New guy checking in, 2000 Q45 anniversary edition

[Qcar]

My mother in law bought this car (fully loaded, gold lettering and all ) new from the dealership in Houston. Always garaged and she was the only one to drive it (about 65,000 miles). She now has a new car and this one just sits so I'm going to sell it for her. My question to y'all is this: the ck engine light is on, it sometime runs rough on start up, almost as if its not firing on all cylinders and the front shocks seem to be shot. It it worth fixing these items before selling it or just sell it like it is ?
Thank for the input

[float_6969]

If you can fix them yourself, yes, it will pay for itself in what you will get for car in perfect condition. If you're going to have to pay for the work, then I would sell it "as is". You probably won't make enough more on the sale of the vehicle to pay for the work it took to get it back to "perfect".

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard!

Before anything, let's find out what the CEL is indicating. You can purchase a cheap scanner (AutoZone or local auto parts store). After that, we can walk you through the repairs.

The '00 Q is an awesome car, very durable, and pretty well sought-after by those in the know. Might even find a buyer here for it.

Location?

[Qcar]

Thanks y'all, I updated my profile. I'm capable of doing the work but just don't have the time, or the want. I know that sounds crappy but I have many other cars,boat, jet skis, mowers, tractors, and homes that I work on and I just really don't want another project. I kinda thought what you already said, maybe just sell it with full disclosure as to what's wrong with it. Its a shame not to fix it but I just don't know if the higher price on the sell is worth my time and effort. Hate to put it like that but it's the truth...at least for me

[AZhitman]

Makes sense.

Well, at the very least wash it off and shoot some pics, and just turn it into a F/S thread.

Hell, if the price is right... Hmmm.

[Qcar]

I'll shoot some pictures. Gonna take a few days and ponder me options. I'll keep y'all informed and thank you again for the input

[Qcar]

my car

[Qcar]

I just saw this craigslist ad, it is the exact same car with a lot more miles. I guess mine is worth 3500 bucks maybe?

http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/cto/3961913573.html

[BadQ45t]

Given your low miles I think you can get $3,500 even with blown front shocks and CEL light up. Unfortunately your car is going to require a couple of grand to fix up but with only 65k it has lots of life left in it.

[AZhitman]

I just saw this craigslist ad, it is the exact same car with a lot more miles. I guess mine is worth 3500 bucks maybe?

http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/cto/3961913573.html

$3500 isn't unreasonable. The real issue is the "unknown" - the CEL could be something super-simple, or it could be a $2k repair.

The low miles are a plus in some ways, but she'll need a thorough going-through, as the VH41 engines need to be run at higher RPMs (and go through a full cold - operating temp - cold cycle) in order to prevent sludge and deposits in the intake, the IACV, PCV, EGR, etc.

As BadQ said, the new owner can plan on $1500-$2000 (if they're a DIY type) in rehab (hoses, fluids, seals, injector cleaning, tires, etc). All the things that go bad from sitting idly OR short trips.

I'd definitely purchase it as a backup car.

[OwnerCS]

As a reference

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/4042229892.html

I ought to pick up this one for one of my kids..

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/ctd/4020644115.html

[AZhitman]

The 17" tires (at least proper ones, worthy of a Q) aren't cheap, so that factors into the price I'm sure.

[Qcar]

I edited my for sale thread to $3500 (not firm)

[elwesso]

Can you send some pictures to me?? [email protected]

[Qcar]

sent

[AZhitman]

I'd like a peek as well - [email protected]

[Brew Q]

What part of Austin are you in? I'm just south of Austin in Buda.

[Qcar]

I'm actually 45 miles NW of Austin in Marble Falls.