Looking for a 480 to buy!

[carpediem2206]

Hi everyone,
I’m selling my Metallic Grey 2002 Mazda MX-5 after only 1 month of ownership as it’s simply too small and confining.
I’ve decided I really, seriously want another Volvo 480! I’ve owned 3 over the years and love them above all other cars I've ever owned! I deeply regret selling my Paris Blue 480ES 2.0 and the 480GT 2.0 in metallic Green. I spent a small fortune doing that one up... I keep coming back to them! Does anyone have one for sale in good running order and preferably rot/rust-free or at least minimal? Left-Hand or Right-Hand Drive - I don't mind as I'm moving to France in the foreseeable future!

N.B. I'm not interested in automatics or the Turbo versions.

Serious replies only, please. I’m located in Saltburn by the Sea, Cleveland, up on the northeast coast 16 miles from Middlesbrough and 5 miles from Redcar.
Many thanks in advance.

[Martin Mc]

I spent a small fortune doing that one up... I keep coming back to them! "

Reminds me of that old line, "How do you make a small fortune?" - start with a Large Fortune and buy a Volvo 480!"

Anyway, good luck with the search - there are some decent cars out there that have not been driven into the ground, although many of them are the money pits of good folk on here, so unlikely to be coming to market (although you just never know, as my recent experience with Nilani and my own Paris Blue demonstrated).

It helps that you've been specific in what you don't want (automatic, turbo), but other than that, are there any other criteria that are important (e.g. colour, condition, MOT, history)? I expect you are scanning the usual suspects (Car & Classic, Gumtree, eBay, autotrader, exchange & mart etc), and ignoring the clearly befuddled folk who are peddling examples for silly money.

There is a retired gent locally (East Lancashire) who was zipping about in a late red RES up till a couple of years ago, but who I haven't seen on the roads for a couple of years. I'll put some feelers out if you like?

Good luck!

Martin

[brinkie]

Left-Hand or Right-Hand Drive - I don't mind as I'm moving to France in the foreseeable future!

N.B. I'm not interested in automatics or the Turbo versions.

That's a pity, I know a mint condition low mileage Turbo automatic for sale in Switzerland, probably the best 480 money can buy. Somewhat cheaper: a rust free 480 2.0 manual in Two Tone paint which originated from France.

About moving to France, you may want to read this.

[carpediem2206]

Hi Brinkle,
Any details and price or even a link for the rust-free 480 2.0 manual in Two-Tone paint, which originated from France?

[brinkie]

Unfortunately, the car sold this weekend. It went in good hands though, the new owner already drives 480.

The cars presently on sale in The Netherlands that meet your search criteria (non-turbo manual) are not worth mentioning.
Maybe this one, a model year 1988 car without catalyst but -very rare!- with airconditioning! Also an import from France, but the price is pretty steep. I have been in touch with the previous owner and the story checks out.
https://www.autoscout24.nl/aanbod/volvo ... 346db89327

[MisterH]

Unfortunately, the car sold this weekend. It went in good hands though, the new owner already drives 480.

The cars presently on sale in The Netherlands that meet your search criteria (non-turbo manual) are not worth mentioning.
Maybe this one, a model year 1988 car without catalyst but -very rare!- with airconditioning! Also an import from France, but the price is pretty steep. I have been in touch with the previous owner and the story checks out.
https://www.autoscout24.nl/aanbod/volvo ... 346db89327

€5500 is very high, do they generally sell for that much over there?

[brinkie]

They don't sell for that. The ones that are currently for sale in the +5k price bracket have been advertised for years.
I've just worked on a 480 Collection 2.0 automatic (the German counterpart of a Celebration) to rectify a few faults, estimated 90k miles on the clock, very nice paintwork, Burgundy red without peeling clear lacquer, Taurus rims with good tyres, rear lights show fading but that will be shiny after a good polish, extensive service history and overall it just feels like a solid car. Only a little rust showing up at the nearside wheelarch. It does have some typical 480 faults in the interior (dashboard surround and door cards), but overall a car I would not hesitate to buy.
I told the owner, who is reluctantly selling the car (needs both space in the driveway and in the head - I can understand that!) that he should look at a final selling price of 2500 Euro.