real world pricing?

[mcemond]

I'm always stumped when it comes to pricing vehicles. Got a super good deal on one of my cars and got completely suckered on another. This time I'm trying to be extra careful. I know ebay gives a good indication of what people are willing to pay (even though I think its on the high end), but there are often huge descrepancies between value charts and what people are willing to sell at. Don't get me wrong, if I was selling one I would love for someone to recognize all my hard work and expense in keeping her in top order (reflected in a cash offer), but is that realistic? It becomes almost insulting to offer a guy a price like the ones below when he (or she) is asking top dollar. I mean its partly an investment of sorts, but we mostly do this because its fun!  at least I do. Just preparing myself for sticker shock I guess.
Mike

Here's an example from collectorcarmarket.com I mean is this on target do you think given their grade descriptions?

68 Charger RT 440-375hp 8cyl (Im assuming this is the original engine/ tranny)

Grade 5 $4625
Grade 4 $13025
Grade 3 $23775
Grade 2 $34700
Grade 1 $51225

Manual, add 5%
AC, add 10%
etc.
grade 1 excellent original or frame off resto
grade 2 very good original or partial resto
grade 3 is described as straight, no rust through, minor imperfections, minor work needed
grade 4 is described as runs/ drives ok, some non-structural rust through, work needed on several areas
grade 5 is poor condition but complete, total restoration required
Next grade - scrap or parts 50% of grade 5 value.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

That "guide" isn't too far off from what I have seen... Maybe 10-15% high, but in the ballpark. And yes, ORIGINAL, NUMBERS MATCHING drivetrain should be considered with those prices. 

All too often, people do not think about the importance of a third party to evaluate whether a car is a good deal. Buyers get emotional and can often overlook the obvious.

Right now we're in a down market - prices from 2006 are long gone! In fact, party like it's 1999 

Ohh, and another factor, I tend to believe most seller exaggerate their cars by one-level. SO if they think the car is a #1, it is a #2 in reality (pride is tough to swallow...), etc.

I hope my perspective helps 

[1970Moparmann]

I think prices aren't that high right now.   This is based on what I have seen cars go for.   I'll be putting my 68 on the block soon, and would be happy happy happy to get those prices.

Some really sweet cars just went for 20% under that guide.

I think those prices would be in line if our economy was in better shape.  Still looking for that change that was the big talk years ago.

[Troy]

If you can find a numbers matching #4 or 5  68 R/T 4-speed for those prices then I may need to buy a few more cars! In my experience, a 4-speed is worth a lot more than A/C. It seems that most people toss the A/C in the trash - and certainly aren't willing to pay extra for it (I had one prospective buyer of my black 68 tell me I could "keep all that A/C stuff and knock the price down"). Otherwise I'd say those prices look reasonably fair - possibly a bit low for matching cars. Remember that certain pieces cost a lot more to replace so if the car is in fair/poor condition but the grill, taillights, and door/dash pads are nice it's a bonus. If you're missing all that stuff the car needs to be much cheaper. I'm not sure how the high end cars are selling these days.

Troy

[twodko]

The Mod and members couldn't have said It better. IMO, the cars location (history too) affects value. Like the difference between what the same car would sell for on the east coast verses the west, dry or wet climes. A numbers matching car with all it's docs, original trim and, as Troy mentioned, very good light assemblies and grille etc will command the big bucks. Ultimately someone who just falls in love with car will pay it make it theirs.

[Mike DC]

IMHO those classic car price scales are out of date with modern times.  Those guides would have you believe that an original 318 car is worth more than a nicely done 440 or Hemi clone.  And the #1-5 condition scales are left over from the times when cars were either decent originals or fresh restorations.  Nowadays most unrestored cars are in about #15 condition and there are multiple grades & ages of restoration quality to consider. 

[adauto]

And the #1-5 condition scales are left over from the times when cars were either decent originals or fresh restorations.  Nowadays most unrestored cars are in about #15 condition and there are multiple grades & ages of restoration quality to consider. 

I'm with you on that!

[mcemond]

Thanks guys. it helps me zero in on what I can expect. Seems like half thought the prices were a bit high and half a bit low (for matching #'s) so that makes me feel more confident that I probably could afford a very decent restoration project between 12 and 17k. I was worried all I would be able to afford is a parts car   would be nice to find a #4 manual transmission  
Thanks again
Mike

Edit: I do get what you're saying though about the overall condition of cars these days being so many levels worse. Makes it hard for someone looking for a project. Easier for someone who wants a finished product though I guess.

