Our cars going up in value
 

Ok well looking at autotrader i noticed something, our cars are getting expensive. Ok there was a 91 Camaro w/305 for 2800 it had alot of milage and interior was ok. I saw a 95 camaro LT1 same condition for 2750. I Mean no disrespect but most people on here try to make there cars like a 4th gen why not just get one? There not that expensive anymore.

Some people like the 3rdgen style more than the 4thgen, myself included. I think the 4thgen Camaro looks too bland and boring, whereas the 3rdgen Z28 or IROC looks sleek, but also tough and brawny at the same time.

Some people like how mechanically simple the 3rdgen is as well. That makes them alot easier to work on, and alot more fun too.

Just my $0.02

Prices for 3rd Gen Cars going up only in your dreams. Just holding value on nice clean ones.

You're right. I thought I was getting a good deal 2 yrs ago when I gave $2500 for my Iroc-z. Now I see them all the time for the same price but, alot better shape than mine was.

Depends on the buyer, but I do believe that prices have hit the bottom, and are starting to rebound.

I paid $3500 for mine 1 year ago. It was in good shape with 102k original mileage. It is also a G92 car. I thought I got a pretty good deal myself.

Just bought that for $3300, I think I got a decent deal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2474456707

I picked up my Z a year ago for $2500.00 and figured I stole it from the guy. Fix, modify,restore,enjoy- cause 3rd Gen's are gettin hot and the lines of these cars still look refreshing-especially after lookin at 4th gen's for ten years now. Really fun cars to own and drive..occasionally frustrating,but can still keep a smile on many faces young and old...:D

Mint condition cars are definetly appreciating, a little too fast for me since I'm in the market for one. I can't believe some of the prices people want these days. I've watched a steady increase in value over 4 years (see why in sig) for nicely taken care of IROC-Z's, Z28's, 1LE's, L98's, (G92's also of course) and LB9 5-Speed G92 cars. Some of them are already going for more than early-mid mint 4th Gen's even. Stock cars are usually worth more but that's not always the case. Basically 87-92 cars are considered more valuable because they are seen as the cars that really brought performance back after all those years of so-so or no performance, which started way before Third Gens came out.

There have been a few magazine articles about these cars being the cars to start watching and collecting. If you have a near perfect condition top car, (or a lower/moderate mile car) I'd hold onto it and not do what 1st Gen owners did in the 70's and 80's, sell their cars for almost nothing to not only want them again one day for the fun factor, but also for the money/collectiblility factor that always happens with time. Must be something to find out years later that the car you once owned is now worth way more than what you sold it for. Learn from it, it will one day be the same for these cars as it is now for 1st and early 2nd Gens. Even now seeing a mint IROC-Z28 just driving around on the streets is kinda rare, but one day it will be as rare as seeing the way back muscle out cruising around. There'll be more at shows and more models and things for them. They will not always be pretty plentiful and attainable. It's already getting difficult to get a car that's almost exactly what you want. (and at a decent price) Believe me, I know.

I think most of us who went to buy a decent thirdgen recently have disovered that. About 6 months it took me to find that car, and its nothing really special (just wanted the 5spd, t-tops, and v8 in a 91-92 car in decent shape), and its still not exactly what I wanted (wanted the F41 package atleast, but that can be fixed).

I sold my ultra clean stock show winning 19,700 mile Flame Red 89 GTA for $11,500 four months ago on ebay. This car was super clean and extreamly well detailed. It went to a guy in Texas who is a General Manager of a Ford Car dealership. He like the car so much he has it sitting in his show room. He plans to keep the car and not resell it.

Just a price point.

Dave

took 3 and a half months of truly HARD searching to find my vert... and even then it was a TBI automatic...... what i wanted was a TPI 350 or a TPI 5spd. but it HAD to be a clean vert.

I'd also like to add that a lot of people, either not knowing any better or trying to get over on a buyer, try to boost the prices of these cars because the F-Body is no longer produced.

For the past 2 years during my search, about half of the sellers said something to the effect of "They no longer make the Camaro or Firebird, so this is now a collector's car." :bs: Maybe a 2002, but not a 3rd gen folks. They just find it a reason for artificially raising the price. And of course they get their buyers.

