Several years ago, I went to look at a '77 Cutlass Supreme, that's was factory built 260 Olds V8/5 speed car (yeah, I know, I'm attracted to odd cars). It was advertised in the local Auto Trader. Looked at the pictures in the ad, the car looks pretty good, talked to the seller, who told me that the car has been stored for many years, lower mileage (can't remember exactly how much now), and he assures me that the car was in good condition. The asking price is $8,500.00CDN. The car was located about a 2 1/2 hour drive away. I took a friend with me, who had recently restored his father's 1976 Olds 442. We get to the seller's home on a cool damp morning in early fall. He seems like a pleasant guy. He backs the car out of his garage, and we can both see right away that there are some major problems. There's no rear bumper on the car. The seller showed it to us-the lower part of the rear bumper is rotted out. The car has a half vinyl roof, and the body panels are rusted along the lower edges of trim around the sides and rear of the roof. There is a rust hole in the trunk. The firewall has rust issues. The interior didn't look too bad, but there was a string smell of mice in the car (probably from being stored improperly). The tires are BFG TAs, and they're VERY old. My friend and I had a bad feeling about the car. The seller says "Make me an offer-you can't insult me". Meanwhile, I'm thinking to myself "yes I can". I asked him what his bottom line on the car was, and he told me $5,500.00. In my opinion, I would have had a hard time justifying $2,500.00 for the car. We thanked him for his time, and left. It was an educational experience, but not very fruitful.
Mint aint Mint
- Thread starter bob64
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Two years ago when I started my G Body search. A 1/2 hour away seller advertised a 442 as being rare and in good condition. The ad pics were not very clear. I asked several questions re: the car's body. He stated it would be best for me to see it in person. The asking price was reasonable and we agreed on a time. At arrival the first things I notice were the 1" rust bubbles above each rear wheel well - that's repairable. Then I saw the T Top frame ---goodbye! As I'm leaving he told me the wheels were valuable -( $1000). That was actually a very educational experience because all other G Body's I looked at next were from 1 1/2 hours, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 hours distant. I received mostly honest answers and additional pics before heading out. Why is it always the last car you look at that pushes all the right buttons. ...Two local forum members, Jeff and Dave gave me good advice part way during my search...
As l was leaving he dropped the price another $700 beyond my lowball offer. But yet he kept telling me that there are Atleast a half dozen coming on Saturday, lol. I kept saying great then l'm sure 1 will buy the project.
I've looked at some others and the sellers all disclose stuff, they must think people are stupid. If a person is looking at classic car, odds are they know what to look for.
I don't need another car but l have the dredded G-body addiction! Lol
If a g body requires any travel on my part to look at, I ask the seller for high res pictures of:
1) inside lower door lips
2) rear frame rails
3) inside lower quarters behind the wheel in the trunk
These areas typically tell a pretty good tale for the rest of the car. Cell phone cameras are good enough so if they can’t get pics or the quality of pics suck I don’t waste any more of my time.
1) inside lower door lips
2) rear frame rails
3) inside lower quarters behind the wheel in the trunk
These areas typically tell a pretty good tale for the rest of the car. Cell phone cameras are good enough so if they can’t get pics or the quality of pics suck I don’t waste any more of my time.
When I sell something I describe it as actual as I can. I hate having to arrange my schedule to show it and then they pass on it. What goes through some peoples minds? Just like the other thread on here now about the intake being NEW but sandblasted.
Right now im running a CL add for the original 350 that I just pulled. 77,000 plus miles ran when taken out . Only thing missing is distributor and starter. Complete a/c system included. Make offer. I dont want to disappoint a potential buyer or waste my time so I describe as accurate as I can. Some people just try to get over I guess.
Right now im running a CL add for the original 350 that I just pulled. 77,000 plus miles ran when taken out . Only thing missing is distributor and starter. Complete a/c system included. Make offer. I dont want to disappoint a potential buyer or waste my time so I describe as accurate as I can. Some people just try to get over I guess.
"MINT" = Factory new or better.
Short answer - means it is immaculate and as new.
The reason for “mint” is that the manufacturer of coins in UK is the UK” Royal Mint”. And coins which come from the Royal Mint are brand new, uncirculated and immaculate - in fact they are in “Mint Condition”. The Roayal Mint also manufactures coins for many other countries. It began operation more than 1,000 years ago and is currently a UK Government owned company. It also manufactures medals. The term “Mint Conditon” originally refered only to coins, but has come into more general usage to mean something in “as new” condition.
I never advertise a car as "mint". I have had 3 beautiful g-bodies that I have tried to sell and each has been a hard sell - I wish some of the guys above would have come my way.
Short answer - means it is immaculate and as new.
The reason for “mint” is that the manufacturer of coins in UK is the UK” Royal Mint”. And coins which come from the Royal Mint are brand new, uncirculated and immaculate - in fact they are in “Mint Condition”. The Roayal Mint also manufactures coins for many other countries. It began operation more than 1,000 years ago and is currently a UK Government owned company. It also manufactures medals. The term “Mint Conditon” originally refered only to coins, but has come into more general usage to mean something in “as new” condition.
I never advertise a car as "mint". I have had 3 beautiful g-bodies that I have tried to sell and each has been a hard sell - I wish some of the guys above would have come my way.
I've only had one thing I could call mint, then I ate it....
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