First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Cleaned up the garage, found parts laying around, but it turned out to be a complete Volvo 480? If you want to sell your car (480 only) you can place an advert here.

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Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Sat Aug 18, 2018 12:45 pm

Hello fellow forum members,
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This is a difficult post to write but, on balance, I think perhaps the best options available as things stand for my 480S and me going forward. Following some heart-searching and reflection, I think it may be time to part with the 'Extra-Marital Car' (my wife's term for my 480). So, I thought I'd put some feelers out on here, to see if anyone might be looking for a reliable daily driver with some interesting extras (roller cover, tow-bar, extra spare alloys etc) before chancing the arm on more traditional means of selling..

The car will be known to some of you from last year's rally and meet up at Derwent Water - a shiny (original paint) 1.7 litre 'S' with 46839 or so on the clock (and good history to back this up). Others may have seen the thread I posted telling the story of her rescue and light restoration prior to getting back on the road (viewtopic.php?f=23&t=35086&p=209645&hil ... es#p209645) which has good photos of the work undertaken and the car pretty much as she is now.

She passed her MOT yesterday, with only one advisory, following repairs necessary after standing idle in the garage for nearly a year - rear caliper needed freeing up, exhaust joint needed sealing, a broken front coil spring was replaced. The advisory was for the (typical of the marque) windscreen crack, which is not an MOT fail as it is not in the driver's view.

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My reason for considering selling is that with the arrival of daughter number 2 last year, an imminent house move and loss of garage mean both that the car is going to get less chance of being used for the foreseeable future than even last year, and she is likely to be exposed to the elements (not good for these old ladies!).

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The paint job on the repaired arch (driver's side) isn't the best (as you can see) and was a DIY effort by me. However, the rest of the paintwork is original, and would probably benefit from a full respray (beyond my capability at the moment) at which point the rest of the minor dings and imperfections (there are a few - well she is 24!!) could be dealt with easily. Ideally I'd like her to go to an enthusiast, and feel she would be an excellent 'daily driver' for any 480 nut looking to reduce their reliance on a more cherished car..

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She is in great condition for her age (1994), with a very very clean interior, good body including arches and doors, plus she has had lots of mechanical and electrical work in the light restoration (cam-belt & water pump, starter motor, coil pack, window regulators, Brinkie-instrument panel overhaul etc).

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I've probably spent north of £1600 on her in the past couple of years, and ideally would like to cover costs, but would be delighted to hear (via PM) any offers that you might feel are fair. I'm happy to answer any questions, arrange test drives and all of that - just PM me. If you don't want to make an offer, I'd also be interested to hear what you think she might be worth.

All the best!

Martin Mc
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
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Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by jifflemon » Sun Aug 19, 2018 9:21 pm

Very sad - But understandable.

Have you posted to the facebook group too?

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Mon Aug 20, 2018 10:06 am

I'm not on Facebook, so no, not as things stand. I'd have no problem you making a link though..

Many thanks!

Martin
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

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jamescarruthers
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2501
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:19 pm
Location: Cambridge

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by jamescarruthers » Mon Aug 20, 2018 3:48 pm

Sorry to hear this Martin.

FYI, I recently sold my blue one ‎on Car & Classic. I think this is te best website for selling classic cars.
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:14 pm

Cheers James!

I'll probably go the Car & Classic route if I can't find an enthusiast via here.

I am gutted in many respects, as the car is almost a family member, but the prospect of watching her deteriorate on my new drive, rather than emerge butterfly like each spring from the garage is too painful to contemplate.

I'll be running around in her for the next few weeks though, so anything could happen ;) Here's the current mileage & car just post MOT..

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All the best!

Martin

Date tested 17 August 2018
PASS
Mileage 46,838 miles
MOT test number 9172 6217 1071
Test location View test location
Expiry date 16 August 2019
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Date tested
15 August 2018 FAIL
Mileage 46,837 miles
MOT test number 7504 3929 6276
Test location View test location
Repair immediately (major defects):
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases joint (6.1.2 (a))
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))
Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))
Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit (4.13 (a) (ii))
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Date tested 15 September 2016
PASS
Mileage 45,489 miles
MOT test number 8828 6724 6410
Test location View test location
Expiry date 14 September 2017
Advisory notice item(s)
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp does not illuminate (5.4.2)
Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)
has damage/crack to windsreen but not in swept zones

