Price question...

[JonT]

I have found a gem - a 1965 289 V8. Here's the lowdown - this car has been garaged-kept it's entire life and hasn't been driven for a few years. The engine needs work and it needs new tires. Other than that, this car looks like it came right off the production line. I've inspected it and I'm a bit dumbfounded at the cosmetic condition. It's perfect. NO RUST AT ALL. The interior looks brand new, as does the exterior. All the chrome is shiny as can be. The paint is original and is pristine. Other than the engine and the tires, the car is in showroom shape (including the undercarriage).

Unfortunately, I can't turn the key and hear it roar. The elderly woman who is selling it is the only owner and is asking 15K, which seems ridiculous to me. I realize that the condition of the body and interior are high-pricing points, but the engine work that will be required is something that seems to be a low point to me as the buyer. I am wondering if a 12 or 13K offer would be a good place to start, seeing that I'll be spending maybe up to 1K on the engine - it needs an overhaul.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JonT]

Oh yeah, more details - blue and white pony interior (looks brand new, but is in fact 40 years old), power steering, automatic with cold A/C.

 

[Jester67]

Oh yeah, more details - blue and white pony interior (looks brand new, but is in fact 40 years old), power steering, automatic with cold A/C.

Just my .02-cent it is a deal. Engine work is better than bodywork. With the engine you could be enjoying it in a couple of weeks. I wish I had gone that rough. :damnit:

 

[JonT]

That's not the reply I expected!

 

[66stangbluework]

Just make the offer and see what she says, You never know until you offer right?

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Unless its a GT, I personally wouldnt pay more than $7-9K if I planned on restoring it. In restored condition I would expect to pay what she's asking. If its so good unbelievably good that it doesnt need restoration, I would guess ~10-11k. If you plan on restomodding it, get a car that cheaper and less original.

I wouldnt be surprised if some family member(s) told her it was worth more than the average market price.

 

[Fireman255]

Have to ask if you want a stock show car or a hot street car, either way I would offer 10k and go from there, remember she only paid a few K for it

 

[JonT]

It's not a hotrod, just a standard '65 hardtop.

 

[Fireman255]

With all the potential to be a hot car... Like I said it all depends on what you want. I searched e-bay quite often, this gave me a good idea on what to pay when I baught my 66 in april

 

[66StangFastback]

Id say 10-15k. It depends on how much you intend on investing in it. I was once told that if my 1966 fastback 2+2 had no rust and all original parts and original paint it would go for 18 now

 

[JonT]

I am going to offer 12K and go from there. Thanks everyone.

 

[Cbarton]

The most important thing I have learned when negociating on a car is offer her the price. Tell her I have $10,500 and my dad/boss/girlfriend is willing to lend me $1500, would you take $12,000 for it? THEN, when/if she declines, say "OK, but would you please take my number and call me if you change your mind?" Then give her a day or two before upping your offer. You wouldn't belive how many people will give in after having a night to think about it and when you say it like that it really makes them believe that's all you are going to offer.

Chris Barton

I am going to offer 12K and go from there. Thanks everyone.

 

[84convertablegt]

sounds like she isnt really out of the ballpark with her price. if the motor was in tip top shape, id say it was a deal. even a coupe's price is going up these days. in a few years, you could have a real investment in your possesion if you keep it original. id say around 12 or 13k is a good place to start.

 

[JonT]

My girlfriend and I are going to try and win over the owner because we could tell that she liked us, and my girlfriend really REALLY wants this car, and I can only assume that the lady is intending on possibly taking less than she is trying to get for it, but that's a good idea CBarton. thanks.