Trans Am prices

[doobiebro]

I'm looking to buy a 98 or 99. Kelley Blue Book puts a 98 at 11thousand for a private party or 13 retail. That's with 35k miles. For a 99 it's about a grand more. Searching with cars.com or autotrader I get prices more like 16 through 18; or more. One car I'm looking at is a 99 with 18k miles for 16grand. The seller says price is negotiable. How much would you pay for a car like that? And why are everyone's asking prices so high?

[99onI95]

Quit making the F bods so they can ask whatever cause you can't go buy one at the dealership anymore.
Ebaymotors is your best bet. Even thought I found mine on autotrader.com
One thing I would not suggest is a conversion which is what I done 8k later still not finished making the fbird into a T/A.
20K will get you a mint condition 02 if you look hard enough. Low miles is hard to find in a 98 or 99 go newer. Good Luck and I hope you find yourself a T/a.
P.S. when you buy post some pics.

[volkerc]

Originally Posted by doobiebro

I'm looking to buy a 98 or 99. Kelley Blue Book puts a 98 at 11thousand for a private party or 13 retail. That's with 35k miles. For a 99 it's about a grand more. Searching with cars.com or autotrader I get prices more like 16 through 18; or more. One car I'm looking at is a 99 with 18k miles for 16grand. The seller says price is negotiable. How much would you pay for a car like that? And why are everyone's asking prices so high?

Having sold cars for 7 years in the states, the answer to your question is this: First off all private parties are asking ridicolous prices for their cars, of course asking prices are higher so they can negotiate down to the money they are looking to get. If they were to trade it in, they won't get what they are looking for because reality differs from their personal value. Some people think they can demand more money because the cars are no longer build, which is nonsense. that is an argument that every old car owner could use, they stopped making Oldsmobile and I don't see their values go up. A car is a car, transportation purpose especially for the dealer. Now your best bet to get a good price is at the dealer. Because they do not go by some sentimental value. As we all know Trans Ams and Firebirds have been sitting like lead at the dealerships when they were new. Unfortunately because nobody bought them Pontiac stopped building them. Now if you find a Bird at the dealer's pre-owned lot, chances are it has been sitting there for 60 days or more also and they are glad somebody is buying it.See, once a pre-owned car has reached it's time limit on the lot, they go to the auction, just shortly before it goes there, that is the best time to buy, because the dealer might rather lose some money selling the car to you, then losing even more at the auction.dealers also appraise cars with Kelley blue book "fair" condition. That gives you an idea of what the dealer paid for the car, add a little for reconditioning, touch up paint jobs, new tires, safety check, fluid change, and you are somewhat in the ballpark of what you should pay. For sure not hese crazy prices. Also keep in mind that there is a loan value of the car. Going to far over loan value is just hurting you....

The ultimate answer to your question is, and I keep repeating myself, a car is worth what somebody is willing to write a check for!

And just because there are so many cars out there with ridicolous prices don't mean anything, other than they still have not sold it for the crazy money and that's why you see so many.

[doobiebro]

I made an offer of 15grand on a 99 trans am with 18.5k miles. Owner said the interior is mint and the body has 2 little paint stratches on it. He was asking 16grand for it and accepted my offer. Do you think this is a good or at least decent deal? Going by KBB it isn't, but looking at other prices for comparable cars, it's a very fair price. Thoughts?

[CreepingDeath94]

Its reasonable, but keep in mind that the car is about 6 years old, however the mileage is low...its a tossup. If you really want that Trans-Am I would buy it. If your questionable as to whether you really like THAT particular one, then leave it.

[volkerc]

Originally Posted by doobiebro

I made an offer of 15grand on a 99 trans am with 18.5k miles. Owner said the interior is mint and the body has 2 little paint stratches on it. He was asking 16grand for it and accepted my offer. Do you think this is a good or at least decent deal? Going by KBB it isn't, but looking at other prices for comparable cars, it's a very fair price. Thoughts?

I wouldn't pay that kind of money.But like I said before, if you are willing to write acheck for that amount that's fine.

[importeater38]

i derno man.....up here in ny, even with shitty winters, as soon as a trans am hits a dealer ship its out the door a week later, and we are talking about low mileage ls1's going for 15-20 grand. They don't last two seconds around here. Must be the high precentage of grease ball Italians in ny.... lol, yeah i can say that cuz i am a ginzo.