In my quest for thirdgen ownership, I've noticed that the market seems particularly bleak. My question is this. Is this just a bad time to buy right now because it's summer and everyone wants to buy? Would I find a better deal and more selection if I wait until autumn?

Also, how many cars had T tops from the factory, percentage wise? It seems that 90% of the ones I look at have them. Do hardtop cars just get junked more often since they are less desirable?

Thanks,
Homer

 

Homer,

I would suspect that the market is somewhat seasonal, since most people probably don't go out shopping for a RWD sporty car with the onslaught of the first blizzard. Spring always seems to be a good time to SELL that type of car, since everyone has the "bug" to get out and cruise.

Given that they are also bevoming less available due to attrition, those that are left in good condition are beginning to achieve the "collector" and "enthusiast" status. WE're right on the beginning of that curve. These types also are more popular in spring and summer.

For the BUYER, I would think late fall and the dead of winter would be the best time to find a bargain.

As for the statistics on the models produced, there is a breakdowm of years and models in the FAQ/Tech Article section of the site. T-tops were a popular option, but I doubt that many cars were junked on that basis alone.

 

I started looking for me one back in December. I ended up buying in the middle of Feburary. Granted, I was looking for a convertible (which are hard to find) and the first one I ran across I bought because it was such a good deal

1989 RS Convertible
V8 305 TBI
Automatic (really wanted a standard)
55000 original miles
Interior great shape
Top in great shape
Paint needs some work
Nearly new tires
Price $3700

Good luck to you in finding what you want.

 

Without a doubt the market is highly seasonal especially in the northeast. NEVER buy in the spring as you'll always get the highest minimum price and end up paying 5k for a car worth 2k... NEVER sell in the fall/winter because you'll never get the highest price for it.

 

Yeah, that's about what I figured. So I gave up. For now. I don't need my ultimate car yet and I'm certainly not going to pay extra for the Camaro nameplate to get a car with stuff I don't want, and missing things I do want.

I'll wait until I can shop at my leisure during the fall/winter months.

So today I bought a 1988 Caprice with a 350. Good shape, clean interior. The dealer told me that you couldn't buy a 350 in a Caprice then unless it was the police package (which the guy on the street couldn't buy). Interestingly enough, there were no holes on the body for lightbars or antenae. I was stumped until I looked in the glovebox and saw the warrantee booklet, and on the front it says Customer name: The United States Marshall Service. Cool. They probably took care of the car and didn't beat on it as much as cops would. Plus I got a car with more motor in it than you can buy. Mmm, sleeper.

The dealer also told me that the secondary linkage was broke so it won't open. Having driven the car I have to believe him. It runs good until 30 and then levels off. Can anyone steer me to a good book on quadrajets? Hopefully one with pictures, because I'm clueless about carbs. From just looking at it under the hood with the engine off, all i can figure out is that the primaries are stuck open (should they be when it's off?) and the secondaries are shut.

Where is a good place to look for the "tech data" on Caprices like this site has on Thirdgens?
Thanks in advance,
Homer

 

i would guess winter/ early spring would be a good time to look/buy. it also helps if ya can find a car lot thats going out of buisness that would help lol. i started looking in January and bought in the end may. i found my t/a at a used car lot was closing, so in january it was 1695, by the time i bought in may it was down to $695.