Question about selling

[About time]

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1457435/1981-delorean-dmc-12-for-sale-in-secaucus-new-jersey-07094

I've got my Delorean listed, it can be viewed at the link above. I botched the write up but I still have 2 people that seem very interested.

My question is, I don't want to milk anyone, I want a fair deal and for everyone to be happy in the end. One guy is flying up from Tx next week the other guy is in Oz.

My ask is 35K, if they both offer me the asking price, do I take the first offer or do I tell them to come in with 1 final offer and pick the highest bidder?

A couple of K isn't going to make me or break me, but an overwhelming offer is hard to turn down if I got one.

I realize this might be in the wrong forum, if you need to delete it, I understand.

Thanks for the support.

[Michael]

I think you are about 5-10k low on your ask so people should be throwing 35k at you and racing there to be first. That said, I would just sell it to the first guy that doesn't have an attitude or want's to pick the car apart.

In my line of work, I have people pestering me all the time to work on their personal cars. I do, but I am also extremely busy with my accounts so if one of those guys gives the least hint he is going to be a douche nozzle down the road(starts asking about warranties and guarantees), I flat out refuse service. At $35k, you are holding all the cards here.

PS: just noticed, it has headers? Possibly a stage I exhaust or Spec exhaust. That's a selling point as that is about a $1,500.00 upgrade.

[About time]

I think you are about 5-10k low on your ask so people should be throwing 35k at you and racing there to be first. That said, I would just sell it to the first guy that doesn't have an attitude or want's to pick the car apart.

In my line of work, I have people pestering me all the time to work on their personal cars. I do, but I am also extremely busy with my accounts so if one of those guys gives the least hint he is going to be a douche nozzle down the road(starts asking about warranties and guarantees), I flat out refuse service. At $35k, you are holding all the cards here.

PS: just noticed, it has headers? Possibly a stage I exhaust or Spec exhaust. That's a selling point as that is about a $1,500.00 upgrade.
It has all the work done on it that a stage II has (I was told). All done at a private garage in Ca. I could be wrong but I have no reason not to believe what I was told. Of course if someone can point out that it's not I'd listen. Thanks for the compliment on the car and the input on selling it.

[David T]

Even if the motor was "upgraded" to a Stage II, if it doesn't have that plate, it is difficult to advertise it as a Stage II. DMCH put a plate on every car they converted to Stage II. No way anyone can help you to price your car without seeing it in person. Anything else is just a guess. If you are getting your asking price then what is the problem? As for which one to take, "Money Talks". The first one with the cash gets the car.

[About time]

Even if the motor was "upgraded" to a Stage II, if it doesn't have that plate, it is difficult to advertise it as a Stage II. DMCH put a plate on every car they converted to Stage II. No way anyone can help you to price your car without seeing it in person. Anything else is just a guess. If you are getting your asking price then what is the problem? As for which one to take, "Money Talks". The first one with the cash gets the car.

Thanks for the info on the Stage II plate, I wasn't aware of that. There's no problem per se, just asking a question. Some people say I sell the car to the first one that inquired about it as long as he has the money within a reasonable amount of time, all because buyer #2 races to me doesn't mean he should get it.

SO I thought I'd run the situation past you all. Yes, a bird in the hand is often the smart move.

[Helirich]

I would say the first to place a deposit gets it. Of course they would need to complete the deal as agreed. Until you agree to something, all things are possible. (Such as higher offers) There are some exceptions to this. For example, if a guy is flying in two days and you agree to hold the car till then. He arrives and you raise the price. It's pretty simple, treat people as you want to be treated.

[Ethan Rode]

I just had a customer in my state sell much less of a car for $38k. You have this car listed about 8K too low in my opinion.

[CFI]

Price is too low.

I recommend selling it on an auction website, with a STARTING bid of at least $40k. Let the potential buyers fight over it.

[Rich]

Would you care to evaluate your car's condition in order to set a fair price range?

Start with biggest factor, the car's condition. It appears yours is somewhere in the Condition #2-#3 range.

Hagerty's valuation tool currently says an '81 5-speed is currently valued at:

Condition #2 (Excellent): $51,200
Condition #3 (Good): $36,700

These numbers are both up by about 20% in the past 3 years.

Their #2 and #3 condition classifications follow - feel free to chuckle about the 'paint job' factor although that could apply to the fascias and wheels. There are D-specific factors, particularly the frame's condition, of course.


#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.

[About time]

I would say the first to place a deposit gets it. Of course they would need to complete the deal as agreed. Until you agree to something, all things are possible. (Such as higher offers) There are some exceptions to this. For example, if a guy is flying in two days and you agree to hold the car till then. He arrives and you raise the price. It's pretty simple, treat people as you want to be treated.

No, I'd never raise the price on someone, a persons expectations are built into the price, they may need to ship it back, budget money for upgrades etc. The only way I thought the price might increase on my end would be if more then one buyer offered me the asking price. Then I'd have to either give it to the first offer/deposit or ask those involved to come back with their last and highest offer, highest offer wins.

I think I'm going to stick with what I did this morning.

I told all 3 so far involved that #1 has 1 week to tender an offer or I'll move on to #2, #2 will have the same 1 week to come look at the car, drive her etc. then I move to number 3. They are now all aware of where they stand. If #1 offers me full ask of 35K I'll drive him to the back to draw a certified check or withdraw the cash.

