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Have you ever

Started by 60eldo, April 10, 2021, 09:58:07 PM

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60eldo

  Have you ever gone to look at a car you really wanted, and you were so close in the price ,and after haggling back and fourth with in 1000 dollars. And you walked away.  And now your kicking yourself in the  ASSSSSSSS  Regrets,,,Ive had a few
Jon. Klu

The Tassie Devil(le)

Yes, but never such small amounts in the price gap. ;)

Most times, that was the total price of the car. :)

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

James Landi

#2
Jon,

It's a great question.  Price is always a factor before I go look because I don't want to "kick myself" over the price (that is having walked away without the purchase because of price).  If the seller's price is firm, I generally don't haggle.  One buys these Cadillacs in spite of logic, so falling in love is an intrinsic element in ownership for.  I was on the brink of purchasing another '56 short deck several years ago--- this one, unfortunately did not have the freeze out a/c that I truly wanted, BUT it was incredibly low mileage and in decent condition.  So I didn't haggle, but asked the owner to have some exhaust and front end work accomplished prior to the sale... that was the end of the deal---  I didn't and don''t regret the choice I made because I eventually "settled" for Mr. Redwish our 2007 XLR, certainly an entirely impractical car, and I didn't haggle about the price--I simply fell in love and had to have it!.   Happy day.   James

D.Smith

If it's the classic car you really want and in great shape, you can't let a deal fall apart over $500-$1000.   It's not like there is another identical one at a different dealer as with new cars.

I know many guys who won't buy a car unless they steal it for under market value. 

But I've never lost any sleep paying a fair price for a car I wanted.

rsms

It's a lot easier to make a little more money than find another classic car that is what you were really looking for.   The problem always seems to be the car gets looked at like a purely dollar and sense investment and the enjoyment factor gets left out of the equation.  Then in hindsight the money aspect always gets left out of the evaluation and the actual reason you wanted the car is the part you remember.  If it's something you want and you can afford it buy it, the enjoyment will far out weigh the little bit of premium you paid for it in the long run.  Please don't take my advice unless you have a large garage, it can get out of hand quickly 

fishnjim

Just the opposite.   Met the price, then regretted not standing firmer.

When I negotiated my first new car, i kept the dealer past closing, and caved for $50.  In those days you could get ~23% off sticker due to kickbacks.
When the salesman asked if I want a "soda", I knew I should've held out for that $50...
I'm more likely to procrastinate on buying a "regrettable" when the price is off, then lose to someone else.   That's how I wound up where I'm at, two projects instead of one I wanted.

Harley Earl

Quote from: 60eldo on April 10, 2021, 09:58:07 PM
  Have you ever gone to look at a car you really wanted, and you were so close in the price ,and after haggling back and fourth with in 1000 dollars. And you walked away.  And now your kicking yourself in the  ASSSSSSSS  Regrets,,,Ive had a few

NEVER, which is why I am a horrible car salesman when it comes time to sell (as in now).  Always buy the best you can afford.  If the Cadillac meets ALL your and your family's expectations, buy it.  When I have gotten a "deal" or thought I "stole" something, it always came back at me with much more money spent on "necessary" improvements/repairs exceeding the value of the car.  This is coming from someone that has owned MANY cars; May you learn from my pain...
Hoping for a Standard Trans Cimarron

Previous
1950 Series 61 Sedan - Savoy Gray
1974 Coupe de Ville - Victorian Amber Firemist
1959 Coupe de Ville - Brenton Blue
And 20 "other" Cadillacs from the 40s to the 80s

bcroe

I think the most important thing, is to make sure you get what
you want.  If you keep it long enough, the price will not matter
any more, if you can even remember what it was.  I was so
unhappy with the price of the new car I bought in 1979, I
decided I must drive it 300,000 miles to get even.  Its still
here, with more miles than that.  Bruce Roe

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

Oh I sure remember that gorgeous original Persian sand 60 CdV the guy in Canada wanted low 20s I begged you to buy. Couple grand is nothing in the greater scheme for right car in a car you really want. Especially in a desirable year body style and colors.
A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

60eldo

#9
  Thanks Eric, I didnt trust that guy. He wanted 40,000  then 30,,,,then 20,,,mmmmm. PS I still wish I could find a 1960 Eldorado. I did buy one on ebay sienna rose,, if you remember, still have it, but no floors. Anyone want to buy it, its pretty complete
Jon. Klu

59-in-pieces

Regrets can be very costly - mentally - and last a long time - gnawing.

THEM THAT HESTATES - ARE LOST.

In my book, and I'm not a Rockefeller - buy what you REALLY WANT - and even with the surprises that always exist after the purchase - you end up with what you REALLY WANTED, for years of enjoyment to come.

ONE IN THE HAND IS WORTH 2 NOT BOUGHT.

Have fun,
Steve B.

PS
James, I agree about the XLR - over the top impractical (but more fun, when I drive it like I stole it) - truthfully, I have a totally different enjoyment level with it than my 59 Eldo Biarritz, and have not regretted a day since I bought either.
S. Butcher

59-in-pieces

Jon,
I have followed your posts about finding and working on your 60 - seems like since dirt, having posted myself to help.

I can't believe you are willing to sell it, over a couple of Flintstone floor problems.
A few pics of its current condition would be helpful & HOW MUCH.

Have fun,
Steve B.
S. Butcher

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

Quote from: 60eldo on April 11, 2021, 09:20:14 PM
  Thanks Eric, I didnt trust that guy. He wanted 40,000  then 30,,,,then 20,,,mmmmm. PS I still wish I could find a 1960 Eldorado. I did buy one on ebay sienna rose,, if you remember, still have it, but no floors. Anyone want to buy it, its pretty complete

I don't recall him starting off at $40K but that wouldn't bother me anyway. Not uncommon for sellers to overprice at first until reality sets in. I seem to recall you and the seller were down to only $1K apart but by the time I convinced you to go the extra $1K to $23K, the seller got $26K from the other party. After looking at all the pics, I was 90% sure it would have turned out to be a real nice car. I think it was mostly original too. I recall it needed a couple minor things but not much. Today $26K for a '60 Persian Sand CdV that nice is practically a steal. Those days are over now.  :(

I know you wanted a 60 Sienna Seville but heck, 60, 2 door & Persian checks 3/4 boxes which is about as close as it gets on a ~ 60 year old car. I never saw it surface again.
A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute