Selling an Ultima
Discussion
there is a lot of advice on buying an Ultima on the forum
I just want to add some about selling one.
Dont take people on face value, and take a deposit, that way you can sort out the wheat from the chaff
so many tyre kickers and time wasters with nothing better to do than waste your precious time, talking the talk.
and why is the 1st question always What BHP is it ???
I just want to add some about selling one.
Dont take people on face value, and take a deposit, that way you can sort out the wheat from the chaff
so many tyre kickers and time wasters with nothing better to do than waste your precious time, talking the talk.
and why is the 1st question always What BHP is it ???
LOL, that makes every enquiry bar the person that buys it a time waster.
If you were buying, how many cars would you look at?
Not every one that looks at a car will tell you they don't like it for fear of offending the seller, the norm appears to be "I'll call you about it".
Sometimes they do sometimes they don't.
I had a guy swear blind he'd come back the next day with the money and never did.
I also had a guy said he'd drive down in two hours Derby to London and buy there and then, cash sale. He did.
Go figure.
If you were buying, how many cars would you look at?
Not every one that looks at a car will tell you they don't like it for fear of offending the seller, the norm appears to be "I'll call you about it".
Sometimes they do sometimes they don't.
I had a guy swear blind he'd come back the next day with the money and never did.
I also had a guy said he'd drive down in two hours Derby to London and buy there and then, cash sale. He did.
Go figure.
Wrong Tony it doesn't make every enquiry bar the person that buys it a time waster but for the money these cars are demanding I would expect the potential buyer to know a little about what he wanted to spend his hard earned money on, ie 1st question "what bhp is it"
I would only look at the car that I knew something about ie who had built it and there posts on PH about issues they had had during the build etc, then when the car comes up for sale you know what kind of build it has been, the potential issues, and what other people had said about the car via the forum, its called homework and I wouldn't make arrangements to view then not turn up, or say you will have the car, talk money, make a deal then back out at the last minute, like I said take a deposit and don't take people on face value, so I am still figuring Tony,
oh and if it wasn't right I would say so, but that's me, so going back to what I said originally,
I would only look at the car that I knew something about ie who had built it and there posts on PH about issues they had had during the build etc, then when the car comes up for sale you know what kind of build it has been, the potential issues, and what other people had said about the car via the forum, its called homework and I wouldn't make arrangements to view then not turn up, or say you will have the car, talk money, make a deal then back out at the last minute, like I said take a deposit and don't take people on face value, so I am still figuring Tony,
oh and if it wasn't right I would say so, but that's me, so going back to what I said originally,
highflyer said:
Wrong Tony it doesn't make every enquiry bar the person that buys it a time waster but for the money these cars are demanding I would expect the potential buyer to know a little about what he wanted to spend his hard earned money on, ie 1st question "what bhp is it"
I would only look at the car that I knew something about ie who had built it and there posts on PH about issues they had had during the build etc, then when the car comes up for sale you know what kind of build it has been, the potential issues, and what other people had said about the car via the forum, its called homework and I wouldn't make arrangements to view then not turn up, or say you will have the car, talk money, make a deal then back out at the last minute, like I said take a deposit and don't take people on face value, so I am still figuring Tony,
oh and if it wasn't right I would say so, but that's me, so going back to what I said originally,
I dont think that everybody does his home work some people just win a lottery see a car for sale and buy it without even knowing much details , and you also have those people that will talk , negothiate investigate for weeks and in the end notting.I would only look at the car that I knew something about ie who had built it and there posts on PH about issues they had had during the build etc, then when the car comes up for sale you know what kind of build it has been, the potential issues, and what other people had said about the car via the forum, its called homework and I wouldn't make arrangements to view then not turn up, or say you will have the car, talk money, make a deal then back out at the last minute, like I said take a deposit and don't take people on face value, so I am still figuring Tony,
oh and if it wasn't right I would say so, but that's me, so going back to what I said originally,
However with these cars I would not allow for a test drive without some seriousnous some people are just looking for a free testdrive.
highflyer said:
I wouldn't make arrangements to view then not turn up, or say you will have the car, talk money, make a deal then back out at the last minute,
That is a PITA but happens all the time, granted, if someone says they want it for an agreed price, yes its deposit time, otherwise its business as usual until someone comes across with the green.Car buying / selling is a minefield at the best of times. To secure a car, a deposit always necessary and as mentioned above, until that's sorted, the car remains for sale in my book.
