Ok, this time its FINALLY happening for sure, as I have no way to back out this time

I am buying my '95 Grand Am SE 3.1 coupe back from my sister...a couple of you may remember I had it for 1 month back in Feb when I originally intended to sell the RS, then got cold feet. Well, she has only put 1,000 miles on it since then, so it has a grand total of 112k on it now. So technically, I am still a 60 degree V6 owner

I am getting the fender with the hole in it patched up, then having the gfx put back on...should be on the lot in a couple weeks. Can people give suggestions on what to ask for it? Back in Feb, people said between 4-4,500 based on the condition...and it has had new parts since then...

-New radiator and hoses, thermostat, water pump
-Idler arm
-Tires (Firehawk GTAs)
-Had Dent Wizard take out all dings but one!

In all seriousness, aside for a slightly leaky t-top (car doesn't smell though), its perfect. Please have a look at it (www.geocities.com/jee89/mycar.html) and tell me what you think it can sell for...

Keep in mind also I have the original window sticker, all documentation, dealer brochure, ad from when it was sold new, EVERYTHING.

I ain't kidding this time guys...this is for real

 

Oh yeah, all new brakes and brake hoses too...spent $400 on this alone!!

[This message has been edited by Jason E (edited November 25, 2001).]

 

Oh yeah...my sig so people get the basic idea on the car...

------------------
Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
-Medium Grey Metallic
-2.8, A4, T-tops, 95k miles
-Hypertech chip, Accel 8.8MM wires and coil
-K&Ns with gutted airbox
-Alpine 60x4 with Boston 746s and RX97s

'97 Z28
-30th Anniversary package (white with orange stripes)
-LT1, M6, t-tops, 46k miles
-Xtant 403a 50x4 + 300x1 powering a 10" Eclipse Aluminum in a JL Stealth box, Boston RM6 fronts, Monsoon rears (temporary!!), Eclipse 5341R CD, All Monster's goodies...
Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

The new parts have nothing to do with the price of the car. they are worthless. How does the car look?, nevermind how it runs. If it looks like *rap then no way could she get the 4500 for it. Especially if the Ground effects are not even on it. How do you know that water has not gotten into those mounting bolt holes and started to rust?. If it needs that fender, the ground effects and more then likely a piant job no more then 1500 at the max. Seriously man. Hell I paid 650 and change for my 91 t top. it needs a carpet and floor pan rust fixed. Runs great too. 116K.
The milage also comes into play. It has over 100K? right. Again another reason to offer as little as possible cause its not worth that much. I know its family and all, and you know how the cars been taken care of but have to approach this as if your a stranger to buy the car. I have been offered cars by close friends before and I turned them down(Even though I really wanted some of them) because I did not want to get into fights about the price. They wanted way to much and I was not going to pay that simple as that.
If she really wants to sell the car ask her what he blue book is on it IN ITS CURRENT STATE OF CONDITION(Go check it yourself too, you may be surprised). Meaning all the flaws it has takes away money. Then ask if she could serioulsy get the money she is asking for it from someone else on the street. I doubt she will. With what you have listed it needs so far it as at least the low to meduim at the MAX.

 

Dude, no offense, but I have no idea what the HELL you are talking about?? Did you go to the website? Did you not read the RS is having ALL the rust fixed? The paint it PERFECT...the gfx will be back on it. This car is as clean as it was when bought new...again, I am FIXING THE RUST. Also, I am selling the car, and buying my SISTER's GA...I think you got that a little confused

Sorry to seem agitated, but c'mon. If you're gonna comment, at least read what the hell I wrote. The car is perfect, not a $1,500 POS. Please...I do need some help here.

BTW...KBB is $4,240 with my options and miles, and NADA High retail (which I know mine qualifies for) is $4,100.

 

Jason its sad to hear that the RS is going but I understand. Hope you get what you are asking and I think you will. Just build up the LT1 like I am. Im thinking either LT4 conversion package or ATI procharger. I am getting drag radials this Christmas! So I am happy about that.

