My son is selling his 2004 Punto 1.2 Active privately, and it is just coming up to its 36,000 mile service, but it has not been done.
I realise that there is no right or wrong answer, but to all of you "private buyers" would a car that is serviced appeal to you a lot more than a car that hadn't been serviced, so much so as to make the difference of coming to see it? I realise that I can negotiate a price drop of £120.00 or so for the service, but would it be good value for money getting it done, or probably a waste of money in your opinion?
The other reason that I am dithering about getting it done is just in case it doesn't sell and we end up going down the e-bay route or even auction. My son is a bit strapped for cash and £120 wasted is a significant amount for him to lose.
|
On a just over three year old car, on 36k miles, a service stamp in the book will easily recoup its price in the sale price and help sell the car.
|
Yes, I suppose thinking of it with regards to its age you're probably right.
Thanks.
|
If you don't service it, prospective buyer might think that there is some problem you're trying to hide (especially when it is just out of warranty). He may also ask you to service it first.
So probably servicing it will be a better idea.
Edited by movilogo on 28/01/2008 at 11:38
|
|
On the other hand .... if I were buying a car like this I would rather have the £120 etc to get the service done myself - as I would want to examine & "baseline" any car I buy. So if the service was done before sale, it would likely end up being serviced yet again after I buy.
|
The 36,000/4 year service on Puntos is extensive; it includes the timing belt and tensioners. I had this done before I sold my 8 year old Punto and it helped seal the sale with the first buyer who came to inspect it.
Knowing the cost of the work, I wouldn't buy a FIAT that didn't have the service done, but I'd also want to see proof that it was done properly by a garage that knew what they were doing - so look for an itemised invoice and show it to prospective buyers.
|
Thanks for the replies everybody.
I will probably get it serviced and then there can be no problems with that.
Thank you.
|
|
36K service for £120 .....please show me the garage. Its a middle service not just an oil change. I would expect it to be higher.
|
"Just serviced" looks good in the ad and if it's a properly documented jobbie with a checklist and invoice, is reassuring for the buyer.
That said, I sold our old Polo which was due a cambelt in 1500 miles, and the buyer haggled a fair price (£200 IIRC) off for his trouble. He said he'd prefer to save the cash, have it done himself and know it was done right than trust a possibly forged invoice or dealer stamp. He has a point, IMHO.
I guess it depends on the type of buyer interested at the time.
Cheers
DP
|
|
|
