Re: Ur-Q ... buyer's market or seller's market?

[Steve Eiche <seiche@cellport.com>]

Jeff wrote:

>  It appears my comments mocking the $16k asking price for an '83 Ur-Q stuck 
>  more than a few nerves among the Q-list membership ... to a man, they contend 
>  that the prices of these cars have been increasing steadily over the past two 
>  years and that $16k isn't so far-fetched as it once was (or still is, as I 
>  happen to believe.)

I agree with Jeff on this one.  While we might THINK our cars are worth
alot, the truth is in the sales prices.  Not the cars that are for sale,
but those that actually sell. I have seen quite a few ur qs sell in the
last few years.  Not one of the cars went for over $10k.  This includes
two nice '85s, an '84 and whole bunch of '83's.  There were a few
steals, like a beautiful low mileage (50k) '83 that went for $2k (needed
vacuum lines and A arm bushings), an '82 with a blown engine and new
Koni suspension for $1500. Then there are the usual buys like a nice '83
with MC conversion and new suspension for $6500, a clean original '84
for $6500, my rust-free '82 with MC conversion and LOTS of extra parts
cost me $4500, a nice original '83 with 55k, Euro lights, and mint
interior/paint went for $7k, a nice grey '85 for $7k, etc. 

As a rule of thumb in this area, a nice running original (or MC
conversion) ur q needing minor work usually goes for $3k to $5k, $500 to
$3k for a project (yes, I have seen a rust-free but rough ur q go for
$500), and $5k to $10k for an _excellent_ specimen. The '84's and '85's
go for bit more, but not much.  MC conversions and other mods don't add
much to the value either unfortunately.

IF any of those high $ cars that we have seen advertised have sold, they
probably went to people who don't know the cars or the market and think
that rarity makes them valuable.  That's only true if you can sell it.

I would love to think that my totally updated 20Vt ur q would be worth
$30k, but I am realistic.  These cars probably will never have much
value except to us. That's OK with me though, I don't wwn my car as an
investment.  That would be stupid. IMHO of course.  Hopefully someone
will prove me wrong on this one...

Steve Eiche
Arvada, CO
'91 200q
'82 Not So Ur q 20Vt