I had one tell me that their 25th RS was worth twice that of any other '92 because it was a Heritage Edition. Yeah, good luck on the next sucker.

I'll second Air_Adam's sentiment, the 3rd gens are much better looking than their 4th gen coutherparts.

Fuhgedaboutit. Prices around here are insane for beat up cars. I hit Spring Carlisle and while there were some nice cars talk about insane prices. I saw at least 2 third gens going for at least twice their bb value (and to be fair I checked value @ excellent condition, loaded with 5 miles on the clock). Parts prices were decent though (though nothing 3rd gen).

for thoes in smog and inspection free areas, heres a nice tip.

search in a inspection and smog area for older cars (like 3rdgens)
because they are a pain to most people to upkeep and because of the smog/inspection rules, they're pretty cheap there.

drive them back home, and fix.. then sell or use as a beater... what sells as a $800 beater in dallas goes as a perfectly good $1300 car in south carolina... :lala:

I hope you enjoyed that car by keeping the miles low and detailing it and never driving it.:rolleyes:

I had the car for 11 years and had a blast with it. I took it out a ran it in a few autocrosses (SCCA & Trans-a-rama) and won a few racing awards with. At the same time I won over 2 dozen car show trophies and beat out many new (4th gen) cars at Pontiac regional and national car shows. I have two young kids which did not fit well in it, so I drive my truck daily. I had even been at the 1/4 mile track a few times.

Just cause the miles are low and I kept in in near perfect condition did not mean I did not enjoy the car.

- Dave

I only paid $2400 (canadian) for my '83 Z28 HO.

It was in decent shape, needed a little of everything, but I think that was a good deal.

I think we will see some modest increase in value for our cars... if they are solid clean examples of a desired thirdgen. I don't think it's going to be anything major... but one shouldn't look at these cars as investment material. At least not this early in the game. Believe it or not... I've been checking the NADA value on my thirdgen over the past two and a half years.... and it's actually increased by almost two grand. Made me smile. I don't expect it to go through the roof, but if it holds value or even increases a touch, I'll be happy. :)

Bucks in the Bank. Better buy now !!
 

" In your dreams " ???????? ( comment on another thread regarding increased value of our cars.


Au contraire Bon Ami........... I'm not sure what you are dreaming
but in the real world ( of 3rd Gen ) prices ARE going up.

Now if you live in a depressed area, no car will sell for as
much as one in a Cosmopolitan area or in a area that has
a high living standard. Demographics are important.

I'll let you in on a very important fact. When certain cars reach
the age of 20 -25 years old, the value increases significantly
not only because of classic/antique status, but primarily
because the individuals that owned them in their 20 's are
now in the position to buy a car just like the one they had
when they were young. These people are now pushing
50, and they wish to re-capture the memories of their
youth. Nostalgia is everything ! It's the memories that
we wish to return to when we have made our way, raised
our kids, and became successful.

1960's cars : In 1985, they tripled in value ( 25 yr's )

1969 Camaro: In 1994 they quadrupled in value ( 25 yr's )

1982-92 Camaro's : Guess what ..... that 25 year timespan
is fast approaching. Do the math.



Ranted enough,

John B. - Owner of some of the most collectable cars on this
Planet.

I regularly get offers for 5 or 6 thousand for my Iroc. I've had oneoffer as high as 8.

I have about 10,000 in it, so It's no point selling it, just to put the money back into another Iroc.

You also have to remember that book value is pretty much BS most of the time. You really gotta go by what others are usually selling for.

They'll put a mint, moderate mile, T-Top, L98, IROC-Z at about a $4,500 value. But in actuality, the seller of a car like that is usually asking around $7,000, or even more for lower mile cars. People that don't care or that haven't been keeping track of this stuff might not believe what I've seen some cars go for. It's good in a way, but not in others.

