Re: Fair price for 5k tq?

["Richard Haroutunian" <Richard_Haroutunian@inso.com>]

I had a similar bout with this 'issue' in the past.

The thing is, Listyers know these cars inside and out.  Even though it may
seem like you're offering a 'great deal' -- most can tell whether or not a
car is worth the 'asking price' based on the mileage, number of owners, the
work, and the level of knowledge the current owner has.. Chances are that
you have absolutely no intention of ripping anyone off, and you're probably
just trying to get what you feel the car is worth to you.  It's OK, but you
need to consider the 'big picture' and the fact that you're trying to sell
your car to people who live and breathe these cars -- many of whom know the
exact condition and $$ value just by reading a few sentences.


These are my opinions and suggestions about this process:

EVERYONE thinks that the car they are selling is a 'great deal' -- it's
human nature.  EVERYONE who is in the market for a car thinks they're
getting the shaft -- it's just human nature.

My suggestion is that you list all the work that has been dome to the car
-- and that you can back up with receipts. Then, scan a picture of the car
and attach it to the e-mail you send out -- or provide the List with a link
to a picture of your car if it's on another site somewhere..

Then, list anything and everything that needs to be fixed.  Don't leave
anything out -- it's NOT worth it!

re: the price of the car -- look up the Kelly 'Blue Book' price of your car
and the 'suggested retail price.'  Both are listed on ww.kbb.com, just
follow the directions.  Take the 'blue book value' and the 'suggested
retail' and come up with a happy medium based on the $$ value of the work
you put into it and things you've added (CD, etc.) -- less the approx. $
value of the work that needs to be done.  If your car is in excellent to
'exceptional' condition -- ad a few bucks and say so.  Be completely honest
about the service history -- and don't forget to included whether or not
the car has been garaged and who did the work on the car.  If you spent
extra $$$ by taking it to the dealer -- mention it.

Another SUGGESTION is that you don't list the price of the car at all.  Be
as honest as you can about the pluses and minuses -- and then have them
make an offer.  You know what your 'bottom line' is in your head and
whether or not you are in a position to take less -- no need to let anyone
else know this.  Let them offer you a price for  the car.

I was going to sell my 1987 5KCSTQ a few months back and quickly realized
that I was not going to get the price I was asking -- mostly due to the
fact that there were some issues' with the car.  The car, however, only had
113K miles at the time, one pervious owner, garaged 100% of the time, and
it was (and still is) one of the finest examples of the 5KCSTQ I have ever
seen.. I know I'm biased, but I have been told by dealers, friends, and
sometimes even people on the street that it's a beautiful car..  So what
did I do?

I put another $5K into it: new BOGEs, oil cooler lines, PS pump and rack,
throttle body, etc., etc.  and the car is in phenomenal shape now.. I have
no reason to sell anymore -- and I will probably never recoup the
investment.  You may find that you just won't get what you want $$$-wise
and that the best thing to do is to keep it and drive!  It's the smartest
move I made...

HTH,


Richard
87 5KCSTQ
85 4KSQ
82 VW Cabriolet





Lawrence Bardfeld <LB6116@PITCAIRN.com> on 11/17/98 08:24:28 AM

To:   "'quattro@coimbra.ans.net'" <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
cc:    (bcc: Richard Haroutunian/Inso)
Subject:  Fair price for 5k tq?




There apparently being no q-list members seriously interested in
purchasing my car, I'm about to have a few things done on it before
advertising it for sale locally (Philly).  My question: what is a fair
price?  It's an '87 5Kcstq with 113k.  Generally good to very good
shape.  It apparently needs a left wheel bearing and minor work on the
A/C (all of which will be completed prior to advertising).  Any
information would be appreciated.  Replies are probably best directed
to me at the e-mail address below.

Thanks,
Larry
LB6116@pitcairn.com