[41husk]

In the end if you love the car and it is a little higher you will pay it.  Troy I think the high end 1,2,and 3 are much closer than the lower end to project.  My #s matching 383/727 68 with no air was a very nice driver.  I would have rated it at 3 on the above scale.  I struggled to get it sold for 20k,  I thought it was worth 25k all day.  On the above scale it had the R/T at just under 24K in #3 condition.  A tad low in my opinion, but in the ball park.  I loved that car and had always said it would take at least 25k cash for me to part with her.  Then Larry's Daytona clone came up, I had to have the money fast or chance losing the Daytona.  So, i sold it off to Australia and got 19K for it   I think situations dictate price just as much as market.  I hate to say it but I bet there are many proud charger owners, who have said they would never sell the car or must get X amount to let it go, that have family, mortgage, and medical problems, that now make that car expendable and at a reduced price

[Dino]

As with everything else, it is worth what people are willing to pay for it.  With these cars the value can be all over the place as there is a lot of emotion involved that can raise the value significantly.

Also if it's the right car for one, that buyer will pay more than another.  I looked a long time for the right car and was prepared to pay more for it.  I saw a few nice r/t's for a decent price but I wanted a car I could play with, change the color and maybe the drivetrain, add power windows and door locks and such.  If I bought a nice original car I would feel the need to restore it to stock specs.  When I found a 318 car with r/t drivetrain I knew it would be a perfect candidate.  The original engine and trans were already gone and it was not a special one of a kind car, more like one of several thousands.  Luckily the price was good to begin with and I got a bit more off negotiating so all around I could not be happier with my purchase.

I know plenty people who paid more for their car than I would have, but it's the car they wanted so it's worth it to them.

With all these variables it's pretty hard to stick a set value to a car.  Again, it's worth what people are willing to pay for it.

That said, the prices on ebay can get a little bit out there imo.

Also restored can mean several things to several people.  I've seen $40K cars that supposedly were restored but in my opinion still needed a lot of work.  I've also seen cars that were totally stripped but where all the metal work was completely done and visible to prospective buyers.  If I had the space and time to restore a car like that it would be the perfect project.  There are no surprises and you have a great platform to build on.  Those cars will usually end up costing more than they are worth in a resell market, but to me it would be worth quite a bit because of the potential.

Set values for old cars are never accurate enough to depend on, these cars have value 'ranges' and that's about as good as it gets imo.

[PocketThunder]

If you can find a numbers matching #4 or 5  68 R/T 4-speed for those prices then I may need to buy a few more cars! In my experience, a 4-speed is worth a lot more than A/C. It seems that most people toss the A/C in the trash - and certainly aren't willing to pay extra for it (I had one prospective buyer of my black 68 tell me I could "keep all that A/C stuff and knock the price down"). Otherwise I'd say those prices look reasonably fair - possibly a bit low for matching cars. Remember that certain pieces cost a lot more to replace so if the car is in fair/poor condition but the grill, taillights, and door/dash pads are nice it's a bonus. If you're missing all that stuff the car needs to be much cheaper. I'm not sure how the high end cars are selling these days.

Troy

Yep.     I'd put 4-speed at a 20% increase in price over having A/C.

[41husk]

I agree but know people who will not own a standard tranny car

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I'm always stumped when it comes to pricing vehicles. 

Here's an example from collectorcarmarket.com I mean is this on target do you think given their grade descriptions?

68 Charger RT 440-375hp 8cyl (Im assuming this is the original engine/ tranny)

Grade 5 $4625
Grade 4 $13025
Grade 3 $23775
Grade 2 $34700
Grade 1 $51225

Manual, add 5%
AC, add 10%
etc.
grade 1 excellent original or frame off resto
grade 2 very good original or partial resto
grade 3 is described as straight, no rust through, minor imperfections, minor work needed
grade 4 is described as runs/ drives ok, some non-structural rust through, work needed on several areas
grade 5 is poor condition but complete, total restoration required
Next grade - scrap or parts 50% of grade 5 value.

Going back and looking at this thread again, the #4 value is WAY off! Even assuming numbers matching, $13k is a lot for a rusted hulk... This guide must be what eBayers use to price their cars