1998 S8 part it off or sell it whole?

Straycat · #1 29th January 2012, 01:54 PM

My 98 S8 is past its sell by date I think?
It has done 256220 miles but is still in a really great condition all the leather is in fantastic condition carpets are as new in fact the car is no way like I would expect a 256000 mile car to look inside or out, There are a few problems with it on the running side though,
there is a leak on the steering somewhere, the air-bag light is on, (been told its a resistor under the seat?) the cruse control doesn't work, and neither does the rear parking sensor, There is also a issue that kills the battery vey quickly especially in the cold weather, (battery is only 1 year old)

Now I am wondering if it will bring me more money to sell it out as parts or not as I don't have never ending pockets to put the wrongs-right.
I reckon I will be looking at a bill of at least £1000 for the steering alone, but don't think the car would sell for more than £2500 with a full MOT and TAX anyway??????
Your views will be more than welcome
Cheers
Mick

ainarssems · #2 29th January 2012, 02:42 PM

Steering leak could be just a loose joint, steering rack or pressure hose.
Hose is £210-230 range from dealers , steering rack is over £1.2k new but can be had for £100 second hand and there is a re-manufactured now on eBay for £250,

If airbag fault is pressure pad in seat it can be easily rectified with a resistor in it's place basically for a cost of labour or diy.

As for the battery it could be faulty even if it is just year old or something could be draining it. Do you have any after-market items fitted-stereo or alarm, those would be my first suspect otherwise need inspection.

I would not worry too much about cruise but in most cases it is just dirty contacts in stalk switches due to lack of use.

Selling in parts will bring more money but will take more time and take space in process and many parts you will not be able to sell or at least not quickly.

sarg · #3 29th January 2012, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ainarssems

steering rack is over £1.2k new but can be had for £100 second hand and there is a re-manufactured now on eBay for £250,

Price of the rack depends on whether standard or speed sensitive, think I got mine from German & Swedish, reconditioned, was around £200.

It's the costs to the skin on the knuckles and the time taken that hurts, mine was off the road for about 6 weekends to change the rack