I posted this on sweedspeed but thought I'd look for advice here too!

Now I have my shiney new S70 to enjoy, I have to decide what to do with my '94 850 wagon. It is in lovely condition cosmetically with many new parts, but recently blew a valve (possibly due to a problem with the timing belt install, or lack of tensioner replacement, that was done the day before the tragedy occurred). Now it runs, but no compression on cylinder #1.

I could:

1. Get a valve job done and try to sell the car in good-excellent condition for BB value (minus the $1500 for the valve job and labor).

2. Sell as-is to someone who wants to fix it themselves - but I get the feeling that those people are few and far between - especially in my area (San Francisco penninsula)!

3. Sell for parts.

I need to get rid of the car in 1-2 months and I don't have a place to strip it and part it out myself.

Do any of you have experience getting rid of a car like this and how do you get the best value? How much could I expect to get as-is or as a parts car - just assume for this discussion that there is nothing else wrong other than the blown valve and that the car is on good-excellent condition (a couple minor blemishes).

Here are the specs and new parts:

non-turbo wagon, titanium grey with medium grey interior. 236,500 miles.
All the normal stuff plus:
alloy wheels, rear spoiler, roof rack with ski and bike mounts, moonroof/sunroof with deflector, 6 disc Alpine CD changer, metal cargo barrier, bed liner, cargo cover (roll-up vinyl thingy), power/memory driver seat, trip computer (mpg, miles to zero, etc), tires with only 17k on them. I am the third owner (thought it was more but looked it up in Carfax) Clean Carfax records.

Oil/filter have been changed every 3k since I've owned it, also have done thorough flame trap/EGR cleanup and other common 850 maintenaince.

I could post photos for evaluation after I detail it.
Here are the new parts in the last 2.5 years in chronological order (with records for it all, most fo the work performed at Scandia Vovlo Service):

Purchased used as 3rd owner
New wheel bearing L/F
New Suspension Arms
New windshield (shattered by falling rock)
New brake pads (2 years ago)
ATF flush
Valve Cover Gasket replaced
Front Main Seals replaced
Crankshaft Seals replaced
Timing Belt replaced
Spark Plugs & Wire Set (Bosch) Rotor (Volvo) replaced
New oil pan (Technician damaged during oil change, service manager replaced at no cost)
Replaced Vaccuum elbows and hoses, cleaned throttle body, cleaned PCV hose
New PNP Switch
Turn signal switch replaced
New Tires with Transferrable Road Hazard Warranty & free Rotation/Balance
New Air Mass Meter
New radiator
New Fuel Pump
PCV service, cleaned flame trap, hoses, throttle body, EGR valve (self-done)
Smog test passed
Recall repair - fuel tank seal
New Water Pump, also replaced associated gaskets and seals
Cam Seals replaced
Timing Belt replaced
Drive Belt Replaced
Front Engine Mount replaced

Hi Tina,
With the spec's on this car it is a crying shame that the valve blew.
Best bet would be to ask a shop to consign the vehicle. If you have dealt with the same service shop for a few years (or know another one and trust them) why not discuss having them repair and sell and then paying them a commission, plus cost to repair upon sale?
They might be interested, and that way you both win.
Armie

--
'94 850 154000kms '86 760GLE 272000kms

I know, it was so frustrating! I was driving it home from the shop the day the timing belt was done thinking how it drove like a brand new car still, so smooth and responsive... and then the next day, poof! I really like this car and part of me wants to keep it - but we have no need for 2 cars. :(

The garage that has done all the work doesn't have space for parking and they don't deal in cars... otherwise that would be a great idea. I have someone interested in buying it "as is" coming to see it in the morning, if he passes, then I will take it up to the Volvo repair/sales place out of the area (where labor rates are cheaper than in the valley) and see if he wants to buy it, consign it or fix it for me to sell.

Parting out is a real special headache you may not want to deal with, particularly with your time frame.
One thing you might consider is selling a few of the aftermarket or popular parts and selling the rest of the car as a whole. For instance the roof rack, wing, deflector, barrier, liner, etc should not be difficult to sell.
(selfishly, I'm interested in the wing if you care to sell it).

If you itemize your taxes, you might also consider donating the car to charity. The tax savings can be worth more than you'd ever get in cash for the car.

My 2 cents,
Don
'94 855T

Out of curiosity..what part of the bay area are you in? I'm in that neck of the woods as well and am wondering who your mechanic is.

Scandia Volvo Service in Sunnyvale, they have always done a great job!