NEED YOUR HELP GUYS! What would you pay for this Chevelle?

[chevylr]

I'm looking at a 71 Chevelle but not sure if the owner is asking too much for it. 8k is what he wants. It's a small block 350 that much I know. Nice paint, straight car, doesn't look like it's had any bondo. Crome in engine compartment, interior very very nice. Hurst shifter (hate that thing though as it's a pain to shift), nice wheels and tires like new. No rust that I can see. Drove it and it's got a lot of power. Although you can feel it shift. Not sure if I've become spoiled from driving my 2005 Pacifica or what. But in my Pacifica I can't feel it shift gears. How do you know (without being a mechanic) if it's suppose to feel obvious when shifting into gears because it's a muscle car or if it's having a hard time shifting into gears....don't need the tranny falling out on me.

By the way how much is a good tranny to replace in these cars?

Looks to me like someone did put some time and money into this car but I'm just not sure what it's worth.

Just off the top, what would you say is the value of this car based on just what you see and what I've told you? Will it hold that value or increase over the years? Are the 1965-1970's (non-SS) more valuable?

Thank you. Just don't want to make a wrong investment. Love this car but a little scared as I don't have a lot of history on it because the owner won it in a raffle through a rotory club and he's not a muscle car kind of guy.

Thanks!

http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL417.../111431023.jpg

http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL417.../111431028.jpg

http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL417.../111431034.jpg

http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL417.../111390496.jpg

[daveid]

Its an automatic right? I know in my truck it shifts hard becuase it has a shift kit in it for improved shifts. I think its called a trans pack but i know theres types that shift harder than others.
I think the car looks great. Looks all original. I think it will hold its value no matter what you do to it, Probly since i just love muscle cars i dont care what they look like as long as they're around.

[chevylr]

Hi Dave,

Yes, it's an automatic. It's a very nice looking car and the engine sounds great. Started right up when you turn the key and give it a little gas. Seems to idle fine and doesn't threaten to shut off when idling down to a stop sign.

Maybe it's got that shift kit in it. Someone else mentioned that those improve shifting but I'll tell you that hurst shifter....I don't know. I just don't like it. I'd rather take that out and replace it with just a easy type shifter.

So you think $8k isn't too much for this car? Will it hold that value in years to come even though it's a 71 Chevelle Malibu (not an SS)? I do realize that I'm going to have to put money into it. It has a few little minor things like the rear view mirror bolt needs to be replaced and the back window area where the pioneer speakers are someone put white fur instead of liner around them. Some other odds and ends, etc.

I think if the owner agrees I'll see if he'll meet me at a local mechanic's. Since he can't get any history on the car because he won it I wouldn't mind a mechanic looking at it and at least being able to tell me what's what and what it may need...etc. Stuff like compression, HP, tranny. Stuff like that.

[daveid]

Im unsure if its worth 8 grand but its one nice ride. i mean i could never come up with that money so i alawys buy cars that need more work.But ive seen worse cars go for around the same price. Maybe a few people on here could tell you a better figure on how much its worth, but i dont think youll regret getting it even if it is 8 G's.
Also, the mechanic might point out some flaws and then you have a good case to lower the price.

Good luck.

[musclecarfanatic]

hey iam a mechanic and i love old muscle cars. if it was me, i would buy it for that price and condition because ive seen chevelles pretty pricey. and yes mechanics do point out every flaw they see because most mechanics are straight commission and are hoping by pointin out these flaws youll have them repair it...been there done it. btw i think you definitly should buy but definitly have a mechanic look at it though before you make your final decision.

[bluechevelle]

Buy it. Good price and solid body. It will not loose value for sure. As long as the shifts are not likeneck breaking, it is fine. It sits a little high though so you might wan to check ou the suspension.

[CivicSlayr]

Buy it, worse comes to worse take it to carlise and sell it for twice what you paid for it. I personaly wouldn't pay 8 for that chevelle, bt i dont like those chevelles, soo.....

[ronvb]

8 grand is an average price for a 71 Malibu with some work done and might need a little more by the time you go thru it.Each year they go up a little in value also so you can't lose there.I suggest going over the car close, check for rust in floor pans and trunk pan,and especially check for any rust in the frame!The traction bars are a sign of someone jumping on the car alot so I would listen close for noises in the rear.The trans is not a big problem as you can easily swap out.The Chevelles value has alot to do with what was already done to the car and what needs to be done to restore it or make it right.
ronvb