What price would you sell your car for?

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k) 11/06/2014 at 17:04 • Filed to: None

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So, OPPO, I've had a bit of an itch lately. An itch for something different - so I've been considering selling my E30 325i and replacing it with, wait for it...only the single biggest Jalop stereotype other than an E30...a MIATA!

I cleaned her up, got a few quibbles sorted out, got her smogged, took some pictures, put up an ad on craigslist, got some people who seem very interested - and now....I am having a tough time coming to terms with letting her go. Some guy emailed me today saying he wants to travel 2 hours to come see the car this weekend and will most probably buy it and drive it back - after reading his message I was filled with nothing but an unexpected feeling of sheer horror, surprisingly.

My asking price feels right to me based on what I see on the market - I'm probably closer to the top end and makes sense for a clean and well cared-for car (I'd rather not mention it - if only to avoid the expected spiraling debate). And I'm quite confident that I'd be able to get pretty close to what I listed on the ad from the serious buyers who've shown interest.

But I'm realizing - market price doesn't necessarily line up with what she's worth to me. For me to come to terms with selling her, I'd probably have to get a least a couple of grand more - to part with all the experiences, the time, the $$$ I've put into nursing her into health - and of course having a super clean, perfectly running E30 after all the prep work for selling doesn't make it any easier to let her go!

So - do I raise my asking price and see if anyone is crazy enough to pay me what it's worthwhile for me to let her go (I'm not even sure what that price would be), or just keep her and forget about my wandering eyes lusting after a younger, topless , and lower maintenance Japanese replacement?

There's a lot of crazy folk on here who love their cars - I'm sure you've had or are in similar circumstances? How did/would you handle this situation?

Takuro Spirit > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:09

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I tend to not get overly attached to cars. If I see something I want and what I have is worth as much, or I have enough to cover the difference, I have no problem letting go.

I sold my Subaru on a whim and asked too much for it, because I wanted haggle room so I could still afford the truck or Mustang I had my eye on.

The guy that answered my ad, came to me, drove it, and paid cash shortly afterwards came as a shock (He's paying HOW MUCH for my car????), but ultimately I really wanted a new DD/project. Ended up with a truck that I quickly lost interest in (shoulda picked the Mustang, it was PMY) and traded even up for the Camry after very little interest at my asking price.

Now my Trans Am on the other hand.... well, not really that attached to it either, yet. If someone made me a reasonable offer, I'd let it go.

Decay buys too many beaters > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:10

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I routinely keep all my cars listed for sale. Usually it is above a fair value, but it lets me keep track of exactly what each vehicle is worth to me. I love my cars, but I never get so attached that I wouldn't sell for the right price.

camaroboy68ss > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:16

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I get attached to my cars easily, but I know market value them. I honestly would sell my 98 Camaro if someone wanted it bad enough. My old cars though are "for sale" only if want to spend $600,000 on a $45,000 car.

Sam > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:16

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Basically, if I make money over what I paid for it. I'm happy.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Takuro Spirit 11/06/2014 at 17:17

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Makes total sense, they're just cars at the end of the day - and there are so many others we'd all love to have - so unless we have endless supplies of money, time, space, and significant others with unconditional approval of your madness, we'll have to let something go at some point.

How long did you have these cars for? I've had the E30 for almost 9 years now - and I think with time I've gotten more attached to it than any rational person should be.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:20

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My GLI. 2 owners, 26k miles. it was 26K new, and I paid 23K (after tax) for it. It's also sitting on a set of $700 Michelins, so I'd seel it for 20-21K

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Sam 11/06/2014 at 17:20

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E30 prices have been steadily increasing, so will certainly get well over what I paid for it...of course not factoring in money I've put into the car. Mods, bro! (jk - mostly bringing it back to good health and replacing old parts with newer/better bits).

