Volvo S40 - repair/sell questions

ionapaul

Hi all,

Any input into my situation would be welcome.

I've a 2005 Volvo S40 that I want to sell as I'm getting a car from the North later this week. Here's my ad for reference: https://www.adverts.ie/car/volvo/s40/2005-volvo-s40/15165707? (happy for any feedback on this too)

Anyhow, there are two issues before I can get it successfully NCTed:

1) Two worn wishbone bushes
2) Wheels not aligned

Obviously I'd like to sell it with a valid NCT and even have someone interested, but they only want it with the NCT disc.

I contacted a garage for a quote to sort the above and they got back with €400 + VAT. I believe I might be able to get €1k+ from the interested party after passing the NCT, but it would require them to maintain their interest while it's in the garage, which isn't a guarantee

Would anyone know if a) it is possible to sort the issues above for less (the quote I got seems really expensive to me but I'm guessing is made up primarily of labour costs) and b) if I just try to sell 'as is', I'll get at least €600 for it?

Or is there no market for cars without an NCT these days? I already feel like a bit of a fool getting 3 month's tax for it two weeks ago!

Buffman

ionapaul wrote: »

Would anyone know if a) it is possible to sort the issues above for less (the quote I got seems really expensive to me but I'm guessing is made up primarily of labour costs) and b) if I just try to sell 'as is', I'll get at least €600 for it?

Or is there no market for cars without an NCT these days? I already feel like a bit of a fool getting 3 month's tax for it two weeks ago!

There is a market for no NCT cars but you'll be taking a big hit on the value, the tax will make it easier to sell but IMO you won't get the full value of the tax back. You might get close to the €600 for it as a fixerupper with the tax. Most of them Volvos have decent spec like leather seats and cruise control which yours doesn't, so that might work against the value slightly.

If you want top price for it you'll have to get through the NCT, so do shop around and get a few quotes on the cost of those repairs. You'll have to decide is it worth the hassle and cost of repairs and NCT for what could only amount to €1-200 in the difference at the end.