I mentioned earlier in this forum that I discovered a pristine 1987 Volvo 780 bertone, Silver, with blue interior and 44k miles. Like new in every way, w/service records, and one owner. New tires, brakes, and rotors. All one owner, so-cal "touring" miles when not garage kept. What sort of price tag should I be paying on something like this? I looked on KBB and the price-tag came to about $3k, but being that this car is in "mint" condition even down to the leather, carpet pile, dash, engine bay, paint, and PRV engine and transmission itself, do you all think it would be "worth" more? I've seen an 88 w/ B230F go for about $3500 on ebay, and the interior looked rather "ratty" compared to what I have on my hands. This thing looks like a collector's item! Any input would be worth it - by the way, thanks for all the input on the car so far.

Webb

Okay, so the deal is final. I have verbally committed to purchasing the 780, and am next-day-mailing the check out tomorrow in the AM. It has 44k miles, and they are keeping it under cover until I pick it up when the snow clears off the mountains around here. They will be driving it from time to time to keep it running well, and we'll see how I enjoy the 780. I really got this showroom (no exaggeration) specimen for a good price, and am excited to take her for a ride when the roads clear up!

congratulations
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Andy in St. Paul - '91 745 218K mi, '91 745 210K, '90 744 189K, all Rex-Regina - past 240s

Came down to $3700. I'll be taking it back over the mountain in February/March!

KBB tells you what it's worth as a transportation appliance: a machine that will get you from point-a to point-b. There's no logical reason to pay more than book value for any vehicle.

But with a car like this, it's akin to an antique: the fact that it's old (relatively) and rather unique makes it potentially more valuable to the right person. Apparently you're one of those people -- frankly, I am too. How much is it worth to you? Well, only you can answer that question. Will you hold on to this car indefinately? Do you have garage space for it? If so, then you could easily justify spending some money on it. I mean, think about the stupid stuff we all spend money on. Everything in life doen't have to be an "investment". If you bought this car for $5000, and held on to it for 20 years, you would spend MUCH less than some people spend on golf in ONE year.

It's a hobby... your passion. If you have the disposable income, go for it.

Let us know what you do... it will allow us to live vicariously through you. :-)

Jeff Pierce

I don't think $3000 is nearly enough, but you are outside the realm where there are really any good comparisons. When a half dozen similar cars sell in your area every month, you can do your homework and get a good estimate, but for unique items, it really just comes down to how little the seller will take and whether there are others to bid it up.

I would make what I thought was a low offer, maybe even that $3000 based on KBB. Let him counter offer. You can always come up later even if he doesn't counter.
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Andy in St. Paul - '91 745 227K mi, '91 745 210K, '90 744 194K, all Rex-Regina; '86 745 GLE M46 230K; past 240s