IROCZTWENTY and Abubaca,

I think the two of you have great insight as to the value of
our cars in the next 5 years or so. I'm not trying to come
off as a " know it all " when I rave on about the potential
future value of 3rd Gen cars, I'm just being positive. :)

After spending 58 years of being involved in all facets of
Motorsports which include racing, restoring, collecting, buying,
selling, and being generally obessed ( so says my Wife ) in
all things with wheels, I only hope that I would have learned
something. In the past when it came to appraising muscle
cars, collectable cars and such, I haven't missed by to much.
When you are speculating and laying your money on the
line, you need to be informed. There are many factors which
affect market trends, and staying on top of it can make you
or break you. I predict that the Gen 3 cars will go big in
4-5 years. this is where I am putting my money. I feel like
this- Why put my money in a bank for 3% interest when I
can invest in a Gen 3 car have fun, and get a great return
on my investment.

I look every week trying to buy Gen 3 cars at Auctions, but
it seems that I'm not the only one who has the market
figured out. The cars I am looking at are just average to
say the least. Nonetheless, they are still doing $ 2500 -5500.
These same cars two years ago, would have done about 50%
less.

The thing I enjoy about the 3rd Gen cars is the fact that
some are still affordable because of the large production
#'s. They ARE a great investment, fun to drive, offer a
excellent platform for a V-8 motor, and are rapidly gaining
in collector value :D

Well I'm begining to sound like a Salesman :rolleyes: so I
going to get off the soapbox, and go wax my 84 Z-28. :p


John B.

What he said!:D

man, from reading these posts, i'm just in awe that ya'll paid that much for a 15 year old car. mines an '84 and not the best out there, but i've definitely seen worse. but i only paid $500 for it.

But yours wasn't an IROC-Z

...and you haven't seen our cars either.:nod:

both true. but mine is a 5.0 HO Z-28, so . . .

Yeah right! Not around here. Blue book on my '89 is only $2800!! I was so mad when the banker told me that. My old '88 is only valued at $2300.:( Both are 350 cars, the '88 is a t-top car, very nice. The '89 is a hardtop G92, only 1426 were produced in '89. May not mean much to anyone, but like I said above, I paid $3500 with 102k original miles. I got lucky.

Btw nightmare, you may want to go to reader's rides and check out Abubaca's car, you may think differently....

I bought my car in 98. It had 80,000 miles on it. I paid $5000. It was in what the Blue book would consider great condition.

It's worth what the buyer is willing to pay, and obviously I was willing to pay.

I don't think any offense was intended, but I eat, sleep and breathe thirdgens, and I'm not gonna defend what someone "thinks" my car is or "was" worth!

...trust me, it was worth it!

:p

Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying you couldn't find a better deal, but I don't think I got a bad deal either.;)

This is what I am always telling people who tell me to get rid of my poor 86 IROC-Z, They are only going to go up in value!!! Also why get rid of my first car. How many of out parents or older people we know still wish they had there first car, but now just cost too much money. Thats why I am looking to get myself at least one more thirdgen to my others. :D

Kevin

My first car was a ford explorer, I havn't missed it for a secont :)

IROCZTWENTYGR8..........I think I found something pretty close to what you are looking for.........QUOTE: "The constant search still goes on for: A mint 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI that's Bright Red with Grey Custom Cloth or Leather interior, T-Tops, preferably loaded, near stock/slightly modded, with lower/moderate mileage to do alot of performance mods to and be the show car."

these are all bright red...there are 97 1987 Camaros for sale on autotrader right now..ranging in price from $ 42,000...yes $42,000 to $500


1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO Z28 IROC, v8, auto, pw, 5.7ltr,tuned port injection, red, T-tops, 43k miles, all original equipment, $8800, 352-694-4866 days, 352-288-9220 nights.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r=&cardist=554

1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO IROC, 38k orig mi, all service records, will show milage is legitimate, runs great, V8 TPI, auto, 700-R4, t-tops, all pwr, new CD, many extras, call for more info, $6,900 407-927-1959.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...d=n&start_year

1987 CHEVROLET CAMARO, Z28 IROC, V8, ps, pw, pwr mirrors, tilt, leather, brand new trans, new paint job, new seats & headliner, t-top, 5.7L w/90K on it, runs like a champ, $3,800 obo, ask for Kyle, 602-762-0602,=1987&=&color=&cardist=614

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=1380




I have been shopping for donor cars for my 'vert build up / restoration and have been coming across some nice 3rd gens for sale..it seems autotrader.com has by far the best selection..but the cars run a bit more expensive on there...but it is the place to find rare/ low mile / well preserved 3rd gens...They even have 3 non IROC '87 Z28 verts for sale right now...yes I already told Willie about 'em

I have called the first 2 you listed already, no good. The first is priced too high and doesn't have the right color interior. The second is a 5.0 that needs a paint. The miles on the last one are a little too high for me. Thanks for looking though!

