Let me start off by saying I apologize if my post is not appropriate for this forum but I was not sure where to go to get my question answered. So if this is not the place can someone at least point me in the right direction.

Anyway, I have a friend who has a 1986 Cutlass 442. He bought this car new in 1986 and is only owner. The car has less than 15,000 miles on it, does not have a scratch and has never been in an accident. It is pretty much new. It has never seen a winter or salt.

He has finally decided to sell the car since he is retired and can use the extra cash. I offered to help since he has no idea how to use the internet to get this sort of information.

My question is what is a good asking price for this car? I did some research and the price varies, but I have not seen one with the low miles this one has.

Any help would be appreciated.

Again if this is not the right place to ask this question I apologize.

Thanks folks.

Ed J.
Brownstown, MI.

 

Wow, 15,000 miles on a 27-year-old car.

The Old Cars Price Guide puts the value of a 1986 Cutlass Salon with the 442 option in #3 condition ("car show" but not showroom) at about $7,800. In showroom condition, the value given is about $12,000. My guess is you're somewhere between those. Maybe $10K?

Remember, though, that this era of Cutlass and 442 is not anywhere near as popular amongst collectors as the late '60s and early '70s Cutlasses/442s. You may have to advertise it widely and for some time to get a bite, but you never know.

 

If it's as good as you say it is, and the rubber parts haven't been rotted away from simply sitting, then it wouldn't be unheard of to grab 11-13K. Mileage helps this immensely. But GM paint quality back then sucked eggs, so it would depend a lot on overall condition.

 

As always, check Ebay's completed auctions for actual prices of vehicles sold (or not). In the last 30 days, eight 1985-87 442s have been listed on ebay. Exactly one sold - a 1987 with a claimed 36,000 original miles. Selling price was $11,500. None of the other seven got any bids over $5,500.

 

Here is a close example, at that price he will be holding onto to it until the guy with deep pockets comes along. FYI he's had this car for sale for at least two years.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=5&Log=0

Also you did not mention options?

Pat