 

BTW, if you dont have an exhaust on the RS GET ONE. Its the sure way to hook a kid into buying the car. If it sounds good then they will come. *hint* flowmaster *hint* *hint*

 

Sorry man I though what you wrote was about the Grand am. I did not go to the site just read what you wrote. And it sounds bad. You need to put what is has, the shape its in and not all the stuff that got fixed. very confusing.
By listing all the stuff that was wrong that was not really stated that got fixed made it sound like a .. well...POS. I get what you meant to say now. But seriously even though it may be "Like New" You still probly wont get more then 3K. 3rds are just way to numerous right now. They can be bought cheap, Real Cheap. Even though yours may be tip top so to speak if its at $4K plus you won't sell it. Especially with the miles on it. People are starting to look at the miles now.



[This message has been edited by Camaro_hunter_d (edited November 25, 2001).]

 

A grand Am, nice car,....BUT.....it's FWD, they suck to work on, I mean SUCK. 87 subaru, 92 festiva, 93 bonneville. changing cv shafts suck. replacing cracked/torn cv boots suck. rebuilding/service on tranny $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ucks. only bad thing about my 95 blazer is that being 4wd is that it too has cv shafts in the front. suks, but then 4wd is cool

this has been an unbiased post

------------------
$150.00 2.8 Auto.
short block now
turbo eventually, 3.4 may be in the future
Giving the enemy the opportunity to die for their country

 

Ok, after reading it again, I can see where Camaro_Hunter got confused So to clarify, this is my car, this is what it has, this is what's fixed, and now I need to know what I can ask for it, and then reasonably take

Car:
-'89 Camaro RS 2.8
-AT, T-tops, PW, PL, cruise, factory tape, factory custom cloth interior, tinted windows
-Medium Grey Metallic w/ grey+white upholstered interior, factory 15" wheels

Condition:
-Car has been Zainoed or waxed every 3-4 months since new. It was repainted under factory warranty in '90 due to acid rain spots. Other than one finger-print sized ding under the fuel filler, paint is absolutely perfect. No major scratches anywhere. Interior is perfect, no rips or stains anywhere, everything intact and working as it should.

I also have EVERY service record on this car...always dealership serviced except for a few small things. My dad and I always wrote down every oil change, and any repair we made as well (date and mileage). When I typed out every repair and/or service the car has had in order to aid the next owner, the service history is 3 pages long in Word The file folder on this car is so packed, I needed to make up a second folder too. And I have original window sticker, invoice, ad, brochure, even NOS floormats!


New parts:
-Within the last 10k, front brakes and hoses, radiator, water pump, full tune-up, driver door PW motor, tires. I don't care what anyone says...I sell cars for a living, and when you can show someone a '94-older vehicle with new tires and a boatload of work orders with everything done, they listen I sold a '94 Bravada last week for $9,000 with 110k solely because the previous owner was like me...they kept EVERYTHING.

Face it...we all know all the POS third gens out there...that's why they're cheap!! Anything under 3k normally needs at least a few things...this car needs nothing. I figure that has to be worth something, as does the fact it has never been hit and been fully documented.

Now based on this, help me out...can I get more than normal for this car? I wanna throw it out there for $4,295 and when they balk, take $3,800 even. Am I crazy or will this work? Sorry for the long post, but a sincere thanks to all who can help.

Oh yeah...the new sig

------------------
Jason E

'97 Z28
-30th Anniversary package (white with orange stripes)
-LT1, M6, t-tops, 46k
miles, killer stereo

'95 Grand Am SE 3.1 Coupe
-Red, AT, 112k, kept up with a '95 Stang GT auto once

FOR SALE: '89 RS 2.8 w/ t-tops

Third-gen-less for now...but not forever
Long Live #3...

