Time to sell, what should I fix before I do?
 

Hello all,

It's time for me to move onto a different vehicle. I have a 1996 Polo Green/Tan leather LSi in pretty good condition. It currentlyThere are two known problems with it. The first is an oil leak that was diagnosed by the dealer as cam and oil pump seals. They also said the valve covers were leaking. This causes an embarrasing bit of smoke when I come to stop lights. Secondly, the front struts are shot. Whenever I go over pot holes the front end knocks around because of it. My question is if I should sell the car as is, or would I do better if I have the problems fixed.

Thanks!

you should fix them all....

Analysis?
 

First you should get an estimate of the total cost to repair everything. Determine what is critical--struts/smoking oil leaks, etc. Then, think what you could get for the car "as is" and compared to what you could get if repaired. Might just be better to sell "as is".

Lee

Quote
 

Well, I've been quoted $500-600 to fix the oil seals, $350 for the valve covers, and the Struts are $200 for the parts. I figure another $300 for the labor and that puts me at around $1500 to get it mechanically "correct".

Now I just need to determine what a fair price is for the car. What are you guys seeing as typical prices for 1996 LSi's?

Thanks.

Clarke

Mileage might help.

How much are you looking to get for it as is and how many miles?
My dad is in the market for an svx right now....

GOD, i am gonna commit suicide.... :eek: :eek:

Ok fine but i get your SVX

As a general rule, you will spend more to fix a problem then the value would increase if said problem is fixed. The exception would be if the car was not driveable, but yours obviously is. If you sell the car to someone who is mechanically inclined, they would much rather spend the $20 on parts to replace the seals on their own, then to spend $1500 more on a car that has had it done.

Whether or not you do the work is up to you, but I will warn you that you will probably not recover the cost of the repairs with the paid price to you for the car - especially on a car that's lost so much value in the first place.