Trying to understand the market

[iatros2]

In search of some advice and answeres from the learned. So the automatics are cheaper, that's a 'doh'. What I don't understand is the huge difference between prices of similar cars. One of your members was selling a very clean blk/blk with 44k miles for high 9's, ~10ish, roughly the same price as a bare bone stock car with twice the miles posted elsewhere. Kelly Blue book private party price for a 97 in excellent condition with about 80K miles is 6K give or take a couple of hundred for zip code adjustment.
Now I'm not one to take KBB for gospel and do expect some variation but the same car listed in the low 9's doesn't make sense, that's a 50% difference! Am I missing something?

[marcus2116]

people will charge what they can get

[iatros2]

Originally Posted by marcus2116

people will charge what they can get

I understand as much, but you'd figure the market would correct for what they can't get. I recently sold a 944 for a friend of mine (stock, clean) and certainly did not list it for 50% over KBB. I'm just confused.

[96cali]

Most people think KBB is low (used to be high). Check Edmunds.com. They have a much more detailed description estimator. You're right the prices are all over the map. Also, enthusiasts I think are the hardest to sell- we always know "better".

[DustenT]

KBB and Edmunds don't matter. If it's a 318ti, it's priceless.......

[AutoM3otives]

if you think the 318ti is hard to guage a price for...

try the same for an E30 M3.

Mine would've sold for near $12k
but I bought it for $7500 due to a quick seller
sold parts in trunk for $4500
car basically only costs me $3000

it all comes down to year-mileage ratio
as well as rarity and demand of the vehicle

318ti's were considered a joke when they were first out
but now that they arent produced today
and gas mileage is a big issue
the 318ti is a definite solution to that problem

and yea KBB is sometimes too low
an advantage to a buyer, disadvantage to seller

[ultralinear]

KBB is really only useful as a starting point for values. In my experience, the 318 ti has significantly higher value than other 3-Series models, especially here in the Los Angeles area. There's simply no shortage of the E36, except for the ti, especially one with a sport or activ package.

Still, there are some lower priced ti, especially base level cars, autos and those that are kinda trashed. There's no real answer, but as a car broker buddy of mine likes to say, there's no such thing as a Used Car Factory. Translation? Used cars are unique...a perfectly cared for used car will always be in demand and command a premium price.

[aceyx]

what kinda parts were in that trunk?!?

but there's no magic guide to used car values. kbb and edmunds are only places to start, basically to give you a range to work in. i'd pay more for a garaged car from an enthusiast who has full records, less where i'm more likely to find a few, and 300% over cost for a ti whose window regulator wouldn't fry every frickin year.

[AutoM3otives]

Originally Posted by aceyx

what kinda parts were in that trunk?!?

full racing brake kit front and rear
rear motorsport wing with flap
motorsport brake ducts
shift boots
SS brakelines
and some other items that i cant remember off the top of my head

[sKunkman]

Did the guy know about those when he sold the car?????? lol...

[AutoM3otives]

haha yea of course.

judging from the files he gave me along with the car...

he got the car right before he got married
worked on it while he started out his marriage
then he had 3 kids and too many cars, m3 was sitting outside

had tons of parts that werent installed and had to sell the car
advertised for 7500 for a quick sale

i scooped it up thanksgiving weekend 2003
didnt feel i had a need for the parts so i sold them all

interestingly enough
one month later i found out he bought what i believe is an original AC shelby cobra 427

[sKunkman]

Damn....tough trade off there. Shelby....or e30 m3.

[DaNO]

Buy what you want ,who cares.