On the other side, I'll just say, I've been quite dissapointed by the Ultimas I've viewed, with regards their "readyness" for sale. By this I mean cars advertised as "professionaly built" and "the best out there", only to find that actually, they're missing parts, leaking fluids or generally just not well presented, hence part of the reason for me deciding to build myself.
Personally, when I move a car on, I make sure that it's ready to go to a new home immediately, so there can be no argement. I think it's this approach that's lacking with some folks.
Given how small the Ultima community is, homework is easily done and can yield a wealth of knowledge. The downside for any seller of course, is that one bad report (whether valid or not) spreads like wildfire, further reinforcing the neeed for cars to be perfect when offered for sale, or at least correctly advertised / priced.
Just my observations from the last couple of yrs in the Ultima world
On the other side, I'll just say, I've been quite dissapointed by the Ultimas I've viewed, with regards their "readyness" for sale. By this I mean cars advertised as "professionaly built" and "the best out there", only to find that actually, they're missing parts, leaking fluids or generally just not well presented, hence part of the reason for me deciding to build myself.
Personally, when I move a car on, I make sure that it's ready to go to a new home immediately, so there can be no argement. I think it's this approach that's lacking with some folks.
Given how small the Ultima community is, homework is easily done and can yield a wealth of knowledge. The downside for any seller of course, is that one bad report (whether valid or not) spreads like wildfire, further reinforcing the neeed for cars to be perfect when offered for sale, or at least correctly advertised / priced.
Just my observations from the last couple of yrs in the Ultima world
k wright said:
Appreciate the advice but my car is going nowhere, can't think of a reason to ever sell it.
Same here, also, I'm still finding things to do to it after 12 years on the road! Personally I would never buy a ready built Ultima (unless built by the factory). Even well fitted body work can hide a lot of bodging!
As a potential buyer and a desire to be a long term owner in the future, I understand not to waist anyones time, especially as I feel guilty about one viewing I had and a wonderful opportunity to look over 'UFO 2 NOB's' red Canam a few years back which was for sale. He was very inviting and we had a good chat out in the cold on a winter's night chatting all things Ultima. The next day I thanked him for his time and was honest in saying I was not ready to buy (I had the cash back then as well!). I hope I am forgiven? I never asked for a drive, even to start the engine, but he did. I learnt a lot about the cars and about Pistonheads in general and I hope he feels the same and that the evening was not a waist of time. I have not bothered anyone ever since until I am happy I can 'show them money' with confidence as a buyer. Meanwhile it gives me plenty of time to do my research. Totally agree about deposit being important. Surely there is some knowledgeable buyers out there asking intelligent questions about the history of your car Highflyer? Ult-jim.
GTRMikie said:
Same here, also, I'm still finding things to do to it after 12 years on the road!
Personally I would never buy a ready built Ultima (unless built by the factory). Even well fitted body work can hide a lot of bodging!
There are advantages to buying a used, early, low priced Ultima. Personally I would never buy a ready built Ultima (unless built by the factory). Even well fitted body work can hide a lot of bodging!
When you have rebuilt it no SVA, just an MOT.
No cats required, just smoke test.
You can fit anything you like, make any changes you want.
The only problem is that the rebuild cost can escalate to far more than the car is worth. But then you will never get back what a new one would cost to build either!
Paul
Storer said:
There are advantages to buying a used, early, low priced Ultima.
When you have rebuilt it no SVA, just an MOT.
No cats required, just smoke test.
You can fit anything you like, make any changes you want.
The only problem is that the rebuild cost can escalate to far more than the car is worth. But then you will never get back what a new one would cost to build either!
Sums up the approach I find most attractive. I rather spend the money on upgrades then SVA, especially as I plan to be a keeper and not build and instant seller.When you have rebuilt it no SVA, just an MOT.
