'98 BPM trans am convertible value?
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'98 BPM trans am convertible value? The car is a 1998 bright purple metallic trans am convertible, 170,000 miles(motor replaced at 100,000), auto, grey interior, crosa exhaust, mecham hood and spoiler. Looks pretty decent. Thoughts? Thanks.
I tend to agree, mileage that high pretty much negates any rarity factor the color adds unless you find a buyer hell-bent on a BPM car (in which case the color may negate the high mileage).
But FWIW, there were 32 non-WS6 88U BPM T/A 'verts built in '98. Not the rarest color though for non-WS6 T/A verts, that would be 31U BGM, only 10 T/A 'verts built in that color in '98, 13 in '97, zero in '99. I guess if I'm including 3 MYs, even rarer yet would be 63U SGM, only 13 non-WS6 T/A 'verts built in '98 (one year only color).
But FWIW, there were 32 non-WS6 88U BPM T/A 'verts built in '98. Not the rarest color though for non-WS6 T/A verts, that would be 31U BGM, only 10 T/A 'verts built in that color in '98, 13 in '97, zero in '99. I guess if I'm including 3 MYs, even rarer yet would be 63U SGM, only 13 non-WS6 T/A 'verts built in '98 (one year only color).
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From: Connecticut SE shore
A lot depends on how the car looks. 170K body miles could be thrashed on one example and very nice looking on another. I don't think the BPM premium is negated on 170K miles. I would certainly pay an extra few hundred $$ to get this color rather than red or black one (20X more common)..maybe even $500 more. Personally, I find the BPM to be the most exciting color for this year despite the vibrant greens, golds, and red-oranges that might be rarer. If you look at all Firebirds for 1998, BPM is the rarest at 1.4% of total production. If you want a BPM WS6 it's almost impossible as there are only 12. The premiums on those regardless of mileage will be steep. A BPM Trans Am vert is at least somewhat buyable with 42 built. One seller here advertised a '98 BPM coupe that had a ton of upgrades to the mechanicals and was exceptional looking at 90K miles. They sold the car for $8K as I recall.
Regardless of mileage you'll have something almost no one else will. Try not to pay a premium for the mileage....even if it deserves one imo. One thing is for sure, it will at least help you sell the car more quickly when that time comes as it will stand out from all the commoner colors. If you personally don't think the color is anything special, then negotiate as if the car were red/black. The engine having "only" 70K miles on it is a plus...assuming it has the feel of 70K miles. 170K miles on suspension, rear end, and trans is a different story. Figure on some overhauls down the road.
Regardless of mileage you'll have something almost no one else will. Try not to pay a premium for the mileage....even if it deserves one imo. One thing is for sure, it will at least help you sell the car more quickly when that time comes as it will stand out from all the commoner colors. If you personally don't think the color is anything special, then negotiate as if the car were red/black. The engine having "only" 70K miles on it is a plus...assuming it has the feel of 70K miles. 170K miles on suspension, rear end, and trans is a different story. Figure on some overhauls down the road.
Last edited by Firebrian; Nov 22, 2014 at 03:52 PM.
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Thanks for the input guys. I have wanted an LS1 firebird for a whole now but most were too expensive to get into for me. The owner wants $4,200 for the car which I think is a little steep. I'm going to wait it out a little and see what happens. I really love the color. I will keep the forum posted.
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This time of year is really the best time to buy a car like this. If you are patient and willing to look, you will be able to find an LS1 car in the 100k mile range for not much more than the asking price of the purple one.
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. Any chance you kept any info on that car? Maybe a vin? Looking to track down a purple one to purchase