I'm looking at getting a 1971 Chevelle SS. This would be my first car. It has been sitting in this persons yard for 3 years the neighbor says. But the registration sticker says 94. And the plates are from another state(Wisconsin). The door handle on the right side is broken off,the paint is terrible,i'm possitive that there is rust, and i'm not really sure if the car itself runs but I really want to get this car. I have the time and patients to work on it but money's tight. I know for a fact i'm going to need parts. I have been looking at buying this car for a while and I am turning 16 in one week so please vote on the poll above and any advice possible would be greatly apreciated. Thank you.

there is no real answer to that question .....best you can hope for is they don't ask for your parents inheritance. anything under 2k would be a steal in todays market......and we all know that probably that is too much in reality but they are bringing what ever a buyer will pay.

Should want to know if motor and transmission is rebuildable.Condition of floor area and frame.Good complete car thats rebuildable with minimum rust,will be up over 2 in most area.Good luck and welcome to site.Know what its like to have that want that car thoughts.

The main thing in buying a muscle car is to do some research.

What will the car be worth if I restore it?
How much work does it need?

Then ask yourself, what do I want it to turn out like?
Do you want a concours show car?
Do you want a hot rod, that is show quality?
Just a street rod, or maybe a combination street/strip car, that you can take to rod runs, shows etc.

Then make sure it is really what you want, is it the right body style, do I like the lines, and can you picture it when its done.

If it it what you Really want then decide what it is worth to buy it.

Take into consideration the condition of the car and what cars of that year and type can bring money wise.

If you can pick it up for less than $2,000.00 then your getting a great deal.

Make sure as previously mentioned that you crawl all over and under the car. Look for rust, signs of damage, not only to the body, but the frame.

Is the engine rebuildable or will you have to replace it, same thing for the trans and rear end.
Is it a 4-spd or automatic, and which do you prefer.

Once all of these things are determined, then make an offer on the car. Be prepared for a counter offer and if the sellor can tell you want it badly, he/she may hold out for a much higher price.
Play it cool, don't let on that it is important that you have this car.

Make the sellor sweat it a bit, then go back and make a deal, that is unless he accepts your offer or you accept the first counter.


Any way you go, just make sure your happy with what you are getting, even if you know it will take time and money to get it the way you like.

With classics it isn't so much what you pay for it originally, unless you pay for a already done ride, but what you envision, and that it is an investment, not JUST a Car.

Lastly, do what will make YOU happy!!!!!!:thumbsup:

I know how you feel, Im turning 16 this year too. Its a 71 so the value to most people is slightly less. Its still worth more than 2K though. Offer cash if you can because people love cash. The afformention advise is all good, basically what I would say so I wont repeat. I want an SS too but I dont know if I will be able to swing it. It all depends. Mommy and Daddy wont help me, especially because I will be building a ground pounder, although my dad used to have Chevelles and would like to help and will help with work, just not $$, which is of course the harder part lol. I would honestly rather pay myself and feel like I have really accomplished something when im done. Good luck and make it seem like you are looking at a bunch of cars. Dont say well I have looked at a bunch of cars and a guy has a great deal waiting blah blah blah" because they will know youre bluffing. Seem like youre in a rush, inspect very well, ask for a number and tell him youll call later. When you call him say "Youre the one with the 71, correct?" Make him think youre time is valueble and youre looking at other cars. Dont make it seem like a bluff, make it seem like youre not trying to bluff but let him just know youre not some kid waiting around with only one car you want to buy. It would be even better if you went in another old car if you could and if YOU drive, he wont think its gonna be your first car. Even if you cant go in an old car its still better if you drive. And whoever you go with if you do go with some one, act more like its a buddy so you seem older and like you have alot of car buddys even if its your dad, uncle, or whoever it may be and they dont know anything about old cars. And pay real close attention to the frame and any rust spots have to be inspected very thouroghly, to be inspected and make him think you dont like what you see. Good luck.:thumbsup:

Glad to see another generation in the family into old Chevy's. Good luck to my nephew "ChevelleKid90". I'm a Camaro guy so I pointed him in this direction to get the Chevelle guys to help with their knowledge. Thanks.
btw Happy Birthday Zach!!

I'm 16 and found my project Chevelle two years ago. Don't get really excited and jump on the first '71 you see, there are a lot more out there, some in better condition than others. One thing to keep in mind is that this guy may think he has a gold mine (you can thank Barrett Jackson lol.) Whenever I go to look at a car I bring a magnet with me to place on the different panels to find painted over filler. The best advice I can give is to make it seem like your casually looking around at different cars and his isn't that important. Just don't lay it on too thick and be obvious like already stated. Good luck, -Zach.

my 72 cost me 3,500 in 1999. now i have $20,000, and still am going to put atlest $10,000 into it. i ask all sorts of questions, and they told me what ever i wanted to hear. parts are expensive. i paid more for mine becouse i wanted a chevelle not a malibu. i also wante an ss, and a big block car.

I found my Chevelle last year...it was a steal in todays market...but it still needs a TON of work. I bought my Chevelle from my dad's co-worker for $500.00 in running condition....backfiring like all hell but running and it was DRIVEN to my house........it dosent look so bad from the outside because it's covered in bondo........enough bondo to coat 4+ cars properly.........LOL

Good luck with your search and remember.......even if you cannot find one right away do NOT but a ricer!!!!! LOL

Ben Kenobi!!