 

Sorry man I just dont think you will get that much for it. Chevy High Performance bought a good Late 80's Firebird formula for like $650? I think. I have the article around somewhere. They spent $900 on it and it looked new. It does matter where you live too. But if you live in So Cal forget it. too cheap to buy them out there. Other places who knows?.
Heres something that can help you to see if your too high though. Imagine yourself as the stranger going to buy the car. Forget about all the parts that have been replaced, they mean nothing but "some guy" is telling you that have been replaced. This is where it becomes diffacult. You have to take the position of true scruiteny and pick apart the car. Find every little flaw, no matter the size. And then see if you take the word of the previous owner on that the parts he says hes replaced really were.
You can see why when people say in adds that all these parts have been replaced the car still sits there for a while. It comes down to a matter of trust. And most buyers out there do not have it.
As a rule of thumb I do not take the word of the previous owner on ANYTHING. I discount everything they tell me untill its proven. Not untill I see it. And unfourtunatly not unless you buy the car will you truely find out if the seller was tring to rip you off. Then its too late.
I am not saying that you are tring to rip anyone off, I am just stating the strangers point of veiw and how the car will be looked at.
Remember I still have not seen any picks of the car(I will check the pics after this post) But even after seeing the picks...??? I have seen many a freind do amazing cheap patch and paint work to get rid of a car. And within a month I know the patches will fall off then the buyer will be pissed as all get out. Cause they thought they got a hella deal on the car. Too many people have been nurned out there is all I am saying. And I think we can all agree on that.

 

No addy?????

 

I hear what you are saying about discounting some of the stuff sellers say...but when they wave a fistfull of R.O.'s in your face and show you how well the car has been maintained, it does make a difference. I know there are cheap third gens out there, we all do. But they're cheap for a reason...people who have seen this car on the street think the price is right, as it is the same price I was going to sell it for in February. I will betcha this car goes to a 17 yr old girl as her first car, who thinks its a nice looking car and isn't concerned about no V8. Condition is what will sell this car. Also, I am in New England, not SoCal. You simply do not see cars as nice as mine on a normal basis. This thing looks brand new...the only real nice third gens around here are weekend rides only...and more expensive.

If you're smart, you can see when a car has been patched and if someone is lying. There's no hidden secrets with my car, and I'll be glad to let anyone who wants to drive it on a lift and have a look at the undercarriage...again, perfect. By the way, your last post..."No addy??" What you mean by that?

Thanks for your replies so far...can other people tell me they're thoughts too? I'm not out to make too much off an RS...just want to make sure I evaluate the situation properly.

[This message has been edited by Jason E (edited November 26, 2001).]

 

Jason, I think your asking a little to much. I think 3,000 would be a fair asking price. Up here in Wisconsin I put my 92 firebird for sale it has 51000 *summer only* since new miles. The car is in the best condition I've ever seen a 3rd gen in. I have every possible performance part for sale on the market on it. Every thing works just like new, but I couldn't even get a call when I had it for sale asking 6,500. People dont seem to care if the car is in fantastic condition, they just care that it doesn't have a V8. Yeah it sucks, but thats just the way it is.

 

I know the feeling on there being POS 3gen fbodies. i just got a 83 that from the outside looks freekin execellent, but the engine was a piece of (fill in the blank) I wanted to drop in a 350, but im goin to sell it and try to find an IROC 350 maro. good luck gettin that much for a 6 banger maro. i know the feeling that its worth that much and not gettin ur moneys worth. id suggest putting an exhaust system on it and selling it around gradatuation or xmas time. teenagers and sports cars. the v6 will make it easier to sell to a younger driver when the parents are buying the car. I got my first maro when i was 17 and i wasnt allowed to get a v8. but the 3.1 in the 91 was perfect for me with the 5 speed at that time. well since this has gotten probably too long ill stop talkin bout old stuff no one cares bout. I hope some of this helped in some way.

 

No link address. To veiw picks in sig...

 

here it is,

www.geocities.com/jee89/mycar.html

I told one guy $3,500 without the fender fixed, and he should be coming over in the next couple days to look at it...if not, it's off to a body shop, then onto the lot.

I understand what you guys are saying about 4 grand being high for a V6 and all that. Not arguing. This is one of those cars you really have to see to appreciate. And this isn't $6,500 either!! Jaren, there's a big difference psychologically between $6,500 and $4,000...many people for their first car can pay $4,000, but not $6,500. But when the guy looking at it chews me down to $3,500, I'm happy because I get what I want, and he feels like he got a better deal. If I start at $3,500, he'll wanna chew me to 3k. It's all in the game when you sell cars

If it sits, I'll lower the price. But I don't think it will...over the summer I had a guy offer me $4,000 on the spot for it for his son...I just didn't have anything else to drive daily. To some parent who appreciates the shape the car is in, and wants something cheaper for their kid to insure and slower for them to drive, the car has a niche someone will appreciate!!