No problem...I'll keep an eye out for ya while Im looking for mine.

I found mine on AUTOTRADER and found out it was only 15 mins. away. It was the original owner with all the records and bone stock. The worse thing about the car, was it had serious weather damage.

But, yeah, AUTOTRADER has alot of good selections.

In this area I have noticed prices have hit rock bottom. In 98 I bought my 92 RS for 5,000 w/ 75k on the clock. In 00 I bought my 90 Firebird for 3,000 with 111k on the clock (yet ran better then the 92, go fig), in 02 I bought my 91 for 2,400 w/ 130k, 03 I bought my 88 for 900 bucks w/ 120k on the clock and some body damage. Now there is a POS Berlinetta for sale that has a unpainted 91/92 hi-rise, fading paint, hard top, and not so nice interior for like 2k! I have also noticed that 85+ TAs have been stable in price for over a year now, and there are less for sale in the 1000-2000 dollar price range now then in late 02.

Just my observations, thinking I need to buy several more Thirdgens before prices start to go up!

well i guess houston (77084) doesnt have a big 3rd gen population since i cant find a T-top V8 camaro 0-$2500 PERIOD.

I've heard the arguement, " They made too many third gens for them to become collectable." Well, I'm old enough to have heard that arguement before, about a model that had 3/4 of a million cars produced in just three years...the 1st gen Camaro. I have a real strong feeling these cars are about to go through the roof.... A couple more years at the most. I have recently been reading comments in collector magazines like " '87 thru '92 Camaro Convertibles are thought by some to be the most beautiful Camaros ever produced." You never heard these cars mentioned at all before this year...now there are several for sale in collector mags...right next to Hemi 'cudas and AC Cobras. When the casual reader sees that, he thinks, just like I did, " WOW! Those car are considered collector's items now." Once enough people start thinking that, what do you think will happen to prices? This is the time to be buying guys. Here's one that proves this point. 18 bids, $20,100.00......reserve not met.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEBI%3AIT

Fwiw,

I happen to fit in the category of having owned a third gen new from the dealer in 1991 ('91 Camaro RS 5.0 TBI). The third gen is the car "I came of age" with. In high school when the first IROC came out I used to dream of owning one. When I first started off working for the DoD I began looking at used IROCZ L98's. The insurance was pretty bad, though, so I ended up buying the RS listed above.

Later on in '96 I wanted a third gen again and purchased my '92 Formula, but with an L03. I sold it in '97 when I purchased my '97 SS but missed the '92 and bought it back.

This coming week I should be officially adding a 1990 IROCZ to the stable owned by a former moderator at TGO.

These (third gens) are the cars in my opinion, and there are many people like myself that are primed to start buying the cars of our youth (okay I'm 33, but I am better off than I was). Judging from fellow car enthusiasts of my age, it becomes more likely with every year that they will be buying. I would still like to add a 1991 or 1992 Z28 L98 to the "stable", too.

They are great all around cars, they handle, they can be made fast or they can be made for show.

Yes, I've been seeing more Third Gens for sale at collector car places and magazines too. Right next to 1st Gen's, Chevelle's, Nova's, early 2nd Gen's, and all the other way back muscle. Interestingly, I really don't see any 80's/early 90's M*****g's in these places/magazines. Not surprised though, even the market for 1st Gen's is more popular than the 60's/70's F**d's. This does make cars go up in value when people see them being sold and associated with cars like that. When more people buy them that aren't particularly young and use them for fun weekend cars or show cars and keep them mint, it also makes them be seen as an enthusiasts piece. I know of a few guys like that that own Thirds. Prices of these cars in that kinda condition aren't cheap either, I can't imagine (well actually I can) what it'll be like years from now. More people that owned one new will be looking for them again and when they show up at car shows/cruise nights it introduces the cars to the younger crowd that might just be getting their licenses or are just getting into the whole car thing.

