Just wondering what a original 48000 mile trans am would be worth in todays market,305 auto,nothing changed from new,even has original tires.Looking for opinions on value.I know book value at 9700 would be about imposible.Im thinking in the 6500-7500 range if that.

 

Considering the exterior and interior are in good shape, I would imagine probably 5500-7000.

 

If the miles are low like this, then condition is going mean everything when determining the value of this car. If it still looks showroom fresh (and I mean FRESSSH as in near flawless paint, no interior fading or obvious wear) I'd agree with shortyskater's numbers. If the car has not been kept well cosmetically, it might be worth as little as $2,500 assuming that it still runs and drives with no obvious issues.

 

It depends on options, and condition. In my mind, options are important when determining the value of one of these cars. There are simply soooo many combinations of options, colors, performance items, etc., a loaded 85 Trans Am is worth a whole lot more than a stripped one.

Lets start with a real basic, CLEAN, 85 Trans Am with a carbureted V8, automatic transmission, air, and nothing else. In clean shape, with nice glossy paint, good glass, clean stain, tear and smoke-free interior, good mechanical condition overall, I would say that's worth $6,000. I've seen several mid '80s TAs with good mileage sell for that, at least in my area, with those options over the past few years.

Now, is it a fuel injected "TPI" engine? I would say you add at least $500 to the value, and in my mind a whole lotta people to your buyer base. I wouldn't touch a carb car, but 40 extra HP makes it a lot more desireable.

Next, does it have t-tops? Many people don't like them, but in my experience, more people like them than not. Add another $500 or so. Now with TPI and t-tops, its a $7,000 car, on average...and you've added more interested buyers to help drive a good price.

Next, how about interior options? PW and PL are necessities for a lot of people...other things like the premium cloth interior, a power seat, cruise and other items add value. To me, adding all these things adds at least another $500 to the value.

Finally, how about performance options? Does it have the WS6 package, which that year included posi and rear disc brakes? Mind you, you can have those without the car being a WS6. If it does have all that stuff, again, add another $500 or so, maybe more.

None of us are certified appraisers...but if I saw a 48,000 mile, clean, tuned port injected, t-top TA for sale, loaded with options, and I was in the market, I would have no issue paying $8,000 for your car. Good luck to you.

 

Put it for sale ansd ask what you want for it, people will pay what ever it takes to put their *** in the drivers seat if thats the car they really want. Remember these are not only used cars they are becomming more collectible and the prices are going up, they are not rare by any means, but they are fetching more money each year. I saw a 90 IROC vert go for 26K in BJ auction in south FL. The car was really nice, 70K miles and highly optioned, good luck.

 

Again, nobody here can appraise a car without seeing it, driving it and then compare it to others in similar condition. You want to know what it's worth, pay for an appraisal. Otherwise, it's anybody's guess!

 

And that's kinda why I said "none of us are appraisers," but I figured I'd at least give him a little insight

I will say this...appraisals normally come back higher than market value will bear for these cars. I often see third gens listed "appraised for XXXXX", with them selling it for thousands less, sometimes.