Thinking of buying but need an opinion

rrcarib · 10-24-2008, 11:40 AM

I've had a few Trans Ams over the years, and I've really wanted to get another one. I'm looking at one but not sure if it's over priced and worth getting.

I'm in CT and it's a 1999 Trans Am WS6, black, 50k miles, Automatic, all options except traction control. The owner says the car has been garaged it's entire life, and after looking it over it's definitely in exceptional shape. I had my local dealer take a look at it, and the service writer told me he couldn't beleive how good of shape it was in, he must have said 10 times "this car is beautiful". So the car is mechanically sound, but the body shop did notice that the driver side quarter panel has been replaced. The guy is the second owner and said he's not aware of it being in an accident.
He's asking $15,500 for it, and is telling me I will not find another 99 as clean as this one. I was thinking of offering him $14K.
Really not sure what to do here, i don't know how big of a deal a replaced quarter panel is.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

jwastedx · 10-24-2008, 11:43 AM

You can look at the cars for sale on this site and compare prices. Then make your mind up!

homerunhtr21 · 10-24-2008, 11:55 AM

He is about 5k-7k overpriced...move along and keep looking

knowit · 10-24-2008, 06:40 PM

In this market even for a pristine car that is too much in my opinion.

I am in CT also. About a month ago I picked up my seventh bird. 1998 Trans Am 6sp. The car was originally from Florida so the body and paint (100% original) is in perfect shape. The car was owned by a PGA pro golfer and he spent lots of money on proffessionally installed speed parts. SLP longtube, 3" Borla stainless steel cat back, hi flo cats, Detroit locker rear with 3.73s Hi perf clutch, and other minor things. I have reciepts for everything including every oil change the car ever had. The car has 130,000 miles but looks and runs like 30,000. How much for this find? Try $6500. I am happier than a pig in poop.

I would keep looking or offer him $10K cash.

NC01TA · 10-24-2008, 07:47 PM

That is much too high! Maybe if it had 15-20k mileage, but you should not be paying more than $11,000 for this 50,000 mile car. That is a high end price too. Don't forget, you are in the driver's seat as a buyer. No one has cash and no one is giving loans for a 9 year old car. Be smart and pay the right price. Do a little research on-line. I'm sure http://www.kbb.com would say that price is much too high as well. KBB isn't the best guide for F-bodies but in this instance it should be pretty close. Yes it may be in excellent condition and the mileage is quite low, but still you don't want to overpay. This car isn't a 'premium' car that commands an extra few thousand over retail yet it is priced that way. On top of that you state that there may have been some body work. Again, do your homework and don't pay too much. Good luck!