4th Nov 2012, 05:21
Oh yeah, you're onto me. My fiendish plot to wait to reply until there were "rock bottom" sales on eBay Motors is exposed, dang it.
The claim here is that these cars are selling for as much, or more, than they sold for new. Saying that you would "gladly pay" $5K-$8K for a "great example" does nothing to advance that argument, nor does pointing out examples of overpriced cars that no one bids on, and which go unsold.
4th Nov 2012, 09:19
What a shame, this was a good thread about a great car, with people sharing their pride and ownership, and getting along.
Then, somebody had to go and ruin it for everybody; who cares what a collector would pay if it's worth it to them.
4th Nov 2012, 20:04
Actually E-bay is not the greatest source for pricing, or to even sell your car. Even when top-notch muscle cars are listed, people try to bid way under the reserve. A few years ago I listed my 1977 Grand Prix in decent condition for the price of $4,000, and the top bid I got in three days was $800. Two weeks later I sold it locally for $4,500.
Anyways, back to the LeSabres on topic. I do agree with you 100% that $5-$8,000 is a fair price to pay, and I too have occasionally seen them in the $10,000 area when Auto Trader used to publish the nationwide "old car trader". Ten years ago these weren't selling for much, but as time goes on they are, and they will become more valuable to the luxury car collector market.
As for other comments like 13:22 and 05:21, just ignore them, it works for me.
5th Nov 2012, 10:34
I go to shows, and appreciate the hard work and time invested. Some people have to start somewhere. My first project was a 63 Karmann Ghia as a broke 16 year old. I spent many hours on that car. It was solid otherwise, but had a smashed fender, since I could not buy fenders, as they were integrated in its body. I borrowed an Enerpac spreader and hand pump to reshape the light assembly. I enlisted family and friends, and completed my first project. Same scenario here. Motor replaced, body, sanding and painting. Maybe not worth the financial investment, but I had time and was enthusiastic.
Now I appreciate someone put their heart and soul into a car project that in many cases is overlooked. It is easy to break someones stones. People hear insults on a car at a show. I had a few that were not great at first. I learned a lot on that first car, and was proud of it. Now 40 years later, I have over 6 figures in collector vehicles. My first car was my training ground. It wasn't worth much, and I could not really get hurt on it with costly mistakes. Everybody has their own tastes. I see car restoration as a great father son activity, and constructive. It kept me out of teen trouble, and I met some great people, even today, along the way.
Buy what you like, and make it into something that is yours! You also help charities with show participation and have fun. My new car is an insulated cocoon, no nostalgia, and it's just transportation. The others are incredible to own and drive.
Good luck.
16th Nov 2012, 18:49
Great, try also ignoring statements that blithely assert that an ordinary model car is now selling for more than it sold for new.
With no proof to back up that assertion.
Works for me.
17th Nov 2012, 08:29
1974 VW Super Beetle, purchased for 2800 new, sold for 11000. The VW Bug was the best selling car of all time. Garage kept in new condition; not a bad return for a regular car. The guy bought mine for his wife for a Christmas gift. What's painful however is re-buying a car that you once had at 2012 prices. So in a way, you lose the profit for a while.
17th Nov 2012, 08:56
I agree with all the others, because I too have seen these sell for top dollar here and there; that's all the proof I need.
25th Jan 2013, 17:47
Please define "top dollar".
As to the other comments, yeah, still waiting on proof of a sale of an 84 LeSabre for more than sticker price. Haven't seen any yet.
TALK is cheap.
26th Jan 2013, 14:35
Wow, you're still here?
Well, I would say top dollar would be anywhere from 7k-11k, on www.carsforsale.com, where there are currently two '85 models at that price range. Maybe a couple thousand off the sticker price, but close enough unless you have a different definition of "top dollar".
Seriously, how far do you want to go with this? Enough is enough, maybe instead of criticizing these cars, you should show your cards, and tell us what kind of gem you drive.
26th Jan 2013, 19:49
Please buy a 70 455 Buick GS or a 70 Olds 442 Big Block, and laugh all the way to the bank.
17th Feb 2013, 20:33
As of today, February 16th, there is a 1985 LeSabre C.E 4 door with under forty thousand miles on eBay. The asking price is ten grand; not a bad price, and very close to the sticker price. Two doors are more desirable for a collectable.
18th Feb 2013, 13:47
This is going to sound like a really stupid question, but I should ask. Around how many miles can a well cared for stock Olds 307 go on for before dying?
19th Feb 2013, 16:30
And as of today Feb. 19 there are no bids for the above mentioned car. Looks like there may have been sub-par paint work, as the front left fender seems to be a different shade than the rest of the car. You could ask $100K for one of these, but that doesn't make it worth that, and it certainly doesn't mean it will sell. There will always be people who don't know the value of their car and want the moon, but it is about as likely they will visit the moon.
These are nice cars, probably more roomy and more comfortable than anything on the market today for under $100,000 or probably more (Rolls really is the only thing that comes close, as BMW and the like focus more on sportiness and handling over sheer comfort). But in my opinion $10K even for a low mile, loaded model is high. The market just isn't there for these cars, and more than likely never will, since big cars went on for many years after '85. You could buy a '96 Roadmaster with just as much room and comfort with as low of miles and more modern amenities for less, and have an 11 year newer car with less likely needed maintenance and more availability of parts.
Too bad they don't make them new any more. If you could get a brand new one of either model, I would be first in line, even at $50K, which Detroit would surely have to charge to make a car like that today.
3rd Nov 2012, 15:47
Look for an early 70 GS 455. They are typically less than a Chevelle SS. Then hit the show circuit. Find a GSX and really be pleased.