Date tested 15 September 2016
FAIL Mileage 45,488 miles
MOT test number 8955 0866 4533
Test location View test location
Reason(s) for failure
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Advisory notice item(s)
Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp does not illuminate (5.4.2)
Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)
has damage/crack to windsreen but not in swept zones

Date tested 17 September 2013
PASS
Mileage 44,132 miles
MOT test number 6795 4006 3217
Test location View test location
Expiry date 16 September 2014
Advisory notice item(s)
Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
exhaust slighty corroded

Date tested 3 September 2013
FAIL
Mileage 44,132 miles
MOT test number 7677 9654 3242
Test location View test location
Reason(s) for failure
Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)
Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Advisory notice item(s)
Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
exhaust slighty corroded

Date tested 13 February 2012
PASS
Mileage 43,075 miles
MOT test number 9470 1464 2063
Test location View test location
Expiry date 12 February 2013

Date tested 24 July 2008
PASS
Mileage 41,445 miles
MOT test number 4207 7650 8265
Test location View test location
Expiry date 26 July 2009

Date tested 25 July 2007
PASS
Mileage 32,600 miles
MOT test number 3511 0610 7211
Test location View test location
Expiry date 26 July 2008

Date tested 25 July 2007
FAIL
Mileage 32,600 miles
MOT test number 7209 6690 7219
Test location View test location
Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Advisory notice item(s)
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
Front Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Date tested 12 July 2006
PASS
Mileage 30,718 miles
MOT test number 9917 8319 6146
Test location View test location
Expiry date 26 July 2007
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

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brinkie
480 Connoisseur
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Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:20 am
Location: The Netherlands
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Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by brinkie » Tue Aug 21, 2018 2:18 pm

Martin Mc wrote:
Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:14 pm
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You have to nudge the speedometer needle up a bit, otherwise you'll be driving 5-10 miles faster than is actually displayed. I can recall clearly I have worked on this instrument cluster, it won't give the new owner any trouble for years to come.

Sad you have to part from her, but understandable! The reason I got myself a 480 was actually that I have 2 kids, my previous "extramarital" had only 3 seats and I already secured a place in a parking garage to protect her from the elements. Otherwise I would not have bought an old lady for sure.
Robert.

Present cars: 1994 Volvo 480 GT 2.0i, 1999 Volvo S70 2.5 Europa, 2010 Volvo V70 2.0F Momentum

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Tue Aug 21, 2018 3:49 pm

Hello Robert and greetings to a trusted 480 Expert!

Thanks for the insight on the speedo needle - I've resisted taking the instrument panel off again as every time it comes off I seem to break another part of the cluster and frame. However, I think it would be worthwhile having a go at this before she goes to someone else, then I can feel ultra happy that I've done my best by the car whilst she has been under my care.

Best regards

Martin
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

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dcwalker
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1522
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:30 pm
Location: York

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by dcwalker » Fri Aug 24, 2018 7:54 pm

Hi Martin

Sad news after all you've done, but understandable :(

Having seen it at the Derwent Dam last year, I have to admit I am tempted to take it off your hands...will PM you.

Best wishes

David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!

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dragonflyjewels
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 1584
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 10:38 am
Location: Norfolk

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by dragonflyjewels » Sat Aug 25, 2018 8:18 am

Christmas present for Lee perhaps?
Sylvia

Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo

no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Sun Aug 26, 2018 5:33 pm

More than happy if she goes to a real aficionado, David! I'll look out for your PM.

Loads of spares to go with her too..

Martin
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

Martin Mc
480 Rookie
Posts: 457
Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 11:57 am

Re: First Refusal (Forum Member Offers Invited)

Post by Martin Mc » Fri Aug 31, 2018 7:39 am

Hello folks,

I've reduced the price on Car & Classic to what I've put into the car, excluding purchase price and subsequent MOTs. As a result I've had a nibble, but this has yet to turn into a firm offer / commitment.

Was out for a drive in her last evening, in glorious sunshine around the narrow lanes near where I live - very tempted to keep her, I must admit, but the lack of a garage going forward is still my main worry. Time will tell!

Anyway, if there is any interest from Forum members,now is the time to squeak up! :)

Martin
1991 ES White / 1995 ES Red / 1995 ES Red / 1994 S Black / 1995 Celebration Red / 1994 S Paris Blue / 1995 Celebration (again!) Red - Currently free of all extramarital cars, wrench-loose and fancy free :)

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