The power steering plumbing burst a leak yesterday, and though it got me home OK, I don't think it's driving anywhere without a new rack installed. I've done this job once on my 240, and it was a PITA. I don't have the free time in any case. The shop wants $750 to do it (rack + labor + alignment), and after I get it towed there, I'm looking at around $900 all said and done. I think it's too much for a 225K-mile beater I bought for $500 and already drove for a couple of years. Plus which, it's due for a timing belt and seals and a tranny flush, the cooling system leaks very slightly, the windshield is pitted, the sunroof doesn't close well, the power antenna doesn't work, the driver's door handle is wonky, the driver's seat is worn out, and there are a couple of rust spots.

Reading that last sentence, it may sound like I'm a neglectful owner, -- but I've kept the oil clean and and the flame trap unclogged, and I just did a brake job, so it runs and drives wonderfully.... but in the end I wasn't planning on keeping it forever, and I think the day of reconing has come.

So I need to sell it, but how? Am I better off parting it out, or just selling it for next-to-nothing to someone who wants a project? I really do like the car, so I'd like to do the right thing and maintain my good car-ma in the process if possible ;-)

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'92 245 5-speed, '92 944 GL auto

Thanks for all of your replies... I'm considering giving it away to a friend. If they're not interested, I'll put it up on the BB classifieds list for $500 OBO. If that doesn't work, I'll give it away to one of those charities that collects used cars I guess.

TV is right, since I don't have the time to fix the steering, I don't have the time to part it out, as tempting as the idea is to have fun taking the whole thing apart.
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'92 245 5-speed, '92 944 GL auto

You have to be truthful with yourself: If you don't have time to fix the steering, then parting it out is out of the question -- that will be extremely time consuming.

So your options are fix it, or sell it for next-to-nothing.

It stinks, but that's the reality.

Good luck.

jp
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Jeff Pierce (Post back with your results... it's what makes this forum work.)

I recently faced a similar dilemma with my 95 960. The cumulative cost to fix the list of trivial issues the car needed was more than I was willing to spend (also involved the sun roof, CD player, power antenna, paint job, etc.) When the head gasket started seeping antifreeze I decided to retire the car.

I suspect I could have parted the car out and come out much better than just selling as is. But given the hassle plus the inevitable comments I would have received from my wife ("How much longer are you going to keep that car out there on blocks? What do the neighbors think? I'm so embarrassed!"), I sold it to a salvage yard for $300. In my case, however, I was able to swap the wheels and door panels to replace the ones on my 95 945. My 945 door panels were puckered with no real alternatives for fixing them. So now I have a great looking 945 out of the deal.

Anyway, I'm wondering about other people's thoughts and experiences parting out old cars. Given the prices of used light lenses, air bags, wheels, etc. it seems like you could do well with this.

BTW, a Volvo tech told me the cup-holder from the 960 is going for $300 these days. So I put that in my 945, too!

Hello,


What is a metro area near to your location?


Goatman

Put it in the classifieds here. That's what I did with the 245 I can't work on. I have people asking about it already.

My personal opinion is, I would give the folks that are likely to care about the car a crack at it first. I don't mind getting less money for it if it goes to a good home.

I would suggest first trying to find a good owner, perhaps via brickboard? You never know, your 940 may just be what someone was looking for. If all else fails, then proceed to part it off.