Want advice on price of this '72 Cutlass convertible

[Parm]

http://www.cars-on-line.com/72olds14681.html

I'm not posting this listing for fodder. I'm actually interested in this car and am looking for advice. I talked to the seller today and he's going to send me more photos.

My take is that this is a very nice '72 Cutlass convertible, but his $14,500 asking price seems pretty steep to me - especially given the fact that this car is a pretty mundane model. It's not a 442, an "S" or an "SX". I'm not sure if it's even a "Supreme". Can anyone tell?

While this is a Midwestern car, the seller reports that this car was driven in only one 1/2 of a winter season its entire life. He's the 3rd owner so I don't know how he knows this for sure. I'll give him benefit of the doubt.

This car is reported to be a very nice driver. It's not a 100 point car. The engine is not detailed within an inch of it's life. And the under carriage supposedly has some surface rust. At best, it's certainly not pristine underneath. The seller claims the car is pretty well optioned, but it doesn't have tilt wheel or A/C and has only the AM factory radio.

On the plus side, it has a newer convertible top (with glass rear window) that is reportedly to be very good quality with no wind noise and the car has only 72,000 original miles. Owner reports the body to be "laser straight" with original interior and he's put only 2,000 miles on it over the last several years. Has newer paint that's reportedly in very nice shape and is the original color. Overall, it looks like a very nice survivor.

I look at this car and think, "Man! This might be one the best run-of-the-mill '72 Cutlass convertibles in captivity!" On the other hand, does it make sense to pay top dollar for such a nice, nothing special model?

Just asking. I hope to get a lot of "informed" and "knowledgeable" feedback.

Thanks.

[imported_Pontiac59]

Based on the Old Cars Price Guide Magazine listing, there is no 'base' Cutlass convertible - it was only available as a Cutlass Supreme model. Price isn't too bad if the car is as stated - #3 (average) is $9,200 and #4 (really nice) is $16,100. You'd almost have to see it in person to know if it's a little high and get a feel to see if the seller's left some negotiating room into the price and go from there. You can find this mag in most of your larger bookstores and grocery stores and draw your own conclusions, if you like.

[Parm]

Thanks. But, Old Cars Price Guide is not very accurate unless you throw out #1 and work down from there. In other words, use their #2 which represents a #1 in the real world. Their #3 is actually a #2 and so on.

Cars of Particular Interest (CPI) http://www.blackbookusa.com/cpi.asp is more representative of the market. Unlike Old Cars Price Guide, you can't buy CPI at the corner drugstore. You need a subscription. CPI is the only value guide referenced in reputable collector car magazines like Car Collector, Collectible Automobile, Mustang Monthly and Keith Martin's Sports Car Market Weekly. 'Nuf said.

Anyway, CPI shows a 1972 "Cutlass Convertible" (the base must be the Supreme) in "Good" condition to be $8,000 and one in "Excellent" condition to be $15,200. CPI's definition of "Good" fits most casual observer's definition of "Excellent". CPI definition of excellent includes an under-carriage that is detailed along with the engine.

Anyone bought or sold a Cutlass convertible of similar vintage and condition? How much did you get/pay for it?

[imported_Pontiac59]

Supposedly the OCPG is based on references to actual sale prices. Now how they can accurately determine that.. especially on cars so rare they turn up for sale maybe once or twice a year... who knows. It's just good as a guide. What kills me is they don't even print the #5 and #6 values anymore, when those are probably the most needed values in the book.........

Anyhow, your best bet is probably to go through a year or so of Hemmings or Cars & Parts or other ads and see if anyone else has sold a similar car, what they were asking for it. Sale price and value are pretty subjective to a lot of conditions - if you don't feel comfortable with the asking price, you can always make an offer. Who knows, maybe down the road they'll take you up on it. What is the production on this particular year? I can't remember seeing one of these anywhere around - I've seen a lot of Buick Skylarks, even parted a freebie ragtop, but I can't think of a Cutlass convertible anywhere.

[imported_Giftman]

Parm-
In my opinion, many factors come into play when purchasing. Let's face it, we all look, and all of our tastes are different. Personally, I'll overpay somewhat if I find a car that comes close to my criteria (year, color, options, condition, history, etc.) On a personal note, I have a bad habit of getting interested in other years and models, so I like to know if I ever decide to sell, can I recoup at least most of my investment? If you really like the car, can afford the price, and plan on keeping it for a long period of time, and it meets your expectations, go for it. My personal opinion is that is probably a 9-12k range car, but remember, this is the time of year that converts start to get hot. For the record, I dislike giving advice on prices. We were at a cruise this summer when a fellow Olds man asked for an opinion on his 72 convert...a very nice, low optioned viking blue (non-original color) /white/bench seat, column shifted, single exhaust non-air nice driver. I thought I was doing him a favor when we discussed a 10k value on his car, needless to say he was offended. Just my opinion, for waht it is worth. Good luck.
BW

I've got a friend who owns a 72 Cut Supreme. He paid 5k. It had 69k and was in great cond. It's not a convert., but I think 14k is a little steep. Talk with the guy and find out if you can negotiate. Hope that helps.

[imported_Grimm]

I think that price sounds a tad high, but you'd have to take a look to be sure. I've been actively looking at all cars for about two years when I decided I might finally have the money to buy one. That sounds a bit high, but if it's original and in very well kept shape, it might not be bad. Another factor is the area. I live in Michigan, and I think cars in the Midwest seem to command 10-20% more than other areas where cars stay rust free. And like someone said, you need to feel out the seller. $14,000 sounds a bit high, but if it's in very nice shape, and you can talk him down to say $12,000, then you might call it a good deal.

For what it's worth, I bought my '68 Cutlass convertible for $9500 last May. It's pretty much original, but has a '74 Olds 455 engine. It really could use a new top and rubber, but otherwise it is a nice car. It was appraised for $11,000, and was originally listed for $12,000 by the seller.

Then again, as tough as it can be to find the car you really want, it could be a good deal if that's what you want.