No cats required, just smoke test.
You can fit anything you like, make any changes you want.
The only problem is that the rebuild cost can escalate to far more than the car is worth. But then you will never get back what a new one would cost to build either!
I have to agree with all the replies on this, deposit etc.
However, if I was looking to buy an already built Ultima, I think one of my first questions would be "what BHP is it?"
I would like to think I know a bit about them as I am only an engine block away from finishing mine... Or should I just hang up my socket set, close the garage door for one last time and never darken this forums door ever again since i would ask such a basic simpleton question like that first???
However, if I was looking to buy an already built Ultima, I think one of my first questions would be "what BHP is it?"
I would like to think I know a bit about them as I am only an engine block away from finishing mine... Or should I just hang up my socket set, close the garage door for one last time and never darken this forums door ever again since i would ask such a basic simpleton question like that first???
Edited by chucknorris on Monday 16th April 22:27
If you are asking "what hp has it got" you do leave yourself open to the exaggerated output of a wishful thinking owner. Even if they have a dyno printout is it worth the paper it is written on??
There are many "expert" engine builders out there who purport to offer more power from a given engine but often produce an undrivable engine with a very short life.
So looking for the "big power" engine may be a fools way to buy an Ultima.
All the above is IMO of course.
Paul
There are many "expert" engine builders out there who purport to offer more power from a given engine but often produce an undrivable engine with a very short life.
So looking for the "big power" engine may be a fools way to buy an Ultima.
All the above is IMO of course.
Paul
I read this thred with interest as most would be buyers dont understand its not just HP that makes these cars.
Driveability is measured in torque not hp and having had various HP versions of mine, I ve proven my bigger HP engine isnt as useable as the lower yet more tractable motor.
Would be buyers need to takle note that these cars are light so HP equals wheelspin, but torque is sometimes faster in driving.
only my opion of course.
Russ youve a brilliant car and I saw that first hand just after Simon built her. It goes like stink so any wizz arround the block in the passenger seat will get the would be buyers wallet out if they are serious.
Dom
Driveability is measured in torque not hp and having had various HP versions of mine, I ve proven my bigger HP engine isnt as useable as the lower yet more tractable motor.
Would be buyers need to takle note that these cars are light so HP equals wheelspin, but torque is sometimes faster in driving.
only my opion of course.
Russ youve a brilliant car and I saw that first hand just after Simon built her. It goes like stink so any wizz arround the block in the passenger seat will get the would be buyers wallet out if they are serious.
Dom
Both Dom and Paul have hit on exactly why I said one of my first questions would be about horse power, I want my car to be very drivable and that's why my LS3 will eventually be a maximum of around 550hp as I've heard that if it's any more than that it becomes more track car than road car which is not my aim. So I think the original point about the horse power question being a sign of a time waster isn't neccessarily true...when it's about an Ultima, in fact I think it's quite a pertinent question is it not?
I think the first sign of a tyre kicker would be the question "what's the fastest you've been in her?"
Pete
I think the first sign of a tyre kicker would be the question "what's the fastest you've been in her?"
Pete
As a soon-to-be seller I feel it is my responsibility to give a thoroughly informative and attractive description of the product in the sales literature. In this way, any potential buyer can come for a viewing to experience the car and afterwards, make their decision, not come still at the research phase - trying to peel away at info from the seller. Any marketing info that doesn't achieve this is wasting the seller's and in my mind, more importantly the buyers time.
Simple. Give the potential buyer what you would expect if you were buying. More if you can.
End of the day, selling a car and presenting it clean, reliable, in the best possible condition and with all the background info the buyer could ever need upfront - is a very big responsibility.
Now, where shall I put the 648.9bhp and 616ft/lb - top line???
Lucks
Simple. Give the potential buyer what you would expect if you were buying. More if you can.
End of the day, selling a car and presenting it clean, reliable, in the best possible condition and with all the background info the buyer could ever need upfront - is a very big responsibility.
Now, where shall I put the 648.9bhp and 616ft/lb - top line???
Lucks
Edited by LuckyP on Tuesday 17th April 08:00
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