My personal dilemma

[Ghoste]

Some of you may remember that about a year and a half ago, I tracked down and tried to buy back a 69 Charger that I once had.  Everybody has a car in their past that they wish they had never sold and this one is that car for me.
Well, the current owner called me and is thinking about selling.  He knows the sentimental attachment and he knows that I would pay more than what the car is fairly worth.  My question to you is, what percentage would you pay above fair market for sentimentality?

[Blown70]

Some of you may remember that about a year and a half ago, I tracked down and tried to buy back a 69 Charger that I once had.  Everybody has a car in their past that they wish they had never sold and this one is that car for me.
Well, the current owner called me and is thinking about selling.  He knows the sentimental attachment and he knows that I would pay more than what the car is fairly worth.  My question to you is, what percentage would you pay above fair market for sentimentality?

Not an extremely high amount.  But that is your personal choice....... I would say 10%?  But again, That depends on what he wants.

[Ghoste]

We're still dancing around each other.  I'm trying to be realistic and ultimately my wife and friends will ensure that I do but I've regretted selling this car for over twenty years.

[haueter66]

I think you should pay whatever its worth to you.  If you can find the EXACT same car for a certain price, use that as a guide... if he wants to gouge you just because the car is special to you, I would let it go...

[Ghoste]

There is absolutely no question he wants to gouge me. 
How willing am I to be gouged is the issue.

[tan top]

thats a tough one ,the chances of finding & or buying back your charger after years or decades is pretty slim at best, now you have a chance to buy it back . the guy who's selling it knows it holds sentimental value so he is going to increase its value knowing  you want it. you know that you  probably may never have the opportunity again to get it . only you know how much you want that 69 , i say buy it or you will regret it if you don't.  if you pay over the current market value so be it just don't tell any one. just my     it is your decision dude.

[694spdRT]

I almost feel sorry for you Ghoste. If I was in the same situation and really wanted the car I would probably have some explaining to do with my wife when I came home broke. 

[Ghoste]

Whudduya mean "almost"?

[Big Lebowski]

  Offer him what you want to pay, he knows local prices are way lower than e-bay prices, or Barrett/Jackson stupid money. He should give you a fair deal because you sound like you're not going to just flip it for the cash.

[blackcharger]

what kind of condition is it in? what would a similar car with no personal history be worth?
Those of us who have these mopars for the simple love of them put more $$ into them then we usually should. But that's what happens when you think with your heart. When I had my Charger, i keep recipts of everything I ever bought. When I started my road runner, I did the same thing, but after a year or so, I stopped, because it didn't matter when i took it  for a ride. the smile it puts on my face is worth every penny.

[Shakey]

Does he want to sell it in general or just to you because he knows you used to own it?

I say, walk away if the price is too steep. 

Then have one of your buddies (unbeknowst to the seller) show interest in the car, he can cut a deal and buy the car and then sell it to you.

[Brightyellow69rtse]

great idea shakey

i know a guy, an older gentleman who sold a 68 gtx years and years ago and a few years ago he started tracking it down. he actually found it and bought it back he still says he never shoulda sold it in the first place.

my advise if you have the means to go grab it up. my charger will no longer be mine the day im riding in the back of a herse lol not a day sooner.........Mike  ive had her 6 years now still makes me smile when i open the garage door 

[Steve P.]

I know how you feel, but you still have your memories.. Don't let someone Else's greed eat up your savings or put you in a hole. It's not worth it. As a matter of fact I think that's just what I would tell him.

(Look here, I love the car. It's special to me, but it's a car). I have others and my family comes first. Make a reasonable deal with me and if I can do it I will. If not please turn around so I can cry with her one last time and leave her for good.

I feel for you man. I found the guy that bought my baby almost 20 years ago. We both lived in Rochester, New York back then. I was looking for her for years when I received an email with another guys email addy. Sure enough I found her. Not only did I find her but in 94' I moved to Florida and around 98' my baby moved to Florida on the other coast. We wrote back and forth a few times and then nothing. It's like he's afraid I'm going to come and steal her or something.... Again I am heartbroke. At least I know it is still in great shape. No rust or ever wrecked... I'm very grateful to know that.

PS. I told him all about this site, so if your reading this post,,,  IM me. I don't bite..... 

[Ghoste]

All the practical and impractical arguments for or against, I already know.  I was more or less just curious what percentage of a cars value you would attach to personal wants or sentimental needs.  I know the car is worth much less than what we wants (from me) and I know that at the end I'm the only one who'll decide what's fair (to me).
I was just curious.  Thanks all.

[Steve P.]

Sorry Ghoste... I hope you end up with your baby and don't end up breaking the bank to get her.. I wish I had the magic clicker for ya...   

[Ghoste]

Me too Steve.  In spite of it all, I remain philosophical about it.  If it works out great and if not, then it's just meant that I am to own a different 69.  (should I go apologize to the fastback in the garage?)

[Steve P.]

Hahaha.....   No.. Your first love is your first love. No excuses... I'm sure you will have plenty of great memories with this and maybe other mopars also.. It's all in what you make of it... Just as life...  Sometimes I wish I could share a beer with my girl... 

[89MOPAR]

 


       50 %

[firefighter3931]

That's a tough call. Is this the same guy that you sold the car to 20 years ago or has it changed hands a couple of times ? It's too bad when sellers try to capitalize on the buyers emotions because things aren't on an even playing field. I've sold 2 chargers and have 2 now. From my perspective, i would rather have the current cars then the old ones.....maybe i'm just not that sentimental. It's just a car and can be replaced with another. Let logic dictate the outcome and don't let this joker hold you over a barrell.  

Ron

[Steve P.]

        50 %

50% !!!!?? WOW!!  So if the car is worth $50,000 in reality, you say he should pay $75,000.oo for the car??

You must be the guy he's trying to buy it back from.......   Even at $25,000 you would have him spending $37,500 for it..  I would have to say that this amount of money could go a long way toward making his other 69 even better than the original.. It's already a nice ride...

[Ghoste]

It's changed hands a few times.  It went from this area to not that far from you actually Ron.  The only one holding me over a barrel in all reality is me or I wouldn't even start a thread like this.  It would be more cut and dried.
I haven't seen the car in a dozen years at least so I have no idea what it is even like now but just by talking on the phone, I think it's had a tough go.  If I buy it, it'll mean I wanted it BAD!

[BigBlockSam]

i blew up and totaled all the  cars from my youth. so it would be tough to buy one back.   

[Ghoste]

Well I certainly oiled the undercarriage of this car more than once.

[BigBlockSam]

Well I certainly oiled the undercarriage of this car more than once   

KINKY   

[Ghoste]

You're thinking interior.