Help with viewing a car

[Kirstee1982]

Hello,

I don't know if this is the best place to post this, but I wondered if anyone lived in Wellinborough - I've seen a 340 for sale there that I really want but it's going to be hard for me to go and check it out as I'm away for the weekend. I wondered if any kind person might be able to give it a quick once over for me?

Thanks all!
Kirsten.

[Chris_C]

It's a great looking car, but I'd worry why a dealers isn't putting an MOT on it. The rear numberplate panel looks a bit sketchy, but that's not MOTable, I would check the sills and anywhere near suspension with a fine rust hunting toothed comb.

[Kirstee1982]

Thanks, Chris. *Apparently* it doesn't have an MOT because it has been garaged for the last 4 years. They dealer said he would do the MOT (at extra cost, of course!). Thanks for your input!

K.

[SteveP]

It looks a tidy car... judging by how clean the rest of the car is I'd be surprised if the number plate panel isn't just dirt (the number plate itself looks abit dirty as well). Get them to MOT it and it'd probably be a good buy

[Kirstee1982]

Hi Steve!

Thanks for that - it does look in very good nick. It's on Ebay and the auction runs out middle of next week and I don't think I'll be able to go see it in time - do you think it would be foolish to buy without seeing it?

Cheers,
K.

[volvosneverdie]

- do you think it would be foolish to buy without seeing it?
.

Buying blind guide:
From a V3M member - id say no problem.
From a dealer - I wouldnt recomend it. Seriously.

[Kirstee1982]

Hmmm...that's what I thought. Might just have to let this one go.

[volvosneverdie]

Hmmm...that's what I thought. Might just have to let this one go.

I know it costs quite a lot of money, but you could always commision an AA inspection or similar?
a V3M member recently paid BIG MONEY for an 'immaculate' 340 vario from a dealer via ebay. and the entire back pannel turned out to be completley rottern. It was a low milage example, and looked the business in the pics:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Volvo-340-Automat ... 3ca7a99d58

[SteveP]

Do you think it would be foolish to buy without seeing it?

I'd kinda agree with VND... However as it is on eBay it is also a little safer. You're not tied in to buying the car if it's not as decribed in the listing. If they will be willing to put an MOT on it, there can't be much wrong with it. Failing that I am in the area next weekend if it's still for sale!

[Kirstee1982]

Wow, scary! I saw that car and it did look pristine. Unfortunately I have a tiny weeny budget so don't think I can really afford an inspection, but good suggestion.

Thanks for the offer, Steve! I'll see what happens...

[volvosneverdie]

Failing that I am in the area next weekend if it's still for sale!

I dropped enough hints and you never bit.
Might have to change my name to a female variety.

[griffo20022]

Very suprised that grey one had rot on it! I thought it was gonna be like concourse shiz! Ashame that!

[macplaxton]

I got a cracker, but it had sat for some five years, so it was wheel cylinder / flexis / caliper seals / master cylinder and an exhaust downpipe. Cost about £100 for those and another £100 at mate's rates for his time and trouble. £50 MOT (first time pass) and a £125 for tax. All adds up. Buy a car with a bit of ticket. as it sometimes gives you some breathing space rather than spending all at once.