BrownMiataDieselWagon > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:21

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As long as I can afford the running costs (gas, insurance, basic maintenance), I won't sell my car.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > camaroboy68ss 11/06/2014 at 17:22

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What old cars do you have?! It's definitely tough to let go of something with tons of sentimental value AND you know is steadily increasing in value.

lone_liberal > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:24

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I loved my '05 Mustang GT but when the prices of used cars skyrocketed a few years ago I let it go. The market value has actually gone up a couple of grand. There are always other cars. Maybe if a car had been owned by my dad or grandfather or something like that I'd keep one but otherwise it's "see ya!" when the right price comes along.

KirkyV > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:25

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There'd be no real point in selling my car for the kind of money most people would actually be willing to pay for it. I'm going to keep it until it either breaks, or I really want something new.

Party-vi > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:25

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Anyone looking to buy your car does not give two squats about what the car means to you. You can ask for it all day but they won't pay for it.

Also, it doesn't seem right asking for more money on top of market value because the car is perfectly running and ready to go - that is the condition I would expect any car to be in if I were paying market value for it. If I wanted to sell my 330Ci (150k miles) I would need to go through and make sure it's showroom ready before I could ask $7,000 for it.

If you're going through this much inner turmoil thinking about selling you car, maybe you're not ready yet.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:30

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MR2 Turbo. I paid $6k. insured for $13500 so I'd take that.

Then buy another one :P

Sam > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:31

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I'd say if it's a price you're willing to take, go for it. If I were you, I'd post it for what I WANT and then wait for the guy that is willing to pay it.

My car only required one $85 parts to get it in tip-top shape, so any profit is good for me.

Takuro Spirit > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:32

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Damn, that is a long time.

Longest I had a car for was my '00 Neon, because I got suckered into a 5 year lease.

camaroboy68ss > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:36

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I have a 68 Camaro RS/SS that is my first car ever and holds too much sentimental value. Also have a 33 ford pickup hot rod that I have grown up in since I was a baby. Again way to much sentimental value to part with.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:42

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Keep her.

What you're experiencing is seller's remorse, but before the sale. The car clearly means a lot to you (9 years!), and I know of many who have regretted letting go of their E30.

yamahog > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:48

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If someone was willing to pay $2000 for my Heep (not a typo), all theirs. In good conscience though, I can't get rid of it at any decent price knowing the trans is going.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > camaroboy68ss 11/06/2014 at 17:49

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Wow, sounds like amazing vehicles - I'd never let them go, and I'm not even particularly a fan of old American cars (more that I haven't been exposed to them at all and hence know next to nothing about them).

Happiness and sentimental value are things that are hard to put a price on, so I guess don't test it unless it's an absolute last resort.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:51

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I paid $5,600, which was a bit too much for the mileage of 130k. I've since done a little bit of work, and there's lots to be done, but I wouldn't take under $6,000.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 11/06/2014 at 17:51

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Very nice. I'd love an AW11 - so hard to find these days, and even if I did...I already have two cars I barely drive that I can't get myself to part with, so it'll just be a dream until I do something about that!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Party-vi 11/06/2014 at 17:53

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Yup, exactly.

I'd feel like an utter ass listing a car for more than what I know would be a reasonable market price (of course leave a tiny bit of cushion for the standard negotiation) - hence the reason I didn't...but now I'm coming to realize the car means more to me than it rationally should. So maybe I should just enjoy it.

Party-vi > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 17:54

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You should definitely enjoy it. Besides, I think the E30 is done depreciating.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > KirkyV 11/06/2014 at 17:55

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Exactly the dilemma I find myself in. I'd really like a Miata, especially as they're getting harder to find - and honestly I'd probably drive it more, but I'm not sure I'd like it more than what I already have.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Takuro Spirit 11/06/2014 at 17:56

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Where was Tom MacParland back then to warn us about those damn leases?!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/06/2014 at 18:03

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Yeah I think that's what I'm leaning towards right now. I had similar feelings after I sold my S2000 - but given that I haven't even sold this car yet and I'm already freaking out it's probably a sign that I'm nowhere near ready to let it go.

