So, I tossed an old engine stand up on CL the other day, guy comes by to get it and sees the Fairlane in the garage. Now, first let me say this, after I talked to him on the phone, something said to me that I had better have a price in mind for that car. No idea why. Needless to say, guy asks if the car is for sale. Like most people, pretty much everything but the Wife is for sale for the right price. I had my price in mind, $7k. Which in my opinion is a little high for the car. its a 4 door '62 Fairlane 500 with a mild 302 and C4 auto. The body and paint are in pretty good shape, the interior is original and complete, but could use being completely redone. We paid $3800 in may 2010 for it. I put on new wheels and tires and just cleaned up the engine compartment and gave it a good clean up and nickle and dime parts. New wheels and tires included, i probably have all of $4500 invested. Long story short, before he leaves, he says ill give you $6k cash tomorrow for it. IF I sold it, I think the least I would take is $6500 I would obviously re-invest the money in another ride of some kind. I'd like to find a Model A driver, is that out of the ball park for a $6500 budget? What would you do?
If it's a transition car rather than a keeper sell it. Transition meaning that it's something fun to have while you figure out exactly what you want to build or something to drive to events while you finish the "real" project.
As you know, this is usually a tough time for selling since most people blew their dough (+20%) on Christmas and taxes are looming. It might be a good time to sell for even a bit less than you want. Then you will have the funds to buy another project from one of those who is having a hard time selling right now.
I'm with Bob on this one. The car is probably worth a little more than you paid in 2010, maybe 4500 to 5000 grand. For 6 or 65 you can find an older restored Model A that needs some work, that's what I'd do.....
That sounds like a lot for a 62 Fairlane 4 door in my opinion, even if really nice.I would take it. If you aren't married to it,use the money for what you would marry.
if in fact it is a transition car for you put the 6500. price on it, see if he takes it then you have money and motivation to look for next project
I would be willing to bet that he is doing some research right now. I would also think he will see what other cars he can buy for that 6k. I wouldnt risk him walking away by throwing 6500 at him. Take the 6 and be grateful. Just as a comparison, I bought a pristine 64 cadillac for 3500 and drove it home. That car was worth more than a 4 door fairlane. If the guy would have said 4000, I would have walked.
Take the money and runnnnnn.....I bought my 55 hardtop for $6500, and had it driving for another grand. If he wants to give you 6 K for a 4 door fairlane, I wouldn't try and talk him out of it by asking for more.
6K for ANY '60s more-door??!! I MUST be getting old!! Man, I am gonna put the old 289 back in my Falcon 2dr sedan and sell it! Course when I go to sell, the supply of wealthy dumbasses will have dried up.
If he offered you 6K for an unrestored '62 Four door fairlane and you didn't take it as the saying goes that's where 2 fools met. Unless of course you have en emotional connection to the car. If you really think that 6,500 is your bottom dollar you can tell him that you'll meet him halfway and take 6,500 for it.
What you have is an offer on the table - not a bad one, maybe not your ideal, but an offer none-the-less. Ya got a fish on the hook - reel him in as best you can. I would test out and try to get $6500, I would not be too disappointed in $6 or say $6200, but I would sell it. Right now, the only cars that are moving in our area (I'm in Williamsburg) are ones under $7500, daily drivers or otherwise, so it seems - you're lucky to have the offer, IMHO.
Consider yourself very lucky if this guy comes back at all, much sticks with the 6k offer.....but if he does.......take the money and thank your favorite deity that he did. Ray
As mentioned, If YOU have some sentimental reason for keeping it then thats your decision. $6k for that car is TOP dollar. You could throw paint, engine, axle, discs etc and still only get $6k for it. Take the money and run!
im pretty much thinking the same thing as everyone, i just wanted to make sure im not crazy. the next hurdle is to make sure the wife is on board. her name is on the title, too.
Let us know if he follows up, and if he does, I wouldn't bother trying to up the offer. You (maybe, if he wasn't blowing smoke) have an opportunity to make a decent profit on a not so desireable car, take the opportunity...
I would have had him give you a deposit right on the spot to see if he was bluffing. Lots of hot air going around these days. Sign of the times.
I agree with your peers 6k is a healthy offer for the car you describe. it's a buyers market these days and 6 k will buy you more today then it would a couple years ago! so sell and replace and consider yourself lucky ,, assuming hes not some internet looky lou as there seems to be a rash of those at the moment... good luck
Is the car a part of you? Are you really attached to it? Or is it just a car? If you are not attached to it and it's not a big part of your life take it. I have seen plenty of running/driving Model A's go for $6K or less. I would rather have your car though (but that is just me).
You should have never had him left the driveway! You got to get him when he's HOT! I had almost the same thing happen to me a month or so ago. A guy stopped by when he saw my 40 Ford coupe outside on a trailer. Just brought it back from the muffler shop putting straight pipes on the car. He offered me LARGE for the 40 and I almost didn't take it. I took the money and was kicking myself as I thought I would never find a cool coupe to drive. A week or so after that another guy stopped by after seeing the 40 on the trailer wondering if I would be interested in an old car he was thinking of selling. One out the door, One in the door, Lots or cash in my pocket to play with my new project. It seems to always work out. I hope he comes Back! Good Luck, Jim
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