Third Gens are arguably the best looking and most popular Camaros. (and just one of the best looking cars ever, maybe the best! :D) They have EFI, (excellent TQ with TPI) can out-handle, (even 4th Gen's) and out-brake all the cars from almost 40 years ago, stock. They're also safer and more comfortable. They're great cars that can be made to do pretty much anything easily, street, strip, or show. They are younger and cheaper than most 1st Gen's, with a timeless design. It's easy to see what the market for these cars will be like in the years to come. ;) As the 60's cars age and become more and more expensive to repair and restore, there'll be people realizing that there is a better way/route to go instead of spending lots and lots of money to do out or modernize yet another 1st Gen, unless they are completely set on doing that.

:D What he said !!!!

Are you talking about Tim's Iroc? I'd really like to think it found a good home.

...insurance on that L98 car should be pretty cheap nowadays. ....uhhhh, I think his car has a little more power than a stock L98, right?:rolleyes:

:D

here is another example: May 2004 CAR CRAFT magazine cover and feature story......I love the fact that the Camaro is in front of...and AHEAD of the 5.0 Nutstank

The insurance stopped me in 1991, when I was 20, not now (as you can clearly see in my sig). :D

Yes, Tim's IROC. It will be babied AND enjoyed like it's meant to be. I'm giving up my other project cars (except the '92 Formula) just to put more money to his IROC. It will have a great home, in my opinion. I'm even throwing out one of my other cars from the garage so his IROC is in the garage. :D I'm a father of three and decided I didn't have time for the other project cars and thought his IROC fit me better in the end.

Anyway, it's not mine yet...should be this week, however.

Here is the article:

thirdgen prices are going up quickly here, i paid £2000 GBP for my car ($3500) and now its worth around £3000 GBP ($5000)

its an 86 305 Sport Coupe, and i've had it 3 years.

Car hit $22,100 but did not reach the reserve. This is much higher than the 91 Firehawk which was up for sale a couple of weeks ago.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEDW%3AIT

- Dave

Quote: - Dave


__________________
1989 #90 TTA Festival Car, 5126 mi.
1989 #1456 TTA Cloth/Hardtop (1 of 15) 4607 mi.
1979 10th T/A (SD455 Engine)
1974 SD455 T/A
__________________



WOW! ...I'd say that auction just set the price for your two '89 TTAs at 28 to 35k each (yours have even lower miles and 1 is a festaval and the other is a lower build number)........good for you!!!!....Um, if I were you I'd copy and print that e-bay page

I have owned close to 30 cars and/or trucks in my few years (over 50) on this planet. Currently I have a '98 F150, a 2002 F150, 99 Expedition and 2 '88 Camaro convertibles. One is an IROC with an engine swap to a 350 and the other is a Sport with 305. The IROC had 96k mil3es when I bought it and the Sport 75k miles.

Of ALL the cars I've owned, there is one that stands out as a "Dang I wish I still had that car" It was a '77 TransAm Special Edition (yes, a Smokey and the Bandit Car). I special ordered it with EVERY option known to GM EXCEPT the T-Tops...(they leaked too badly around that time frame). Had the 6.0 Litre instead of the 6.6.

Wonder what it would cost me to try to buy one now....:hmmm:


Any rate, I am enjoying the '88 convertibles. My son drives the IROC and I am relegated to the Sport.

Based on this thread, I paid waaaayyy too much for both of mine, but 1) I wanted them and 2) I could afford them. They were each in very good to excellent shape. The IROC came with a full year warranty on the engine cause of the swap done by the dealership.

The Sport did need a new top which it now has and has made it smell almost like a new car again. Both need SFC's and STB's which are probably the next purchase to be made....but first gotta pay for a trip to Hawaii next month.

So, to go along with Thunderstruck and others....they are worth what ever a buyer is willing to pay. I'll probably never get out of either one what I paid for them, but at this point really don't care. Kelly Blue Book value is @ 2500 for both . the IROC was $50 more than the Sport...go figure.