Should I decide to take it off the market at least it was a good exercise to come to this reasoning, I suppose - and it made me get some minor fixes I had been slacking off on out of the way.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 18:04

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I'd love an AW11 too, but if I have two cars one of them should be able to carry stuff

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 18:20

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I cleaned her up ... got her smogged ... I am having a tough time coming to terms with letting her go... But I'm realizing - market price doesn't necessarily line up with what she's worth to me... For me to come to terms with selling her ... the $$$ I've put into nursing her into health ... doesn't make it any easier to let her go! ... let her go ... or just keep her ...

I've only had my E90 M3 for 2.5 years, but I have similar feelings about her.

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 19:07

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Are these things really hard to work on and how reliable are they?

Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 19:20

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As long as it's a good offer for me i might sell my car.

But because i love making new friends i'll make sure my car in the best shape before i sell it.

Chase > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:06

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I'm one of those people who is probably never going to sell any of my vehicles. Then again, I have very little desire to own most new new cars, so take that as you will. The exception is likely to be a beige commuter car; I don't really need to worry about my commute right now, but you never know.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:15

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The Fusion 30K. It's not worth that much but I still owe that much.(negative equity from the Challenger SRT8)

The 323 $1000-$1200. I got the car for free but I have about $500 invested into it(miata rimz yo + misc repairs). I would never let it go for under a thousand.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD 11/06/2014 at 20:16

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E30s? Drivetrain is extremely reliable - but as with any aging car, especially given the amount of tech loaded into them, they tend to develop electrical issues. All pretty cheap to work on, especially if you do the work yourself or have a good mechanic who will hook you up (used parts are very easy to come by too)...but they definitely need some TLC every now and then. So I wouldn't keep one as a DD (it isn't for me).

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:19

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I'd love an AW11 too, but if I have two cars one of them should be able to carry stuff

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/06/2014 at 20:21

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Haha, good point - didn't even realize I was doing that :) My now fiancee was pretty humoured the first time she heard me refer to the car as "the old girl" as well.

E90 M3, very nice! I'd go sedan over coupe any day too. See - there are so many other cars that one day I'd like to own - like the Z3 M coupe, and an old Alfa GTV, maybe a Porsche Cayman, E46 M3...I don't know how I'd ever make this happen without having to get rid of a car I already have (and like the E30 I have a feeling if/when I get any of these I'll have a tough time letting go)- guess it'll just need to be a lot of money, garage space, and a very understanding significant other!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 11/06/2014 at 20:22

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Sadly the exact reason I ended up getting rid of my S2000 - that and an E30 was a very impractical combination of cars to have.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Party-vi 11/06/2014 at 20:22

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Oh most definitely - prices have been slowly climbing up at least for the last year or two.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > yamahog 11/06/2014 at 20:26

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Yeah - over the last few months I intentionally fixed up a bunch of stuff I knew was wrong with it. There's no way I would've put it up for sale without getting the major stuff sorted out. So again, now I have a car that is pretty much in the best shape it's been in since the day I bought it...I can't possibly let it go!

Dsscats > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:29

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So you never gave us an answer on the price!

Dsscats > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:29

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$8300. Maybe a dash lower.

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 20:38

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if only E30 touring's were a reasonable price.

Iheartmy365kHonda - Car enthusiasts do like FWD > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 21:47

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Aw dang it! Okay.

BLCKSTRM > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 22:06

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I've had my e36 M3 far less time than you've had your e30 (5 years on this coming Tuesday), so I'm hardly in a position to give advice.

I will say that I'm in a fairly similar situation. I've refreshed the entire suspension, subframe, brake lines, motor mounts, replaced the head gasket myself, the diff (just a tad lower when it broke), the cooling system, Recaros, and bit by bit swapped in upgraded/performance bits as the opportunity presented itself (i.e. when the old stuff needed replacing).

I decided I was finally tired of it a few weeks ago, just before the end of a craigslist-sourced paint touch-up spiraled out of control and took months to finally complete. The well before it finally got finished I decided I was done with it, and that I should upgrade to a nice e90 or e92 M3 since I can afford it. I wasn't going to do it immediately, but I started seriously browsing.

I lasted about a week. The paint job finally got finished, I was finally able to detail it after months of dirty car, and the thought of parting with this thing I've poured so much into - especially just when I've really gotten everything well sorted - I just couldn't go through with it.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the annual cost versus my chosen replacement for it is thousands cheaper if I can just be content.

