For Sale: 1997 Volvo 940 Celebration (2.3LPT)

[James_N]

For very reluctant sale is my Volvo 940 1997 Celebration (2.3LPT)

I have owned this car for 6 years since 18th June 2011. Since then it has been a reliable, dependable, good solid work horse. This car has been well used by me. It’s been to Le Mans a few times, its helped me move house twice, it’s been the usual load lugger, it’s done pretty much everything with the minimal of fuss.

I’m only selling this because the Mrs says we can’t afford to maintain two cars! So this has to go.

I’ll start with the bad things and even the really small picky bits, so if you get to the end of the advert, then you must still be interested! I wouldn’t want someone to come and view, to find out I’ve missed something out, no matter how small

Bad Bits

Front brake pads are down to the metal. So will certainly need pads, and probably front discs as well

All four tyres are borderline illegal, so will need a set of tyres on

Bodywork not perfect – scrapes on rear arches, drivers side wing mirror scratched (thanks to an old woman who tried to knock it off – hence the electric adjusting mechanism isn’t perfect. It will move up and down, but not left or right, I suspect the mirror needs to be taken out and reseated)

Airconditioning – This has worked well for the past four years. I have to have working aircon in a car. I had it regassed 4 weeks ago and it worked great until I parked the car up for a few days, and after that, it didn’t. I suspect there is a small leak somewhere, but it has worked really well for the past four years or so when I had someone give the system a good going over and replaced some pipework, but over the past few weeks, it hasn’t worked but when I had it regassed a few weeks ago, it was ICE cold and worked very well.

Bulb fail light on the dashboard – This has been on for a good 12 months. There are no bulbs out and has passed its previous MOT like this.

Rear boot space – Car has been well used. The carpet on the boot space is ripped, and there has been some paint spilt just inside the boot space. Some glue would repair the rip adequately and some elbow grease should remove the paint. I will work on this at the weekend as I have some free time, so I will try and improve this. Rear boot light hanging slightly ose (I tried to fit an LED light in there which works but doesn’t come on when the boot is opened
for some reason. Not sure why)

Interior trim – all in good condition, apart from a clip has broken on the left by the heater control, so sometimes the wood trim just comes away slightly. It will push back in, so you can’t tell. The screws that hold the cig lighter tray in are missing, so this can be pulled out but again, you can’t tell unless you do actually pull it out! It just needs a few screws in to secure it, again if I get chance, I’ll do this.

Engine – In good shape, but seems to tickover quite low sometimes and stall occasionally when approaching a junction. This has only started happening over the past few weeks after fitting new electrical items. Doesn’t affect the car that much and it still runs sweet.

Gearbox – car sometimes slips out of 5th gear when slowing down. So maybe leaving a motorway, it sometimes slips out. Doesn’t happen very often but worth mentioning.

Good Bits
Interior and seats all in good shape. No tips, tears or damage. Just slight wear on drivers side bolster (to be expected after 20 years) but all the rest are in good shape. Comfortable as they should be. Both heated seats work as they should. There is no damage or marks to speak of, apart from the door pocket on the passenger side door card is cracked.
Electrics – All the electrics in this car work. Heated seats, electric windows, electric mirrors (apart from drivers side issue described above), heated rear screen, all dashboard instruments, fuel gauge, switches etc, everything works.

Dog guard present. Clip that holds it to the back seat missing.
Celebration wood trim all present.

Exhaust – Just had a whole brand new CAT back system on it. It’s a few weeks old and cost £140

Engine – Runs very sweet. I have done nearly 50k miles in this car. Recent work include:

New Duracell Battery fitted March 17 (5 year guarantee – receipt included)
New Crankshaft sensor (£36)
New spark plugs (NGK BP6ES) - £12
New Bosch HT leads - £24
New distributor cap - £25
New rotor arm - £5
Antifreeze renewed - £5

The only job to do now is replace the oil and filter, which I have and will include with the car (Crossland filter and some nice Shell Helix 10w/40 oil).
I have receipts for all these parts and they have all been fitted recently in the past few months.

Car had new handbrake cables in November of last year.

New boot struts last year also.

Towbar fitted, worked when it was last used, no reason to think it doesn't work now.

Last cambelt was November 2012 at 150 odd thousand (will confirm this is correct and post back)

I have receipts and paperwork for the car. Original manuals and service books and even details of the first owner. Old tax discs, various service history etc. Please see the pictures.

I would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere. In terms of maintenance, it doesn’t need that much spending on it, however, the tax and insurance is due (November and December) and at this time of year, I can’t afford that.

It’s a good car that just needs brakes and tyres and it will be a great daily runner, as it has been for me up until this very point and it is a very reluctant sale.

I have posted it for sale, and only here for a few weeks. I would rather sell it to someone from here who will take it and look after it, rather than someone who will break it up and banger race it. Its far far too good a car for that to happen.

It needs some work, but I believe if someone from here comes round, drives it, sees what its like, they will have it. I guess that brings me onto the next thing of price. The car to me is priceless! But I have to price it to take into account its faults, so I was thinking somewhere around the £350 mark considering It needs 4 tyres (£200) and front discs and pads (probably somewhere around £80). If I am way out, I’m sure someone will be quick to point this out.

Due to the front brakes being down to the metal, I’d suggest tailoring it away unless you are localish. I’m happy for any buyers to come round, take it for a drive, any test is welcome. I have nothing to hide and have described the car as accurately as possible. I have been a forum member a long time, and have bought more than one car off here! So I believe in being honest and I’d love someone from here to buy my car.

The private registration (L5 NOL) will come with the car. Feel free to check MOT history on the gov website.

The only other thing is, the car is still registered on the V5 at my dads address. I am happy to do the deal from there if it makes the buyer more comfortable. Also, this car is listed on the V5 as an import. Originally purchased in Germany and then imported over here. Original owner was in the army but this is a UK spec car. Some insurers are funny about imports but I have no issues with Tesco or Aviva in the past.

I have two keys with the car but only one immobiliser fob. I can't find the other one presently but will keep looking.

Anything I have missed out, or any questions, please let me know by posting here or by PM. I will post the pictures of the car up later tonight as I’m posting this from work currently.

Many Thanks
James

[James_N]

Pictures:

If anyone wants any higher res pictures, or pictures of something i haven't snapped, please let me know

[Smugpython360]

Hi James where abouts are you as I'm very interested

[deeman940]

Bargain, got to be worth that all day. GLWS. worth more in bits! best colour too...

[James_N]

Originally Posted by Smugpython360

Hi James where abouts are you as I'm very interested

My location says Stafford but currently based in Uttoxeter. I can either drive the car over and meet at my dads house where the car is registered, or more than welcome to pop over to my house in Uttoxeter

Ive had one PM about the car already, just waiting on a call back.

I agree its probably worth more in bits but i dont have the time or the knowledge to start breaking it, and to be honest, its a bloody good car, so i probably wouldn't sell it like that anyway. Some front brakes, and a set of rubber and it will last someone many more happy miles

Thanks
James

[mocambique-amazone]

I stay too far away for bad luck. If this would be offered on the continent, next morning U will stay in front of your door james. Good luck with this, bad luck for me. Regards, Kay

[bluestu]

Bit of a "Billy Bargain" this estate, I bet the new battery was the thick end of £100.
I really need to get my 740 turbo estate up and running again!
GLWTS but I doubt you'll need much luck to sell this estate.
Stu

[James_N]

Thanks guys few bites but still for sale at the moment

[scooters]

Originally Posted by James_N

Thanks guys few bites but still for sale at the moment

James, I'll buy it. Pm sent!

[BigMon]

That's a bargain for a lovely car.