Mint Volvo 460 in need of a radiator | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Fri 23 Aug 2002 22:16

Mint Volvo 460 in need of a radiator - Rob E

Hi,

Sadly my Grandfather passed away last week, and we are selling his car privately on behalf of my Grandmother. There are two things I would appreciate some advice on from this excellent forum:

1) What is it worth? It is a metallic green 1992 (K) Volvo 460 1.8 Xi. It has covered a mere 31000 miles (none of which have been very short runs), has a full Volvo service history, has had a very recent new Volvo silencer and 2 new tyres and is in immaculate condition inside and out. Parkers online valuation quoted £610 for A1 condition. However, looking on Autotrader suggests that £995 ONO is more realistic. What do you think?

2) Yesterday my Uncle drove it to Birmingham to the airport to drop off my cousin (as a means of giving the car a run). Just before he got home the temp gauge rose alarmingly, steam poured out of the bonnet, and it transpires that the radiator has sprung a major leak. Volvo quoted a ridiculous price for a new rad. Would you advise trying to get hold of a pattern part?

Many thanks

Regards,

Rob E
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Sat 24 Aug 2002 08:28

Mint Volvo 460 in need of a radiator - Cyd

Look in your Yellow Pages under "Radiators - Motor" to find yourself a local supplier. There are plenty of places that recondition radiators - they may rebuild yours or exchange.

When you fit the new rad run it for a couple of days with a double dose of Radflush in water (try your local factor or Halfords), then flush thoroughly with clean water before replacing with fresh coolant (check your manual for concentration recommendations - if none, use 33%).

Bearing in mind the condition, age, mileage & service history you claim - how come it needed a new rad? You sure it had it's regular 2 yearly flush and coolant refresh? Be prepared to hear this from a potential purchaser.

If it's really as good as you say advertise it for a grand. Take it out for an "Italian tune" too.

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