OK, I have found a car that is pretty much what I have been looking for, a 1968 Cutlass S convertible with 3 speed manual, right color, etc. It is a class 3 "driver". Seller wants $19,500 for it which seems a little to the high side. NADA shows this car to be in the $9,000 to $15,000 range. As someone that dabbles in vintage boats, I know that the value of a car is what someone is willing to pay for it, but would I be out of line offering $12,000 for it? Again, it is a good driver, not a show car. And, I know how these things work also in that you always end up putting more repair work in than you think that you need to....sort of like a boat is "a hole in the water that you pour money into" Thoughts?

BTW: he sent me the audit/inspection report that he had done in 2007 when he bought it from a dealer in FL and has been very upfront about the minor issues that the car has. Think that he probably just paid too much for it when he bought it....

 

$12,000 is too high for a driver condition cutlass in today's market. I've been watching the Mecum Auctions from last year & prices are way down. I saw a 68 GTO driver convertible go for $15,000 & a Chevelle SS clone convertible go for less than $10,000. I don't think the NADA or other Classic car guides have caught up with how low prices have gone, particularly on "driver" quality cars. The highly documented, rare cars, seem to be the only ones bringing serious money.

 

That is sort of where I was with my thought process, in fact honestly I was thinking that $10,000 was probably a good price but it is SO FAR from what the guy is asking that I thought that I would get some input from the forum....usually is a good reality check from all perspectives. I have told him that even NADA is showing the $9,000 to $15,000 range, which is way off what he is asking....

 

This site puts the value in #3 even lower

http://collectorcarmarket.com/menus/.../68olcuss.html