Fair price for exceptional condition car. How determined ?

[robinessex]

I realise this is (maybe) a silly post, but hear goes. How much over the odds would one expect to pay for a car in an exceptional condition. I guess the real answer is, ‘whatever someone thinks it’s worth’. But I was wondering if there is a guide line as to an ‘acceptable’ amount, and when it goes silly. As an example, I’m looking at a car that WBAC values at £8,800. The guy wants (private sale) £15,500. I’ll admit the car is very good (exceptional), it’s described as the best of its type on the market. Difficult to get a ‘true’ value, I’m again guessing a dealer might have a similar good car with the same year and mileage at circa £11/12,000. The point is I don’t want to waste the guys and my time if I offer what might be judged to be a derisory amount. I’m prepared to pay over the odds, but a fair amount.

[Escy]

Offer what it's worth to you.

[Motorrad]

Move on, the guy obviously wants more than you're prepared to pay otherwise you wouldn't be asking about 'fair price'. The vendor probably isn't interested in what's 'fair', just what he wants for it.

A friend of mine's Father has a Rover 216GTi twin cam for sale- it's been for sale on and off since the mid 2000's. He wants 5 grand for it. It's immaculate, less than 50K miles and serviced twice a year despite it hardly stretching it's legs between services. He's on a hiding to nothing

[deltashad]

Is it likely to depreciate quickly?
Will you put high miles and used condition on to it?
Over-priced cars in my belief is only good for a garage queen.

I wouldn't.

[curlie467]

I can't imagine there being a set formula for this type of thing.
It all depends what the car is, rarity etc

[Tribal Chestnut]

If private, and really exceptional, then no more than a dealer price for one in reasonably good nick. Unless of course the car is very special and you're going to keep it that way.

[Searider]

What is it?

Why is it "exceptional" - is it low mileage? very good cosmetically? or had all the known expensive problems sorted?

[C.A.R.]

I managed to sell my MK1 MX5 for £3,300

Back then there were buying guides out there that the 'best' examples go for less than 2.5k. It was pretty immaculate, hadn't been fiddled with engine-wise, recent full GAZ suspension, hardtop, some JDM goodies but otherwise completely original with recent paintwork too.

I guess it really does depend on the car in question.

[surveyor]

In my world a car that I'm using does lots of miles and does not stay in 'exceptional' condition for long. Therefore I'm never likely to pay much for one that is exceptional rather than good.

[steveo3002]

does it matter how much anyone on the internet says? he wants £15k for it so thats how much it costs with maybe a bit of haggling room

[Tribal Chestnut]

steveo3002 said:

does it matter how much anyone on the internet says? he wants £15k for it so thats how much it costs with maybe a bit of haggling room

Doesn't cost that if no one is willing to pay it.

[dirty boy]

Something is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

You have to either accept there will be offers on a car which are a) people trying their luck or b) they think it's worth less

[POORCARDEALER]

WBAC are not the holy grail in car valuations.....OP what is the car?

[Jasandjules]

You offer him what you are willing to pay for it.

If he doesn't accept, then you can wait a week or three and if still for sale, offer him the same again....

[AndyLB]

C.A.R. said:

I managed to sell my MK1 MX5 for £3,300

Back then there were buying guides out there that the 'best' examples go for less than 2.5k. It was pretty immaculate, hadn't been fiddled with engine-wise, recent full GAZ suspension, hardtop, some JDM goodies but otherwise completely original with recent paintwork too.

I guess it really does depend on the car in question.

This. If you find someone gullible enough and can persuade them your car is brilliant they'll pay almost anything.

[TwistingMyMelon]

If you really want it pay it, but go in with your eyes open and realise it will be hard to recoup the premium you paid

Or just offer what you think is fair, if not move on

[steveo3002]

Tribal Chestnut said:

steveo3002 said:

does it matter how much anyone on the internet says? he wants £15k for it so thats how much it costs with maybe a bit of haggling room

Doesn't cost that if no one is willing to pay it.

yeah but you cant expect to turn up and say steve from the internet said its worth £9567 and you have to sell it to me

[UberMeister]

My approach would be to email or call saying you don't want to waste his time looking at the car unless he's prepare to consider offers in the region of £X. If £X sounds reasonable to the seller then take things further, if not then he knows what you'll pay and will get back to you if he's prepared to come down on price.

For the record, I have previously and would continue to pay a considerable premium for a car that is exceptional. Although to determine what is 'exceptional' it is vital to shop around.

[Foppo]

Just curious what car is it?

[getawayturtle]

Do you know how long it has been up for sale?