What is a very low mileage old car worth?

Dermo123

Folks

Just looking for realistic value for a 2000 reg VW Bora with a genuine 20K miles. It is 1.4 comfortline spec and dark blue colour. Car drives as new but NCT due this month and drivers electric window needs repair due to usual vw issue with this era cars of broken clips on runner.

It is belonging to an elderly gent whose family are thinking of getting rid. Asking prices on Carzone and Donedeal vary widely but none really are comparable due to mileage difference.

Thoughts???

johnos1984

How often was it serviced?

PCPhoto

problem is there are too many "low ballers" out there you will never get what you consider a fair amount.

Dermo123

Good question. I believe he took it for an annual service regardless of mileage covered. The timing belt cover is marked up as T/B kit and w/pump 17,115. Does not say date.
The tyres are new, spare is unused with original dunlop tyre. Boot looks like it was never opened since new. Oil looks fresh. My instincts tell me it was looked after from a servicing point of view.

Atlantic Dawn

Maybe 15-20% more than an average mile one. Problem with it being 10 years old it needs an annual NCT and this will put buyers off. If theres no service history to inficate it's been serviced annually its worth what a high mileage one with history is worth.

Dermo123

So is €1,500 too low a value, too high or about right?

bazz26

I'd doubt the low mileage will add much monitory value over one with average mileage. It may however make it easier to sell, get it NCT'd though as that will counter act the low mileage and put alot of folks off.

Broken window motor might be sorted with a trip to a scrap yard.

Dermo123

I appreciate thoughts and input so far but I was hoping someone would just say a figure. I know a 12 year old car with 20,000 miles covered will have more age issues and deterioration than a 4 year old car (obviously not a Bora) with 20,000 miles. So does 15 to 20% over and above the usual value realistic if I was to offer them money for it. Would €1500 be fair or should I offer them more or less. They are friends of mine and I am not trying to "low ball" them. It is that no one seems to know what it is worth, me, them or anyone I have spoken to so far.

miller50841

Hi hows things I am in the trade and its really now down to you. €1500 sounds cheap but remember it is 11 to 12 years old I would honestly try get it as cheap as you can but try not to give much more then price said. It would be a great selling point having such low genuine miles let me know if you need more info.

maidhc

Dermo123 wrote: »

So is €1,500 too low a value, too high or about right?

I would buy it on the spot at €1,500 if I was looking for something cheap and reliable. It still isn't so cheap as to be low balling the seller though.

You should buy it though. It is rare to get such a car. I don't buy into the "serviced regularly = low miles thing" Cars wear out, and while time can perish the rubber, it is miles are the main culprit. If it got a TB and water pump on an age basis you can be pretty confident it is has been looked after.

johnos1984

maidhc wrote: »

I don't buy into the "serviced regularly = low miles thing" Cars wear out, and while time can perish the rubber, it is miles are the main culprit.

Actually a car covering many miles will probably get longer out of the rubbers (in terms of miles)as they will be kept supple by constant vibration. Cars parked for long period or used on short distances will suffer from hardened and perished rubbers.

For example my passat has covered 140k odd miles, it's a 2006 model and has never had any suspension work

unkel

maidhc wrote: »

If it got a TB and water pump on an age basis you can be pretty confident it is has been looked after.

That is actually a very good point. I wouldn't pay €1,500 for it myself as I believe you can buy a much nicer car for less money, but I have no doubt many others would buy it! Clean old VAGs, Fords, Toyotas and some other run-of-the-mill cars do have a strong following here.

If it was mine to sell, I'd have the drivers window repaired, put a fresh NCT on it and put it up for sale for €1,995 and wait...

..... the old lads Hyundai is 13 years old and has less than 40k miles, apart from tyres, oil, filters, plugs, timing belt, thermostat and battery its as it left the factory. All suspension and CV boots etc are original.

Dermo123

maidhc wrote: »

I would buy it on the spot at €1,500 if I was looking for something cheap and reliable. It still isn't so cheap as to be low balling the seller though.

You should buy it though. It is rare to get such a car. I don't buy into the "serviced regularly = low miles thing" Cars wear out, and while time can perish the rubber, it is miles are the main culprit. If it got a TB and water pump on an age basis you can be pretty confident it is has been looked after.

Yes I think that is what it is worth to me. I will put that to them and they may let it go or decide to keep it for extended family to use. Thanks for input from everyone