minor - I purchased the gasket and seal to do myself but have not got round to it yet.
- fault code reader wire broke when checking codes a month ago and needs soldering or replacing.
- original radio has become temperamental and sometimes refuses to pick up a signal, the CD player in the boot still works so I'm suspecting it's an ariel connection somewhere but yet to find time to investigate.

Paintwork - previous owner had a cheap? repair done and the paint on the bonnet is poor. Bonnet and mirrors really need repainting. Otherwise there are a few other spots around the car that would need bringing up to A1 condition.

I've seen prices go up for 850r's, but generally they have lower millage than mine, perhaps around 150K miles = £7/8K.

I don't expect mine to be worth that much, even if mechanically it could be an equal or better car, having been looked after well - the mileage will scare many potential buyers away.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Shinsplintz 101]

In its favour, its T5r, and well maintained by the sounds of it.

Against it, its an auto, high mileage & a bit shabby cosmetically by the description.

Anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So personally id stick it on a well kbown auction site with a sensible reserve (say 3k)and let it run.

[DaveNP]

If you're not in a rush, watch the well known auction site for a few months, search 850 T5R and select 'completed listings' that will show which vehicles sold and which didn't and give you a better indication of what they actually sold for. A dozen people can list a T5R for £10k but that doesn't mean they actually sell for that much.

[andykleeman]

I listed it so I guess I'll find out soon enough :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-850...4/274079318676

[shepcobain]

Originally Posted by Shinsplintz 101

In its favour, its T5r, and well maintained by the sounds of it.

Against it, its an auto, high mileage & a bit shabby cosmetically by the description.

Anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So personally id stick it on a well kbown auction site with a sensible reserve (say 3k)and let it run.

The poor guy will think it's worth £3k now. Based on description, I can see how you came to that valuation. However, looking at the eBay listing, I personally wouldn't pay more than £1200 for it.

[Diego67]

Well it made reasonable money to be fair !

[Gonzobard]

£3k on the nose, I believe.

[Volvo6]

I think £3k is fair in the current market - it's more than it would have been a few years ago perhaps, but then loads of the more interesting 90s cars have increased in value recently.

If you aren't too worried about a car being a bit rough around the edges and don't mind doing a bit of DIY mechanics, then it's still a lot of car for the money.

As others have said, you do see some ads asking silly money now, even ones that have quite high mileages. For a low mileage manual with good bodywork perhaps, but they are never (IMHO) going to be up there with a similar aged BMW M car for example, which is what a few sellers seem to aspire to.

What do people think is a fair price for a really sorted one at the moment?

[Shinsplintz 101]

Originally Posted by shepcobain

The poor guy will think it's worth £3k now. Based on description, I can see how you came to that valuation. However, looking at the eBay listing, I personally wouldn't pay more than £1200 for it.

The days of half decent £1200 Rs is over. They hit the bottom of their depreciation curve about 2yrs ago, plateaued and are now on the bounce. Its a brave new world. Embrace it.

They are never going to go for silly money like the ford retro scene, but they are going to climb in value - which is needed to ensute the marque suvives in the longer term. Nobody in their right mind is going to sink thousands into restoring a car thats is worth pennies.it has to make financial sense. No matter how much you love them. Otherwise sit in you back garden burning tenners. It'll be more cheaper & less aggravating!

[Bob Meadows]

I would agree in principle:~ But I’m always surprised when I see the likes of Ford escort basic models going for very rich prices- plus many other basic cars. I have a 240 owned for approx. 3 years and I know that it couldn’t be purchased for a lower price now- my first car purchased for £55:00 in the early seventies (still have it) has moved way ahead in terms of value.
The V70 is 20 odd years old now but it is a one owner- under 65,000 miles- all the documented service history you could wish for, this one will take some time to get my money back but I don’t buy classic cars for making money- Far better advantages to be had! Get the best you can and enjoy the ride you may or may not get the monetary value back.
Bob.