[DROPPEDATBIRTH]

Hi everyone, I have a story and then a question.

Two months ago I was speaking to my elderly neighbor who I have lived beside for three years. Here car was in the shop so she asked me to take her to the store, which I did. During the ride she stated that she would like to sell both of her cars and purchase a new smaller car, (she has a two bay garage but I have never looked into it) I asked her what do you mean "both cars" I thought you only had one. She said no, my husband (deceased) and I have a Chevelle in the Garage. I inquired for more info. 72 Malibu, 307, 2 door, Blue (ascot) black vinyl top. Needless to say I was very interested as my first car was a 71 Nova (ascot Blue) and I have always regretted selling it. So she later shows me the car, covered with multiple blankets, seats covered with blankets, hubcaps, chrome mudflaps and even curb feelers. The car is spotless with the exception of one small ding in the drivers door. Vinyl top looks new, interior is perfect, no cracks in the dash, no rust anywhere, 42,369 on the odometer. It fires and idles pretty smooth, it needs a tune up and some fresh gas but other than that, I don't really see any issues.

Finds like this are getting harder and harder to come across and I want the car however here is my issue. At first she would not give me a price because I think she was on the fence about selling it. We have talked about it a few times and she keeps asking me for an offer. I do not like to both buy and sell cars, so I told her to come up with a number and we would talk. Well today she gave me her number.

After speaking to her grandson and taking advise from craigslist adds, she has been told that her car is worth between $10 and $15K. Don't get me wrong guys, I know things have changed since 15 years ago when I would have walked away from this car at $2500 -$3K but I just don't see $10K on a stock mailbu with a 307. I shuttered at telling her that I would give $7K but as I said earlier, this situation does not happen to me every day.

Am I out of line with the 7K offer? My dad is on old head who has a six bay and it is full (71 Cutlass, 64 Nova, 72 Nova, 83 C10, moms 73 Stingray and my 63 Corvair Panel Van) I called him today and he still insists that the car market is going to fall out, prices are out of control and I'm nuts for even considering paying $7K for that car.

I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thank you,

Dustin

 

[Steve R]

Pictures would help.

If the car is rust free then $7,000 is a very good deal. If there is rust, the price starts do drop rapidly.

Steve R

 

[DROPPEDATBIRTH]

Thanks Steve, No pictures my friend, my mind was racing the day I looked at it and I didn't even think about taking them. Maybe I can scoot over tomorrow and see if she would mind.

I spend about an hour looking over the car, I went over and got my flashlight and my magnet covered in felt. Under the car, over the car, trunk, floor boards, inner fender wells, no rust, not even surface, original paint.

 

[Alan F]

I'm in at $7 to $8k. It may draw $10k with the right audience. But she is going to find nothing but low-ballers so make sure your offer is high enough for her to come back to. Sometimes you have to be prepared to walk away.

 

[TerryAT]

Im not far from Sewickley at all. If you pass on the car, let me know. I may be interested.

 

[Pioneer4x4]

Which sewickley? There is one in Allegheny and in Westmoreland. Just curious, I am in Westmoreland.

 

[Andy's Auto Repair]

If it is that nice, time to pay a premium if need be. I just dropped $4,500 on a reasonably straight 70 without a drivetrain. Again, rust free examples are tough to find so price it accordingly.

 

[flippermtc]

If it is that nice, time to pay a premium if need be. I just dropped $4,500 on a reasonably straight 70 without a drivetrain. Again, rust free examples are tough to find so price it accordingly.

Andy is right. If the car is as clean and rust free as described it is worth a premium. I have a 67GS I am working on and GOOD body work is not cheap. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[Keith Tedford]

If the car is as nice as you say, it would easily draw $10-$15K in our area. I'd buy it myself at $10k and not think twice. Wouldn't want to rip the lady off though.

 

[HEYMAN]

Hi everyone, I have a story and then a question.

Two months ago I was speaking to my elderly neighbor who I have lived beside for three years. Here car was in the shop so she asked me to take her to the store, which I did. During the ride she stated that she would like to sell both of her cars and purchase a new smaller car, (she has a two bay garage but I have never looked into it) I asked her what do you mean "both cars" I thought you only had one. She said no, my husband (deceased) and I have a Chevelle in the Garage. I inquired for more info. 72 Malibu, 307, 2 door, Blue (ascot) black vinyl top. Needless to say I was very interested as my first car was a 71 Nova (ascot Blue) and I have always regretted selling it. So she later shows me the car, covered with multiple blankets, seats covered with blankets, hubcaps, chrome mudflaps and even curb feelers. The car is spotless with the exception of one small ding in the drivers door. Vinyl top looks new, interior is perfect, no cracks in the dash, no rust anywhere, 42,369 on the odometer. It fires and idles pretty smooth, it needs a tune up and some fresh gas but other than that, I don't really see any issues.

Finds like this are getting harder and harder to come across and I want the car however here is my issue. At first she would not give me a price because I think she was on the fence about selling it. We have talked about it a few times and she keeps asking me for an offer. I do not like to both buy and sell cars, so I told her to come up with a number and we would talk. Well today she gave me her number.

After speaking to her grandson and taking advise from craigslist adds, she has been told that her car is worth between $10 and $15K. Don't get me wrong guys, I know things have changed since 15 years ago when I would have walked away from this car at $2500 -$3K but I just don't see $10K on a stock mailbu with a 307. I shuttered at telling her that I would give $7K but as I said earlier, this situation does not happen to me every day.

Am I out of line with the 7K offer? My dad is on old head who has a six bay and it is full (71 Cutlass, 64 Nova, 72 Nova, 83 C10, moms 73 Stingray and my 63 Corvair Panel Van) I called him today and he still insists that the car market is going to fall out, prices are out of control and I'm nuts for even considering paying $7K for that car.

I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thank you,

Dustin

Listen to your father, with that said, if you really, really. want it, well pay 7 or 8 grand, that's enough, hey you took her to the store, see should give ya a break,

 

[von]

Price-wise, the 307 is a slight minus, as would be no PS and a PG in lieu of TH350. AC would be a big plus. If it has a TH350, PS, and AC, I could see $10-12k if it's as nice as it sounds.

 

[Derek69SS]

I agree with the $10-12k estimates.

Being a '72 is the only thing keeping it from being $15k+

 

[mfret1970]

I feel like $7-8k is pretty fair. If it was a 350 4spd, or bucket seats etc I could see the $11-14k range. 10k is all the money, however, that's a killer find and I'd be all over it, even at $10k.

One thing to consider, is those items that are in great shape will wear quickly with use. The seats may split at the seams, and those gremlins that have been dormant for however long will be gremlins again. And they brought buddies.

NOT because its a bad car, simply because its an old car.

Nonetheless, they will require time and money to fix, which should factor into your purchase considerations.

That said, do whatever you can to buy that thing!


Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[Neal Wright]

Hard to value, since they don't come up very often.

My pricing is very outdated ... but if I had the opportunity, and was in the market, $8-10k for a '72 307/AT, more $10-12k for '70.

Thanks, Neal