Hey Tom, you were one of the ones who said I could get 4k for it back in Feb...back me up here!!

 

The area you are trying to sell in can also affect the price. For example in SJ, CA (ware I used to live) you could only about 3K for my '92 RS 3.1L, in Modesto, CA (only 85 miles away) You can get between 4K and 5K for it. Go figure!

 

If u get 3,500 for your car jump on it. While I have looked at your pics and that is a very very nice car it proly is not worth more than 3,000 on its best day.

Well good luck with your sale.

Later

------------------
2001 Black WS6 T/A A4
Direct-air flow lid w/K&N filter, BMR SFC's, BMR STB.

daily driver '88 ford taurus AKA "the tank"

84' Z28 all stock LG4

 

That's the beauty of it...in this area, most third gens are beginning to be rotted out POS's unless they're garaged every winter...mine was for 9 out of its 13 winters. That and 1467 coats of wax are why it looks so good

 

Yeah, I'd say you could get $4k for it... the argument about beat-up f-bodies just further supports your price! Hell, there's a decent-bodied '84 selling down the street from me for $700, but I know (without checking it out) that it doesn't compare to yours. And like you said, you've got all the receipts... that's definately a rarity. Hey, didn't you have the original sticker sheet too? Keep that; give the guy a photocopy.

I admit, I have been thinking about buying that '84 outright, and making it a "fix it and sell it" project car.. the only thing holding me back is "where would I put it?" (sigh)

------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

Thanks Tom for finally coming to my aid BTW, I will have an advantage going for me when my car is on the lot in a few weeks. We just took in a '91 Bird 305 TBI...same options as mine, even the same miles. Here's the thing though...nose is all chipped up and faded, rust in the wheelwells, center caps are missing, t-top moldings are rusted, rust is bubbling on the passenger door, and the wheels have the clearcoat peeling off. Now, we're asking $3,495 for this car...

And some of you don't think a perfect car next to this one can't pull $500 more when it has none of these problems and a full service history, merely because it makes 35 less HP? I rest my case...thanks Tom. My goal is to pull $3,800 out of it, and I think I can...we'll just have to wait and see. I will miss the car a lot, but sacrificing it now makes room for an IROC down the road...its worth it to me

 

That's actually one of the reasons I wound up with a V6- all the V8's around here were shot to hell; and here was this V6, for a few hundred more, in much better condition. I went V6.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

 

Maybe its just around here, but everywhere I look people are giving cars away. No one (including dealerships) can sell used cars here. New cars are too easy to lease. With current 0% financing its even worse than it was 6mo's ago. Dealerships typically can get much more out of a car than a private seller. An 89 Camaro with a V6 (around here) wouldn't even be sold on one of the larger dealers lots. It'd go to auction and go to one of the "we finance anyone" dealerships. Assuming you're selling the car yourself, I'd expect an average price to be about $1,500, $2,500 if you find a sucker and the cars near mint. If you were a dealership I'd expect somewhere between $3500, and $4500. Although I doubt they'd sell at those prices.

Hopefully you'll have better luck selling the car for what you'd like, but currently I dont think thats very realistic given the current conditions.

 

Well, lucky for me, it IS on a dealer lot, and most people looking at it can't exactly afford a new car Drew

I completely agree with you...the used market has dropped way off. At work, we've been having to cut the prices of used units quite a bit to make them move. BUT, the under $5,000 are as strong or stronger than ever before, at least in my area!!!

I agree, $4,000 is a lot to ask for a V6 RS. My car is a rare breed, in that it is a fully documented, flawless, never-hit, lowly V6 Is it worth it? That's for a buyer to decide. Someone will buy it, and if I have to settle for $3,500 I will certainly take it to move the car. But as you said, there is no point in giving it away...especially a puff that gets admired everywhere it goes...

Even if it is a 6 I am nervous about selling it going into winter, but the car is simply too sharp to sit.