Belt Change Prior To Sale Listing

I have a 1990 348 that is due for a major and I am considering selling it. Is it wise to do the major or sell as is (at a lower price)? Thoughts?

 

I suspect it can go either way: some buyers might like the peace of mind of having the major done prior to purchase, others prefer to turn their own wrenches, and a third contingent might wish to have the major done at a facility or by a technician of their own choosing.

Perhaps a good way to approach this would be to list the car as-is indicating that the major service can be included (if the buyer prefers) - for an additional $ xxx.xx.

 

That's a crap shoot.

If the car is otherwise flawless, it may be worth it...with excellent documentation of exactly what was done and by who.

If the car needs other items handled, then perhaps it is best to reduce the price and sell it that way.

I like buying cars that need that work done so I can orchestrate the service the way I want. The end price (to me) is about the same but then I have it my way.

As you know, some people run the ad "belt service just completed" and while true, they skipped other potential issues that will require the engine to come out any way (water pump comes to mind).

Tough call, but the overall condition of the car is the key to the question IMHO.

 

I agree with Watson. The handful of little things I've found wrong (wrong, non-OE nuts, stripped out threads, no rubber isolators on the airbox) is only increasing my list of things i'm going to do when i drop the engine and start poking around. Plus messing around with cars is my hobby. I like it. I personally prefer a car that needs work.

sjd

 

I've seen it go both ways.
-Guys do it right before sale leaving nothing on the table for anyone to use at leverage driving the cost down.
-Some want it done by their trusted local tech so they can sign off on it and become familiar with the car.

 

DIY buyers like to do the DIY. Most other buyers prefer a no-trouble car. I think you want to get more eyeballs, do the major.

 

On the hardware issue, I have tried ordering nuts and bolts for the 355 to get "originals" and you will not get exactly the same parts as you think you would.
You get a correct replacement but its not the same.

Try ordering yellow nylock nuts from ferrari.

Just saying most hardware ain't going to be OEM from the OEM.

 

There is some truth to what you say. It takes certain level of lunacy to DIY a 355. I like it, but we are a smaller crowd.

More eyeballs on a car that does not need any (supposed) work. Then again, if they know a shop, does it really matter?

My concern in this situation has always been associated with just how "invested" a person is in accomplishing a proper engine out service as they look to sell the car. Big difference between a full engine out service versus a a belt swap.

If I did the engine out prior to sale, I would do it correctly and document the begeezus out of it and stick it all onto the asking price.

 

Agreed
I think most would like a well documented service and they can get to know the car in 5 years. But are able to drive it right away hopefully without problems.
For the cost i would do the belt swap and all other potential issues and then drive car for a few months to wnsure no leaks, then list for sale. Small things like water pump and alternator should als be addressed.

 

Very good posts and suggestions in this thread.

It goes both ways, it will up to you what gives you the best chance at a sale.

 

I would suspect that your return on the investment to have it done is only 65%+/- at best. I don't think that you will see the full cost back let alone any added value. I know that when I bought my 355, the previous owner did the belt service, a new clutch and had the seats done. Total was around $20K (yes they overpaid). I can't attest to the condition of the seats before but with 20K miles on it, I can't imagine that they were that bad. I maybe paid $10K more than cars that needed service at the time.

 

When buying this car, my first one, it was important to me that it had a fresh major because that’s what I garnered from most discussions on this topic.

If I were doing it again, I would totally discount a fresh major if possible and be looking for a car that needed one mostly. Two reasons, fully discount the cost of the major in the price and have it done by whom , how and where I choose.