[About time]

I just had a customer in my state sell much less of a car for $38k. You have this car listed about 8K too low in my opinion.

Thank you, I appreciate that, I'd rather a quick sale and everyone being happy they got something when the day is done. A good home actually is somewhat important to me with this particular car.

[About time]

Price is too low.

I recommend selling it on an auction website, with a STARTING bid of at least $40k. Let the potential buyers fight over it.


Not a bad idea, but I wasn't sure how all that worked and wanted painless, part of being a rookie I guess, thanks.

[About time]

Would you care to evaluate your car's condition in order to set a fair price range?

Start with biggest factor, the car's condition. It appears yours is somewhere in the Condition #2-#3 range.

Hagerty's valuation tool currently says an '81 5-speed is currently valued at:

Condition #2 (Excellent): $51,200
Condition #3 (Good): $36,700

These numbers are both up by about 20% in the past 3 years.

Their #2 and #3 condition classifications follow - feel free to chuckle about the 'paint job' factor although that could apply to the fascias and wheels. There are D-specific factors, particularly the frame's condition, of course.


#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.



Yes this car would be about a 2.5, all parts are real that I know of, a couple of things that are small problems, the right window comes off the track when you open it, the speedo works when it wants and the inside lights don't come on, short of that she's a pretty fine runner.

[Ethan Rode]

I would say the first to place a deposit gets it. Of course they would need to complete the deal as agreed. Until you agree to something, all things are possible. (Such as higher offers) There are some exceptions to this. For example, if a guy is flying in two days and you agree to hold the car till then. He arrives and you raise the price. It's pretty simple, treat people as you want to be treated.

I agree with this.

Shouldn't be a problem for anyone to send a deposit in earnest through Paypal, or similar, instantly. $XXX deposit gets the ad taken down, and a reasonable amount of time for buyer to deliver the remaining funds. For mutual protection you could use escrow.com (http://escrow.com) to handle title/money swap


A good home and a good price are not mutually exclusive. A good future owner is the one asking good questions, and will know what the car is worth. If none of your interested parties have sealed the deal by now, I'd suggest pulling the ad, waiting a bit, and relisting at nearer what the car is worth.

[About time]

I agree with this.

Shouldn't be a problem for anyone to send a deposit in earnest through Paypal, or similar, instantly. $XXX deposit gets the ad taken down, and a reasonable amount of time for buyer to deliver the remaining funds. For mutual protection you could use escrow.com (http://escrow.com) to handle title/money swap


A good home and a good price are not mutually exclusive. A good future owner is the one asking good questions, and will know what the car is worth. If none of your interested parties have sealed the deal by now, I'd suggest pulling the ad, waiting a bit, and relisting at nearer what the car is worth.

Thanks, you do realize the car has been listed for about 1 week, way too soon to pull it. However per the interested party he is still coming on Thursday and asked me what airport I can pick him up at, he wants to drive her home. I guess we'll all know in a couple of days. I took him for a virtual ride this morning, started it on facetime, reved it, drove around the block and he said it sealed the deal. I didn't ask for a deposit, if he doesn't send me an itinerary by Wed night I'll be moving on.

Thank you all for the advice and input.

[About time]

I'd like to express my heartfelt thank you to this site and all the members here past and present. This forum and those that make it up are an invaluable.

The Delorean I had is now sold and in it's new home with an owner I am sure will give her the care a car like this needs.

Again, from me to you a heartfelt thank you. Peace to all.

David T, I appreciate you and your help more then I can say, if you're ever near by, drop in again, lunch will be on me.

Mike, thank you as well.

There are too many to name but I hope you know who you are.

[Michael]

Did you sell it to the guy who was going to drive it home? I know you don't want to volunteer personal information as I wouldn't either, but just wondering if he/she drove home and made it safe and sound.

I hope they will be introducing themselves here soon.

Also congrats on the sale. IIRC, this was the one that belonged to a friend or family member that passed away? If so I'm sure it was a hard choice to let it go.

[About time]

Did you sell it to the guy who was going to drive it home? I know you don't want to volunteer personal information as I wouldn't either, but just wondering if he/she drove home and made it safe and sound.

I hope they will be introducing themselves here soon.

Also congrats on the sale. IIRC, this was the one that belonged to a friend or family member that passed away? If so I'm sure it was a hard choice to let it go.

Yes, they took it for a test drive, was pleased, looked over the engine with me and went to the bank to complete the deal.

They did develop a leak of some sort on their ride home 18 hour ride home but were not able to figure out where it was coming from They said the engine oil level was steady so it wasn't engine oil.

I recommended the site (DMCTALK) but can't say if he will join.

And yes, this is the car of my deceased friend. I saved the CD that came with the car, and his California plate, I think I'm going to have a photo of him painted and I'll frame it along with his old plate. I miss the man for the man he was. It was a trying moment giving the car a last once over before selling it. Just picturing my buddy sitting there with his big smile, larger then life he was.

Thanks again, I'll check in a few more times to answer any other questions or comments and to see if the new owner checks in. Thanks again

[Michael]

That's very cool you kept the plate. Anything, (be it a plate or an entire car) to help you remember and have a physical connection is all that matters in the end. Really it's all about how you deal with it because every single one of these cars are just hunks of metal and will all eventually be destroyed.

When I'm gone, all the stuff I have of my father's will be either thrown away or resold. Doesn't matter. Once I am gone, it just becomes physical materialistic junk. Do what's right for you right now....and it seems you did.