My 71 is temporarily off the market because the buyer backed out so I decided to make some improvements to the car. I will then re-list it with the new pictures and new price. The car looks and runs fabulous!!!!!! Here's what I had done:

1. AC repaired (new parts and lines) and converted to 134 (blows ice cold) for $450.
2. Carb totally rebuilt, tuned, plated, and reinstalled (pending) for $300.
3. Rear differential and tranny drained, flushed, and refilled for $50.
4. New carpets (ACC) installed for $400.
5. Totally new exhaust system for $400.
6. Tune up and miscellaneous maintenance for $50.
7. New KYB adjustable shocks installed for $250.
8. Tranny rear shaft seal and engine rear main replaced for $375.
9. Oil change, filter and lube for $25.

I wonder if I should raise the price accordingly or did I just pi$$ away $2300? Heck, she's like brand new and I'd be better off keeping her. All the previous prices included labor.

The car is a Mille Miglia Red 71 SBC, factory air, PS, PB, T/T, deluxe interior (saddle), tinted windows, rear defroster, all matching numbers except the paint (paint is a 1 footer), and everything works. I had it originally listed for $21,500 and sold for $21,000. Should I re-list it for more, the same and suck it up for a loss, or keep the darn thing? Spring is coming!

Rick in Tennessee

 

unfortunately it means nothing. buyers expect it to be like new and pay bottom dollar. cash is king today. don't let them steal it from you. instead give it to me. just kidding.

 

If you can't get what you want for it and really don't need the money, keep it till the economy gets better then try again. Enjoy it now!!

 

If you are in no rush to sell, I would up the price and let it sit....

 

agreed

 

Unless you've got something else "Corvette" lined up for less money in better? shape I'd keep it and enjoy the fruits of my labor, it sounds like a very nice car,,,oh unless of course you are between a rock and a hard place and NEED to sell, but raise the $$$ accordingly. Peace,,,Moosie

 

You can try to recoup some of the expense, but the reality is, $$ spent on such things generally make the car easier to sell, but do not usually translate into additional dollars.

 

I dont think you can recover all your costs. You might be able to get $1000 more, but not all of it.
Look at the AC unit. It is an intangible item to the new owner. The important thing is that it works, not that you had the freon replaced. So that upgrade will not increase the price. The same as you cannot increase the price because you just had an oil change and added new oil to it. Its expected to have oil.


The mechanical repairs will probably not get you and additional money. That is simply maint. and repair on an old car. It is to be expected. The carpet, shocks and exhaust may get you some return because it was an upgrade.

kdf

 

I agree. If I'm selling my house and I clean the carpets ,wash the windows , replace broken boards on the deck and repair some drywall, the house is easier to sell. Thats it.
Maint. isn't going to bring any extra dollars. The new interior , exhaust, and new shocks might bring 1/2

 

 

That's why I won't sell my '73. I know just how good the running gear is, like new. Why should I let someone else enjoy all that newness w/o paying for it? List it at what you got into it, if it doesn't sell, keep it,, and Enjoy the New-ness.

 

OK, say I am aa buyer,looking at 71 vettes and comparing out a few...yours has new converted ac, new carpet, new exhaust, carb rebuilt, shocks.... all are great factors and I would , as a buyer, give the car a plus over the competition for those things, I would even pay extra for it....

as a buyer, i would look for such things in a used car... and pay more for them..
i think a new set of pipes would be great and would really help the sale..

when I look at a used car to buy, i look for things lke new brakes, battery, tires, exhaust, detailing... little things and the wear item things that show the owner cared...

you should be able to sell it lots easier and for more money compared to a similar car..

 

I guess the carpets and exhaust system may have increased the value some, but not a great deal.
Would you have been better off reducing the price by $2300?
Regards,
Alan

 

and the above comes from someone who is buying and selling. In my experience too, extra stuff helps you sell faster but not necessarily for more money. It's a buyers market right now. I'd hang on if you don't HAVE to sell it.

 

 

Provide a detailed list and your cost of all the repairs and state that invoices may be reviewed by the buyer. To someone who does their own work, your improvements won't add 'value'; to someone who can't do that work him/herself, it will be beneficial. Unless your car has perfect paint and interior, I don't see you getting much more than low-to-mid 20's for the SB '71. But, you never know... Good lluck.

 

It's kinda like installing all new pipes in your house. Is it an improvement? Yes. Is it something you can express in the price? Probably not. Most of the stuff you cited falls in the area of routine maintenance. Nobody's going to pay you more money for a car that has fresh fluid in the rear end or serviceable shock absorbers or a functioning carburetor. Did you reduce the price because the air conditioner didn't work? If not, why would you be able to increase it now that it does work? I had a guy from Russo and Steele tell me that any money spent should be cosmetic because people buy eye candy.

 

I wanna throw a vote in for KEEPING it. Unless you have another in the garage....in that case keep them both!

If you enjoy the car then you will miss it once the nice weather is here. Plus you know what it is and where it's been. I have gotten rid of cars that I regret as most of us probably have....

So if you have any doubts as to whether you really want to get rid of it, then keep it at least to enjoy it this spring and part of summer. If the thrill is gone after that...then sell.

 

I think that a car is worth what it is worth !!sounds like the car is nearly perfect cond. And believe me ,i have looked at a lot of junk cars that are demanding a lot of money !! So price it worth what you would want to pay if you were looking for that class of car !! If you have to price it for a bad economy,keep it !! You will regret giving it away !!!

 

Our older (beloved) Vettes are worth what someone will pay for them. It is not like buying a new Mustang where the product is a commodity (which makes the price the differentiator). I hope you find a buyer who loves your car and is willing to pay your price. I believe it would take a year to sell my 68 L36 roadster and probably longer to sell my 65 442 (which is almost 100% original). You know what they say, "be at the right place at the right time". Good luck to you...