How would you feel
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
How would you play it if it was some guy you didn't know that placed an add in the paper for an old Chevy? You check it out and $9000 will buy this car. Would you feel guilty because you think it is worth more? Or would you feel lucky that you got a good deal?
Did this person come up with this price? Or is it what you have to offer? If they came up with it, pay it. If you have it to offer, it is up to her to take it or leave it.
When people ask me how much I pay for a car, I say that the deal was fair to both.
Don't lie. Just buy.
You can always put a little more in the collection plate too.
Did this person come up with this price? Or is it what you have to offer? If they came up with it, pay it. If you have it to offer, it is up to her to take it or leave it.
When people ask me how much I pay for a car, I say that the deal was fair to both.
Don't lie. Just buy.
You can always put a little more in the collection plate too.
Last edited by builder; Dec 22, 2011 at 01:49 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
I have sold a lot of items for others on ebay and Craigslist, and the sellers I have helped had no qualms about paying me anywhere from 25-35% of the selling price so they don't have to worry about all the above hassles.
I'd be up front and honest with the owner, as mentioned on several previous replies, regarding the potential "top dollar" price vs. cash now selling to someone they know and trust. Part of the equation that only you can answer - how much is your reputation worth?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Dude, let your conscience be your guide as far as the purchase price, but you should definitely tell her that her grandson needs to have his head examined!!!!
Scott
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Well, the paint and appearance is nice...and has a certain measure of value. But, the important aspects of 'car worth' to me are:
1) the integrity of the frame/birdcage [ie, rust]; 2) the condition and operation of all the functional systems [brakes, steering, suspension, engine, transmission, rear gear, tires, etc.]; 3) the condition and functionality of the interior [radio, cruise, lighting, HVAC system, P/S, P/W.
That's where the "money" lies, if you need to do repairs.
So, you shouldn't feel bad about offering around $10K for a vehicle which they know nothing about. If you don't buy it now, someone else will pretty quickly.
1) the integrity of the frame/birdcage [ie, rust]; 2) the condition and operation of all the functional systems [brakes, steering, suspension, engine, transmission, rear gear, tires, etc.]; 3) the condition and functionality of the interior [radio, cruise, lighting, HVAC system, P/S, P/W.
That's where the "money" lies, if you need to do repairs.
So, you shouldn't feel bad about offering around $10K for a vehicle which they know nothing about. If you don't buy it now, someone else will pretty quickly.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Last Sunday I was sharing my week end with some of the ladies from my church, as the president of my club. we adopted a head start center and had a gift giving celebration for the 68 children at the center.
I was sharing that event, when one of the ladies mentioned that they have 1982 corvette in their garage. their son owns but pass away, now the grand son does not want it. I looked at last night, the car looks like it just left the show room with 31K. the finish on this was silky smooth. so I did some looking around on the net, some are around the 15-25K with a lot more miles.I have 9K ready to get this, but feel guilty for offering that much knowing they can get more. How would you feel offering much less for knowing it is worth more? thank you.
I was sharing that event, when one of the ladies mentioned that they have 1982 corvette in their garage. their son owns but pass away, now the grand son does not want it. I looked at last night, the car looks like it just left the show room with 31K. the finish on this was silky smooth. so I did some looking around on the net, some are around the 15-25K with a lot more miles.I have 9K ready to get this, but feel guilty for offering that much knowing they can get more. How would you feel offering much less for knowing it is worth more? thank you.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
I think that a cursory search of what the Bible has to say about matters like this would indicate that an item is pretty much worth what buyer and seller agree to make the transaction for. The fact that OP is even concerned about lowballing the seller is indicative of a good conscience. And in a market-specific sense $9k is definitely a decent ballpark figure for that car, even in excellent condition.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Thank you everyone for your inputs, I am meeting with the grandson next week. I've been asking several corvette owner, they didn't have much good to say about the engine and the trans on this particular year.
I guess I should start a new post asking for some insight on the engine and trans in this car before I commit to it.
It was recommended to spend the money on a new paint for my 71 LT it needs it.
I guess I should start a new post asking for some insight on the engine and trans in this car before I commit to it.
It was recommended to spend the money on a new paint for my 71 LT it needs it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
I don't think you mentioned if it has been in storage. Depending on how long the car has sat, you may have to spend a some $ to bleed brakes, change other fluids, etc. so you may have additional hidden costs. I agree with others who say to be honest with your $9K offer.
Terry
Terry
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
Thank you everyone for your inputs, I am meeting with the grandson next week. I've been asking several corvette owner, they didn't have much good to say about the engine and the trans on this particular year.
I guess I should start a new post asking for some insight on the engine and trans in this car before I commit to it.
I guess I should start a new post asking for some insight on the engine and trans in this car before I commit to it.
I had the same engine in my '84 and even though they were designed for emissions and MPG, found it to be strong and reliable.
Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 23
From: Kawartha Lakes and PEC, Ontario
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: IL
I'd tell them that all I you was 9k and you promise to love and cherish the car always just like her son did.
And when someone gave a compliment that you would mention that the belonged to her son and you were very luck to get such a nice car from someone else who loved and cherished the car as much as you do.
Knowing that probably means as much to her as money.
Just don't lie and you should be fine, Praying may also help.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Ralph
And when someone gave a compliment that you would mention that the belonged to her son and you were very luck to get such a nice car from someone else who loved and cherished the car as much as you do.
Knowing that probably means as much to her as money.
Just don't lie and you should be fine, Praying may also help.
Merry Christmas
Pastor Ralph
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
The engine and transmission wasn't the greatest during that time but if it is as nice as you say do you care how much power it has? $9,000 is a fair offer for it. If it has been sitting it will need some work that you probably haven't thought about yet to have it safe and dependable. I wouldn't consider trying to get a good deal as a bad thing. A $5-6,000 offer would probably be trying to rip them off if it is like you say. You are being fair.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
It's an engine and tranny. Nothing new to deal with. Just different.
Tell us where it's at if you pass on it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 26
From: Ocean County NJ
Good luck newbie - the consensus is nearly unanimous and im with the majority. As long as the brother isn't looking to capitalize on the transaction and take his shot at getting top dollar, i think "mom" would consider your offer. I bought a 73 from my brother - i saved it from sitting unused for 10 years. It looked great, drove great, but needed small items to ensure a safe drive - several thousands of dollars later in maintaining it, i have thousands to go. All minor stuff - nothing major like engine or trans rebuild. Bottom line, tell them $9K is all you have now, and that you will invest your heart and wallet into the car for years to come. This isn't a Ford Taurus, it's a classic and takes a special owner to treat them right.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
KARMA.
Tell them that they should try to sell it ,BUT you'll offer $9 G. If they get more - it wasn't meant to be. If they can't sell it and you get it for the $9 - you won't feel guilty for the rest of your life. You won't feel good riding around in the car knowing you screwed 'em.
Tell them that they should try to sell it ,BUT you'll offer $9 G. If they get more - it wasn't meant to be. If they can't sell it and you get it for the $9 - you won't feel guilty for the rest of your life. You won't feel good riding around in the car knowing you screwed 'em.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
I agree with others. Thats hardly stealing it, especially in todays down market. At 9k, that seems like a fair price to me, and it would have to run as good as it looks and be solid also. Sounds like a win-win for both buyer and seller. Good luck with your decision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I think that a cursory search of what the Bible has to say about matters like this would indicate that an item is pretty much worth what buyer and seller agree to make the transaction for. The fact that OP is even concerned about lowballing the seller is indicative of a good conscience. And in a market-specific sense $9k is definitely a decent ballpark figure for that car, even in excellent condition.
Perfect answer.