Blue book, how dependable?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 17
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From: Tallahassee Florida
Blue book, how dependable?
I'm looking at a Vette and the owner is asking 12k. The kelly blue book is giving me a little over 9k. Is the book value always correct when dealing with Vette's? What advice can you Vette owners give on this topic?
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,378
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From: Laurel, MD, US
Re: Blue book, how dependable? (JP1)
Not really. I have a friend that’s an auto insurance adjuster and she told me that folks always call in with a quote from the blue book on their cars. That’s just a gauge on what the price could or should be not an actual price. Because no matter what the price is U can always talk them down. :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 17
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From: Tallahassee Florida
Re: Blue book, how dependable? (Smash)
So it's an 87 convertible w/72k he's second owner. Cars in pretty good shape from the pictures. Asking 1200 OBO. Book is around 9100k. I just don't want to show any disrespect when we haggle. Know what I mean?
Team Owner
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Re: Blue book, how dependable? (Smash)
KBB is accurate for non-collector vettes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Gravois Mills, MO
Re: Blue book, how dependable? (JP1)
Also check http://www.nadaguides.com NADA is what most dealers use to buy/price their cars. But, as mentioned earlier, it's just a guide....
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Orlando FL
Re: Blue book, how dependable? (JP1)
NONE of the guides are "accurate" because Corvettes generally just don't follow the rules. They can help you determine a starting point for negotiation but doesn't necessarily mean the car is over priced. Way too many variables for that. I generally find the guides to be underpriced.
A better indication of average market value is to see what similar cars are selling for across the country. For that I like autotrader because of its volume.
I think the NADA guides are better than the consumer-oriented KBB, and at least they can give you a good sense of what bank LOAN value is.
A better indication of average market value is to see what similar cars are selling for across the country. For that I like autotrader because of its volume.
I think the NADA guides are better than the consumer-oriented KBB, and at least they can give you a good sense of what bank LOAN value is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 778
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From: Irvine
Re: Blue book, how dependable? (JP1)
Disrespect? He's the one disrespecting potential buyers. He has to sell it, but you don;t have to buy it. Offer $8500 and see what he says. If he says no, ask if he wants your number so he can call you in a few weeks.
I've done it a few times and won. I've also been yelled at, but the guy was a jack butt. He was asking 12K for a rusty 356 Porsche. I offered $5000 and he blew his top :nopity . He then calmed down and said he would sell it to me for $6200. You just never know what they are thinking.
Some people are extremely unrealistic with their prices. I sold my '94 in March for $14K wholesale and was glad to get it. Today, I'd be lucky to get $15K on the street. Wholesale is under $10K. Bluer book is only used by dealers and loan companies - and only if it benefits them.
I'd go with the suggestions of the others. Look at auto trader, recycler, the local paper, etc. See what others are asking, then reduce it by about 10 to 20%. That's what I would offer. No more.
Hope this helps
I've done it a few times and won. I've also been yelled at, but the guy was a jack butt. He was asking 12K for a rusty 356 Porsche. I offered $5000 and he blew his top :nopity . He then calmed down and said he would sell it to me for $6200. You just never know what they are thinking.
Some people are extremely unrealistic with their prices. I sold my '94 in March for $14K wholesale and was glad to get it. Today, I'd be lucky to get $15K on the street. Wholesale is under $10K. Bluer book is only used by dealers and loan companies - and only if it benefits them.
I'd go with the suggestions of the others. Look at auto trader, recycler, the local paper, etc. See what others are asking, then reduce it by about 10 to 20%. That's what I would offer. No more.
Hope this helps