[joehouse]

Hi guys, I've never bought a new car before, I have an 86 trans am with 23k original miles on it, my father was the original owner, but I'm looking to trade it in for a new 2ss. The dealers in Brooklyn and long island are trying to low ball me, is there any advice on how to get a decent amount for my car without getting sucker punched? I tried barrette Jackson but they are snobby bastards who wouldn't wait a week for me to send pictures and cut me out. Local auctions are non existent here in nyc. Thanks!

[raptor5244]

That is obviously not an everyday car assuming it is in great condition with those super low miles. I was checking the Manheim auto auctions across the country and there are not many transactions to compare it to. I saw a white 1985 with 35000 miles go for $8000, a red 1986 on with 54k miles for $6900. I think if the car was absolutely showroom perfect then the most you would get would be 10-11k. Assuming it is in good condition then maybe the 7-8k range. Tough to put an exact figure on it.

[joehouse]

I had a dealer offer me 11k for it, but that was a low ball figure according to hagerty appraiser, he said it was worth 25k as it stands in survivor condition. It's only a car for shows and parades.

[joehouse]

heres the pictures of her

[LesserO2Evils]

As STUNNING as that car is, and as much as I have a deep seeded love for TA's, $11K is NOT a "lowball" offer.

[2006Moy]

I'm sorry but if you think you can get 25k for it. Private sell to a collector is your only route. You will never get a trade in over 11k or 12k. Good luck

[Glen e]

Major car Dealers want fresh new cars for trades, they are not interested in classic or old cars as they know they are not good at selling such. Find a classic dealer or sell it yourself on social media.

[mjw930]

Originally Posted by joehouse

I had a dealer offer me 11k for it, but that was a low ball figure according to hagerty appraiser, he said it was worth 25k as it stands in survivor condition. It's only a car for shows and parades.

Wow, I was thinking lowball meant $5000. The dealer who offered $11k was not low balling you, that's a decent offer considering they aren't classic car dealers.

When the Hagerty appraiser is willing to write a check for $25k his opinion means something. It's easy to set expectations when you have no skin in the game.

Honestly, if you must sell this car to afford the new Camaro you should re-evaluate your finances or wait until you have successfully sold it for the money you need before buying something else. The smart money would be to talk with Mecum and pick a classic muscle car auction venue like their Kississimi sale next January. Even a classic car dealer won't get into this car for much more than $15k considering a high end $25k retail appraisal.

[joehouse]

I'm in the process of talking to streetside clasics in north Carolina, we are currently playing phone tag, I could afford the car on 11k, but that doesn't mean I'm going to settle for it. I wish hagerty would write the check, but they wont unless the car explodes (no I'm not killing the car!) I just don't have the room for both nor can I afford the insurance for both cars. Also, there's a lot of maintenance with dealing with a 30 year old car and I don't want to deal with it. Ill try to sell privately thanks for the input, but once I do sell it, whats a good way to get the new car price lower? I've never bought a new car before, I've had this car in my family for 30 years so its the only car Ive ever owned when my dad gave it to me.

[joehouse]

Mecum auction is too far from nyc and will cost me a bunch of money to ship myself and the car down there from Brooklyn. This is why I reached out; i'm not sure where to go from here that's practical ya know

[raptor5244]

Originally Posted by joehouse

I'm in the process of talking to streetside clasics in north Carolina, we are currently playing phone tag, I could afford the car on 11k, but that doesn't mean I'm going to settle for it. I wish hagerty would write the check, but they wont unless the car explodes (no I'm not killing the car!) I just don't have the room for both nor can I afford the insurance for both cars. Also, there's a lot of maintenance with dealing with a 30 year old car and I don't want to deal with it. Ill try to sell privately thanks for the input, but once I do sell it, whats a good way to get the new car price lower? I've never bought a new car before, I've had this car in my family for 30 years so its the only car Ive ever owned when my dad gave it to me.

In some states trading a car will reduce the sales tax on the purchase of the new car. For example, if you new Camaro is $40k and sales tax is 6% in your state then tax would be $2400. However, if you traded that Camaro for $11k then you would only pay tax on $29k, saving $660.

The best thing to do is see if you qualify for any GM incentives they have available and you can add those on top of any discount you can muster from the dealer. Then factor in your trade in if you decide to trade it. $11k is pretty good for a trade. With a unique condition car like that you will need to find a special buyer who likes to collect a car like that. That will take time, money to advertise, etc.

[PbanySS3]

Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, Valenti Classics in Wisconsin or Toy Barn in Ohio?


Napoli Classics in CT, Classic Motorcars in CT or place an ad in Hemmings Auto News......

[KidKilowatt]

Try

http://www.dcclassiccars.com
http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com

[LesserO2Evils]

Damn.... I just keep looking at this thing. If there is ANY WAY that you can keep it...Do it man. I miss my 88 GTA. Always will.