My parent's mechanic is clearing out a few old cars he has on his lot. According to my mother (I have yet to speak with the owner), he has two 1st gens that he is looking to ditch CHEAP. He says that one runs but has a bad body, and the other has a straight body with a bad engine. I'd love to pick these up and make a 1st gen project to sit next to my 2nd gen in the garage. My question is, what would be a reasonable price range to offer this guy.

 

I have an attage I follow, one man's junk is another man's junk! See if he will give you the one with the straight body and see if you can figure out what is wrong with the engine. If he wants it off his lot, then accomodate him..

 

What can you easily afford? I wouldn't pay more than a few hundred for both of them. He does just want to get rid of them so start real low. You never know what he'll agree to.

 

The highest I would even consider is 500, but I'd prefer about 200 or 300. My buddy is thinking about going in half/half with me, so that kicks ***. Thinking about a rally car or something. Pretty pumped. Going to talk to the guy tomorrow, I'll start with just paying for the one that runs and taking the other for him. You know, doing HIM a favor.

 

Ask him what he wants. If it's too high then walk away, he'll reconsider. There aren't too many 1st gen lovers out there and he prolly be stuck with them if he doesn't ditch them to you.

Which years and models are we talking?

 

I wouldn't offer more than $100 bucks for either car. you can find first gens in that kind of shape for almost nothing, and if you search around a bit, you can find a really decent one for $500. I bought a 79" for 500 bucks that was in mint condition, ie, paint engine interior, etc. don't let people take you for a ride that's all.