There's also the trust factor. I know the car inside and out. I know what might go (I've got maybe a year left on the steering rack, 2 years max in the clutch) but I also know everything that won't. I also know it won't strand me, though I don't often take it somewhere where I'm at risk.

At the end of the day, I simply decided I'd regret selling it far more than I'd ever regret WAITING to "upgrade." You can always upgrade. But once your baby is gone, it's gone.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/06/2014 at 23:49

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My e30 was a cheap beater and i'm slowly fixing all the stuff (I love minor fixes - switches, sensors, etc. that knock the purchase price down), its probably worth 2x what I paid for it now ($1400) and the suspension still hasn't been replaced (its shot.) With the prices jumping back up I kind of want to hold onto it for a few more years as an investment...

pip bip - choose Corrour > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/07/2014 at 08:32

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how much is scrap metal there days?

anyone know?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/07/2014 at 10:00

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Thanks - it's a great option as One Car To Do It All, especially as a dad with three kids! I've had it out for three track days in the last two months, and drove it 900 miles round trip to Austin last weekend for the USGP. Love getting in it every single time.

You've got a great list there. I think it's cool when people have owned a lot of different cars, but I honestly think it's cooler when a person has held onto a car they truly love for years and years. Obviously, money, space and other constraints (my wife only recently came around to the idea of me getting a winter/camping/dogs vehicle - an '03 Pathfinder 4x4) can make it a challenge, but I'd argue that holding onto a car for a long time, assuming maintenance/repair costs aren't insane, is never a bad idea.

Most people, every time they buy a car, spend as much as they can afford (or finance), which puts them in a perpetual cycle of debt. Your E30 being an exception, most cars depreciate rapidly. It looks like most of the cars you're interesting in would have lost most of their value to time already, but it still can be a great thing for your long-term financial situation to drive a car for as long as you can (I've only had 5 cars - 6 counting the Pathfinder - in my 20 years of driving). I really don't think you'll regret keeping your E30 and building savings toward the next purchase, whatever that might be.

That said, if you drive another car, and it really steals your heart, your "old girl" will surely make another enthusiast very happy!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BLCKSTRM 11/07/2014 at 10:08

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Hope it works for you to keep your baby, and add that E9x M3!

There's a guy over on M3Post who has a Sparkling Graphite E92 and a Techno Violet E36 - hell of a pair...

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Dsscats 11/07/2014 at 14:04

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haha fine, I listed at a bit over $5K and have several buyers willing to pay that. But if I were to go through with it, I don't think having an extra $5k in my pocket would make me feel OK about the hole left behind in my heart :P

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BLCKSTRM 11/07/2014 at 14:07

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Exactly how I feel - you've put a lot more into your E36 than I have into my car, so can certainly see why you're so attached to it. And you're right - we will always have cravings for all kinds of things, but acting on them at the expense of giving up what we already have, love, and trust is rarely worthwhile.

Wow, that should be an anti-cheating slogan haha.

BLCKSTRM > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 11/07/2014 at 15:02

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My oldest is 10 next month. If I keep it a few more years, it gets a lot easier to justify...

BLCKSTRM > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/07/2014 at 15:24

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Haha - exactly what I thought as I read that last sentence, too.

But it's true, also. The grass ALWAYS looks greener. And the truth is you never really know until you do it.

I've loved Vettes as long as I can remember - especially the Z06 (ESPECIALLY the new one, though I have misgivings about FI and heat soak issues on a track car, but I digress...) but I'm increasingly realizing it'll never happen. I need a 911.

I don't care how cramped, but I HAVE to have a back seat. A 2 seater is just never going to work for me.

I'm sure you've thought about that too. If it's honestly been a year or more since you had anyone in the back seat, keep thinking about it. If you even occasionally need that back seat, maybe you can just rent a Miata? Join a Miata-based LeMons team?

Anon > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 12/05/2014 at 20:23

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I love my pickup and don't really want to sell (even if it gets shit gas milage). However if someone wants to give me $17,000 I would take it.