How much can I expect to pay for something DECENT?
08-04-2012, 12:10 AM
#1
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How much can I expect to pay for something DECENT? Okay let me clarify what exactly I mean. My currently daily driver is a 2006 Corolla CE that I will probably drive into the ground before I get rid of it. It only has 92,000 miles on it at the moment. I'm hoping to get 250k before I have to get something new.
I really, really want a decent T/A, preferably a LS1 /w a M6, and the WS6 package. These are kind of hard to find lately without being redonkulously marked up in price, considering the high mileage on most of the ones commanding the retarded prices...
How much can I expect to pay for something like what I want that doesn't have 115k+ miles? Would it be pointless to buy another used car with 100k+ miles down the road if it was going to be my daily driver? I bought my Corolla when when it had 69,000 miles and I only paid $6900 for it...
I really, really want a decent T/A, preferably a LS1 /w a M6, and the WS6 package. These are kind of hard to find lately without being redonkulously marked up in price, considering the high mileage on most of the ones commanding the retarded prices...
How much can I expect to pay for something like what I want that doesn't have 115k+ miles? Would it be pointless to buy another used car with 100k+ miles down the road if it was going to be my daily driver? I bought my Corolla when when it had 69,000 miles and I only paid $6900 for it...
Last edited by dajinn; 08-04-2012 at 12:19 AM.
08-04-2012, 06:46 AM
#2
Welcome to LS1tech! SEARCH will be your best friend.
I think if you hold out you'll find some deals. Keep in mind these cars are getting old and will have some high miles on them.
Two years ago, I got my non-WS6 '99 T/A for five grand. It was pretty mint.
I think if you hold out you'll find some deals. Keep in mind these cars are getting old and will have some high miles on them.
Two years ago, I got my non-WS6 '99 T/A for five grand. It was pretty mint.
08-04-2012, 08:18 AM
#3
TECH Junkie
The cost will generally be over $10,000 for a decent LS1 Trans Am with well under 6 figures in mileage.. Every car is different and detailed research is needed on every car you look at. If you can't get the history, don't consider it. I wouldn't. That means buying a car from a dealership is generally not wise unless the car is obviously MINT with 5,000 miles on it. You can find a 4 owner Trans Am beaten to death with 75,000 miles (and no maintenance history) or an easy highway miles 1 owner car with the same 75,000 mileage (and full documentation of maintenance). Which one is it? Sometimes the visual inspection won't be enough. I know which one I would want. A dealer won't know. A Carfax will tell you the number of owners but what else? Private party sellers will be able to provide the real info, or lack of it.
Don't concern yourself what other owners bought their cars for. People love to boast. It is human nature. Their perception of cars may be 180 degrees different than yours. Sure, some people score great deals but it happens very infrequently. You want a decent car, you will pay for a decent car. I've gone to look at supposedly 'excellent' cars that I wouldn't take for 25% of what they were asking. The owner really thought the car was excellent too
. Some owners here are the same way and you can see that in the 'What's It Worth' section with some owners thinking their 100,000+ miles cars are 9 of 10 or something ridiculous, stating near mint. Let's get real. Maybe 3-5% of 100,000 miles cars can truly be considered excellent. Even that may be a stretch. The $10,000 price I stated above is what I have garnered from 16 years of F-body ownership and being quite involved with collector cars, auctions, and their pricing. This $10,000 is the minimum starting point in price in which I would look for a decent used T/A. Don't be scared by asking prices either. If you only have $10,000, look at cars up to $12,000 or even $13,000 if you have cash in hand. If you have $15,000 to spend, look at cars right up to $19,000. The higher the prices the fewer the buyers in many instances. Loans are tougher to get each and every year these cars get older. You never know which owner is desperate to sell either. Other sellers just throw their cars on the market looking for a sucker to pay retail for their 'average' car. Unfortunately I kinow of one in my car club that actually does that. No intention to sell but looking for a fool. Sad...
Best of luck if you decide to go after one of these wonderful machines.
Don't concern yourself what other owners bought their cars for. People love to boast. It is human nature. Their perception of cars may be 180 degrees different than yours. Sure, some people score great deals but it happens very infrequently. You want a decent car, you will pay for a decent car. I've gone to look at supposedly 'excellent' cars that I wouldn't take for 25% of what they were asking. The owner really thought the car was excellent too
. Some owners here are the same way and you can see that in the 'What's It Worth' section with some owners thinking their 100,000+ miles cars are 9 of 10 or something ridiculous, stating near mint. Let's get real. Maybe 3-5% of 100,000 miles cars can truly be considered excellent. Even that may be a stretch. The $10,000 price I stated above is what I have garnered from 16 years of F-body ownership and being quite involved with collector cars, auctions, and their pricing. This $10,000 is the minimum starting point in price in which I would look for a decent used T/A. Don't be scared by asking prices either. If you only have $10,000, look at cars up to $12,000 or even $13,000 if you have cash in hand. If you have $15,000 to spend, look at cars right up to $19,000. The higher the prices the fewer the buyers in many instances. Loans are tougher to get each and every year these cars get older. You never know which owner is desperate to sell either. Other sellers just throw their cars on the market looking for a sucker to pay retail for their 'average' car. Unfortunately I kinow of one in my car club that actually does that. No intention to sell but looking for a fool. Sad...Best of luck if you decide to go after one of these wonderful machines.
Last edited by NC01TA; 08-04-2012 at 08:26 AM.
08-06-2012, 09:00 AM
#5
TECH Junkie
Another Monte Carlo SS fan I see. I love big block cars like yours. Getting expensive. Here are some of my SS from the Tail of the Dragon a few weeks ago. Also a 'family' photo (just don't look at the GT 
) I also have a youtube clip that is 'so-so' if you would like to see it. Photos are underneath.
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) I also have a youtube clip that is 'so-so' if you would like to see it. Attachment 366829
Attachment 366830
Attachment 366833
Last edited by NC01TA; 10-03-2014 at 08:27 AM.
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08-06-2012, 03:17 PM
#8
Yep....
I see LS powered Trans Am's starting at like four grand. Of course, mileage and condition will dictate the price but expect any car that's at least ten years old to have mileage on it.
I'd look for a car body in good shape and expect to do some work to it. Rear rebuild, complete brakes, suspension, etc.
I see LS powered Trans Am's starting at like four grand. Of course, mileage and condition will dictate the price but expect any car that's at least ten years old to have mileage on it.
I'd look for a car body in good shape and expect to do some work to it. Rear rebuild, complete brakes, suspension, etc.
