Need advice on Charger value

[FamilyManWes]

I've been looking for a second generation Charger now for over 6 months and am not having the greatest luck in coming across a car I would like to buy.  My problem is I find cars that are on the extreme ends of the buying spectrum,  from project cars to show cars, but not a lot in between.  I cant do the project cars because I'm disabled and cant physically work on the car and the restored cars are going way over market value.  What I would really like is a good turn key driver that is sound in mechanics and not a basket case in the body and paint.  I found a Charger close to my location from a private seller but would like a opinion on the cost as it seems to be a little high but not too bad.  A little expert advice would go a long way and I would appreciate any feedback or thoughts on the condition of the car as I'm new to Mopars and am looking to buy my first one.  Here's the link to ebay where the seller posted pictures and info and thanks to the community for the help.      http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Charger-Base-Hardtop-2-Door-1970-dodge-charger-base-hardtop-2-door-5-2-l-/271274502762?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3f29386a6a&vxp=mtr

[Dino]

That 70's price is a bit steep in my opinion, then again that's how ebay goes many times.

The problem here is that the condition you want is not really around anymore, not in numbers anyway.  I bought what you're looking for and it took me a long time to find it.  Luck was also a big factor. 

The car you describe was getting rare in the 80's, that's how fast they degrade.  Most Chargers you find are either redone (poorly much of the time) or need to be put out of their misery so to speak.  Rarely do we come across an unmolested car with minor issues BUT they are out there.

You've also come to the right place and we're here to help.  What would your ideal car be?  Year, options, color and what are you hoping to spend?

[FamilyManWes]

Thanks for the advice on the price I felt it was a bit high myself but was hoping to maybe talk the guy down a little in person if the car looked and drove ok.  To answer your question though I would ideally want a second generation charger, a 69 is my favorite, but as long as it was the second generation body style I really wouldn't care.  I do like the darker colors black, silver, burnt orange, red and tend to stay away from the pink panthers and sublime greens (no offense to anyone just not my thing).  As far as opinions go I would like power steering, disc brakes, I like the floor shift over the dash, but am not a picky guy.  When it comes to the engine I would take something like a 383 or 440 but would take just about anything as long as it was a dependable engine.  I would love to find a car that was solid and dependable enough to take out to cruise around or have my family come out on drives with me.  I know no cars perfect though and am realistic about maintenance and repair fees just would like to have a good base to start from.  I would like to spend around 20 thousand maybe going as high as 25 if I didn't have to pay shipping costs and fees.  From advice I've gotten through this website I've been trying to find cars for sale through private buyers but none ever seem to come up in my area.  I live in Chicago and the only time I see Chargers for sale is through dealerships that are marking them up a extra 10 grand or through shady websites like HLPAG.  Any advice on where to look would be appreciated as I know I'm in that budget area where I'm about ten grand shy from being able to have a greater opportunity.   

[Dino]

Here's the good news.  You can find the car that will make you as happy as a 7 year old on Christmas morning for the amount you are willing to spend.  Let me tell you this as others will do as well, spend as much as you can afford initially.  Whatever money you can spend later will go into the car anyway so get the painful part over with and get yourself a car that needs cosmetics and small jobs.

The 70 Chargers are generally a bit cheaper than the 68's which are generally a bit cheaper than 69's. 

The bad news is what you already know, they are tough to find.  Forget dealers, that rarely pans out for the buyer.  My weapons of choice when looking for a car are craigs list and no better place than here.  Keep posting here and keep looking so as many members as possible will see it.  Somewhere out there your car is waiting, all we need is the owner to see your ad and have that seed of possibility planted.  I'm sure some people here have a Charger that they may want to trade for some of those bills you have in your pocket.

I'm in the Detroit area and these cars are still around so I'll keep an eye open.  Actually, I do know of one Charger that may still be available.

It's a red 69 with 70 seats and a souped up 440.  It is not a daily driver but the engine runs real nice so it would be a candidate for an engine swap.  Rear end has drag gears as well.  The body is real solid, had quarters changed at one point, most be old because there's no side marker holes in them.

I have pics at home somewhere, I'll send them over asap.

One more thing, and it's an important one.  The world is not running out of Chargers.  There are still more than enough for all of use.  do not settle for something that is second best.  Hold out for the one that makes your heart beat faster.  I cannot count the amount of people I know that settled and very few are truly happy with their car.

[myk]

You said it yourself, 'OP.  IMO 30K will get you a solid group of cars to look at and hopefully buy.  If you have that much to spend I'm sure you won't be looking for too long.  I know that waiting is the worst part, however keep in mind that even during the days when people couldn't GIVE these cars away, the careful, discerning buyer always had to take their time and be mindful of what they bought into; you don't want to be like me and rush into something.  Again, with $30K being your accepted budget for the initial purchase I think you'll be fine...

[tan top]

 looks like a XH charger too , no upper door pads 

[tan top]

 

[tan top]

 

[bull]

It took me more than a year to find one worth buying, and 9 years later (8 of them spent on the restoration) I still wonder once in a while if it really was worth it.

The thing is unless you can see the car in person you have no idea what you're getting. You need to be sure you've exhausred all local possibilities before you start wasting precious time and money on globetrotting to shop for a Charger. Get plugged in to the local supply by talking to restoration shops, Mopar clubs, etc. Even if the car isn't a total stinker, and you don't get beat out by someone at the last second, you're looking at the hassle and expense of shipping the car back home. The local connection worked for me, only after I wasted about 8 months of looking all over the US for one.

[Homerr]

Yeah, XH29 with bench seat.  The trunk floor is good news, but what caused the trunk to rust out?  The trunk rubber is hanging down, it could be that.  But look hard at the rear window channel, from underneath if possible.  Has the fender tag.

[F8-4life]

Honestly 6 months is a short period of time. There are guys after car for years sometimes. Patience is going to help bigtime.
The good news is 20-25k will get you into a nice car if you spend wisely (the more you wait usually the nicer it is)
On these forums recently a guy found a 3x black 1969 rt/se for around 20k if I'm not mistaken.
Granted that was a deal but it goes to show you they can still be found.

[FamilyManWes]

Thanks everyone for the advice I appreciate the feedback from people who know what their talking about.  Sounds like patience is going to be the biggest factor for me as I would like to find a car that I can keep for a lifetime.  I saw the post where the guy found that black on black r/t and that would be a dream even without it being a r/t -se, just a great looking car.  At least it gives you hope that there's still cars out there waiting to be found.  Glad I found this forum as it seems to be one of the only places on the net where you can find reasonably priced Chargers for sale and a good community to bounce questions off of.  Thanks again to everyone for the responses and I will keep on looking.   

[marshallfry01]

Honestly 6 months is a short period of time. There are guys after car for years sometimes. Patience is going to help bigtime.

I've been looking for one for 15 years... I've wanted one since I was 4. I have two more years of college and I'm getting one. I'm not waiting any longer.  I know how you feel though. Waiting sucks no matter how long it is.