looked at a 68 electra 225 convertiable today. My neighbor worked with the owner of the car and was talking to him at a retirement dinner. He made mention that he would like to sell the car. The owner is a retired machinest with no children. he ordered the car in 68 at a local dealer. now for the good part... The car has a honest 16,765 miles seting on a set of wards bias plys vintage 71 caned quakerstate in the trunk and lots of moth balls.Starts runs and drives(on his long driveway)as new.He stated in the last 7 years he has only run it on the drive. the car is in great condition minus the painted rubber trim center the front bumper and some florencenc on the front and rear bumpers(polish would do the trick) The awful moth ball smell must go My 68 riv when found had a simular life of good storage and required what i would figure this car to need in dry-rotted rubber parts. my question is what is this car worth??? The owner has not disclosed a price but has asked for an offer. He futher said that years ago the selling dealer appraised the car at 20,000.00. I think he is looking for this figure or close. I do not believe the car to be worth that kind of money. I would like to offer a real current value minded cost for the car.He is an older guy and i wish to treat him fair. After all he has preserved this car and i truly think he wants it to go on. One problem that is the only thing that keeps me from going crazy over the car is the color combo lime green with white top and a saddle/haze interior.Is this a detraction to value?? The more i think of it the more it grows on me can anyone help guide me in establishing an offer for this car or motovate me to jump at this oppertunity thanx tim
Well, the car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, but IMHO, it isn't 20k, not even close.
If it is an Electra 225 Custom 2dr convertible, NADA gives the following: Low retail: $ 9,000 Avg retail: $18,600 High retail: $28,600 Or is it a Lesabre Custom 2dr convertible? $4525 $9200 $15,900 These are not necessarily real world figures, and seem high to me, though I must admit we don't see these models for sale here on V8Buick.
my mistake electra it is. and i have looked at other price guides that range fro around 10k and up for what i think is a #2 car or better
The fact that it is a convertible certainly contributes to those high figures. I have to admit, I was surprised to see the high value #'s. I wonder what the Old Cars Price Guide lists these at. I don't have a copy here with me, will try to have a look tomorrow.
Guys The only 225 Convertible that was built was an Electra Custom in 1968. If it is in better than average condition as it sounds with this low mileage. Then it could be worth every bit of the $20K. When in doubt contact an I-VAN appraiser and pay - yes, I said pay - for a fair and unbiased prepurchase inspection / appraisal. This will set a true value that you can use for negotiating if you think an asking price is high. Or it could tell you to pay the asking price and drive your new car away before the current owner changes his mind. This can also then be used with your insurance company to establish the vehicles value for your "agreed value policy". Let's see some pictures. IMHO
thank you for your comments so far. Maybe im not thinking right? But that color comb if this were a red on black its not the green it's the saddle interior well have to get off will return on friday have to make the donuts
When I started looking for a car my goal was to find a huge convertible brand really didn't matter. Drivers seemed to be in the 12 to 17K range. Projects in the 3 to 6K range. As stated above, it's worth what someone will pay. I found my electra for a great price from a great old couple. IMHO if you love a car and can afford the price, buy it and enjoy it. I did. I love it. I can't wait to find the next one. whatever it may be.
A couple of years ago I was offered a 67 Electra 225 Convertible with a similar story and similar number of miles that your talking about for the 68. It was the same color combo as mine (in avatar) and eventually sold at auction for $12,500. The car needed some TLC and a little bit of work due to a little bit of damage when being stored, but the interior was mint. My car is from Nevada, has absolutely no rust in the frame or floor with about 73K original miles, and if I was offered $12,500 US for it, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Good Luck.
October '04 Issue Old Car Value Guide: 1968 Buick Electra 225 Custom Convertible: #1- 26,000 #2-18,200 #3-10,400 Sounds like a great car- One owner with low miles? Go for it!!!! Who cares about the color combo? Besides, the lighter color interior is much better than black-will reflect rather than absorb heat! :TU: David
thanks to all for the info. goingi over on saturday to look her over agian and get the ball rolling on a deal.Want the car, willing to consider the owners terms.Maybe the riv will get a new friend, tim
