What would you do?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sun 23 Jan 2005 17:08
What would you do? - johnwharrison
I was at a car lot today, and noticed that they have a v. nice volvo S40 sitting there for £2495.

My car is a 1998 Astra(newer shape) R Reg 1.6 CD 16v with 104000 on the clock

The volvo is 1999 T reg, leather int, climate control, cruise control.... the works... only drawback is it has done 127000 (ex fleet car, FVSH up to 97000)

I can have the volvo for my car plus £200

what do you guys think?
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Sun 23 Jan 2005 17:28
What would you do? - trancer
If you like the Volvo then £200 is not much to pay for getting what you want is it?. Having 23,000 miles more than your car shouldn't really be a concern and even if it has never been serviced since 97,000 miles, one would imagine that the big stuff like cambelt (if so equipped) would already be done and a couple missed oil changes (if it has missed them) won't be a problem if you get the schedule back on track.

Sure wish I could find what I wanted for £200 more than my car is worth 8-)
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Sun 23 Jan 2005 17:35
What would you do? - DavidHM
I'm not a huge fan of the S40 - it's not as good as the prestige name would suggest and you probably won't find it any more spacious or sharp to drive than your Astra.

However I would say that £200 is a reasonable price to change between the cars. Personally I wouldn't bother - better the devil you know, etc., - but if you really, really want an S40 then I wouldn't say not to do it because the difference is really quite small.
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Sun 23 Jan 2005 17:51
What would you do? - johnwharrison
honestly, i like all the toys the volvo comes with... i know there is more to go wrong.... but they are much better when going right!
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Sun 23 Jan 2005 23:00
What would you do? - BrianM
Its usual for dealers to offer low trade-ins and put a premium on the cars they are selling - this is understandable, as they need to make money somewhere.

For £200 you'd be getting a newer car with a better spec, plus Volvos do have a reputation for being well made and long lasting. If the Volvo has been valeted and serviced and comes with a full MOT and any kind of warranty, I'd say it looks like a cracking deal! Also, if its got newish 'quality' tyres, they could be worth nearly £200 alone.

Brian
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Mon 24 Jan 2005 06:20
What would you do? - cheddar
1.8 S40's weren't sporty, 2.0's were better though neither engine was very sweet. Your Astra will have a crisper engine and be more fun to drive.
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Mon 24 Jan 2005 17:26
What would you do? - somebody
I rented a new S40 and it was absolutely terrible. At any kind of speed the front felt like it was floating off the road. Cramped inside too. I'd keep the Astra!
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