Avoiding "The Cost Questions"

[vwdmc16]

Over the past 4 years ive noticed the most common question I get while out driving my car seems to change with every season. However over the last six months i'd say, the most common and honestly irritating questions Im getting is about the cost of my car.

"Hey what did you pay for that?"
"What does one of those cost these days?"
"How much did you pick that up for man?"
"Yo what is that worth?.......

It goes on and on in different variations and I really hate hearing it mostly because thats kind of an inappropriate question and I dont now what to say that is short, simple, and non personal to make them go away. This is a personal question, one that should not be the first thing you throw out of you mouth at a stranger. Its just plain rude! Honestly if it just one person and they seem genuinely interested hearing about the car, I will tell them the truth but more often than not there is another two people behind them about to ask the same thing in another irritating way. It makes me cringe.

Its not like they are even being polite about it, first saying "Hello, nice car, ive always liked them and would love to own one someday, may I asked roughly what should I expect to pay to acquire a lovely car like your?" (asking from an educational point of view or something.)

No, to me all I hear is " Shit dawg, how big is yo bank account fool? I gotta know what you think that whip is worth so I can judge you and know how fat yo wallet is."

Not to be stereotypical or racist but thats how it feels to me especially when its being asked by some person driving by in a hardly road worthy POS full of McDonalds wrappers, holding a joint in one hand out on their Tuesday afternoon drive to spend their welfare check. I really want to say "Keep dreaming, Too much for you sucka!" But im not an asshole like that.

I don't like going the truthful route either as it takes too much time to explain, I really bought my car for just $5,000(but it was a basket case project) but that make our cars sound really cheap and would further continue rumors that our cars are poorly made piles, So I would have to go on and explain how ive put another $13k or so into it over the last four years with thousands of hrs in hard work..... this spawns more questions that I usually dont have time or patience to answer again and again.


So for the nice people just say " it was $XX,XXX" and to the rude ones maybe I should just ask what their pile cost or what that piece of jewelry they have on cost?


Ideas?

[Spittybug]

I usually counter with "Make me an offer". That separates those that are truly interested in learning (who can then get the ~$25K rule of thumb lecture) from those that are blowing smoke. Who knows, one of them could just be dumb and rich enough to make your day!

[Josh]

I also do not like answering these questions and throwing out numbers. I consider my financial situation very personal. This may be due to the fact that I do not like to brag perhaps? I will say, at this point my bank account is nothing to brag about haha.

I usually counter by changing the subject. Just kind of step around it. Maybe talk about the market price of a decent running car, not mine in specific.

[JohnZ]

I would say "I paid its price". And I said it sometimes, some people are smart enough to realize that that was not an elegant question.

[ALEXAKOS]

"I won it on a raflle"
Over and out! :smoke1:

[Bitsyncmaster]

Just say, I would not sell mine for $??,000. So if the guy makes you a higher offer, take him up on it.

[Tillsy]

Just say, I would not sell mine for $??,000.

That's a really good answer! :thumbup:

[JRNY13]

I get this question at least once at every cruise night. I typically say, "enough."

[Notifier]

Do owners of other classic cars get this question or is this strictly a DeLorean phenomenon?

I usually answer this question by not specifically stating what I paid, rather by give a very broad price range - "You can find one anywhere from 10 to 60 grand depending on if it's a parts car or totally rebuilt from the ground up" (my estimated figures can change depending on my mood). I follow this up by quickly changing the subject like pointing out the doors, stainless, etc.

[thirdmanj]

It's funny how people are so guarded about this question. I've owned a few different classics over the years, but the DeLorean is the only one that seems to raise this question almost immediately. In all fairness, I've been most active (car shows, etc) in the DeLorean. I agree that is not exactly decorum to ask this question, but I'm not sure why. I mean I dislike it because "I know it's rude" or because I was brought up this way and informed that questions like that are rude. But apparently, a good handful of other people, some even older did not get this memo. I dunno. Typically I'm evasive with my answers, if its close to the lead off question, but if, through the course of the conversation cost comes up, I may or may not answer how much I personally paid for it.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

I would simply say "why are you looking to buy?". This will normally diffuse the situation in a non confrontational way.

Of course sometimes you have to be blunt and ask them if they go up to everyone and ask them what they paid. If they still carry on you can just ignore them.

But I agree with you, this is very annoying when someone asks this line of question.

[Lenny]

My answer is:
you can get a running one for 15,000
A nice one will run 20-30,00
A completely rebuilt on is in the 50-75,000 range depending on the options.

[Jonathan]

I understand the question being asked at a car show, even if I still think it is inappropriate, because we are there showing off the car. Not saying eveything that is on display is for sale, but that might be where it comes from.

Now why I get asked this question in plenty of other settings, I don't know. Gas stations, my own driveway, even just parked out and about.

How I answer usually depends on what kind of mood you caught me in. Sometimes I give the $25k rule of thumb one, sometimes honest, sometimes something way out in left field if I get the feeling the guy is asking for the wrong reasons. I don't know why people need to ask, but they do.

Some are definitely sizing you up, or better yet, making themselves feel better likely by imagining how they could have one too if they felt like it. Probably something to do with compensating for their own inadequacies. Kind of like what bizarre logic must go through someone's mind when they see someone elses nice car and either key it, bang their door into yours, or cut your leather seat if you're unfortunate enough to have a convertible. Or how there is always that guy that bad mouths it with a JZD coke joke from a distance. It's easier to put down what someone else has achieved than admit your own pathetic existance could never have amounted to anything even close. These comments rarely come from anyone other than a cement head.

[Dangermouse]

I think there is a difference between "How much does one of those cost" and "How much did you pay", in terms of politeness and appropriateness.

I think the former is completely appropriate for most occasions and is usually asked as part of a list of questions "what engine is in it, how many HP, etc", often just polite conversation with the owner, combined with a "what if" scenario where the questioner is thinking "man, I could have one of those for $15k, $25k etc"; or even "man, for $25k, I'd much prefer XXX"

The latter is usually inappropriate and a private matter between myself and my wife, (and obviously the NSA, ;) ). But I find that friends/co-workers are more likely to ask it, and oddly, that I am much more likely to undersell the cost/value when talking to them, particularly the decent co-worker guy in the 10 year old Ford.

In answer to the OP, my usual answer is similar to that posted above - fixer-upper for $15k, nice one for $25k, dealer one for $60k

[Jonathan]

I think there is a difference between "How much does one of those cost" and "How much did you pay", in terms of politeness and appropriateness.

Great point, Dermot. There is a huge difference in how the question is asked. I'll keep this in mind the next time the question comes up before I answer.

[Lenny]

I think there is a difference between "How much does one of those cost" and "How much did you pay", in terms of politeness and appropriateness.


No matter which way they ask I always reply the same.
you can get a running one for 15,000
A nice one will run 20-30,00
A completely rebuilt on is in the 50-75,000 range depending on the options.

[louielouie2000]

I always just said: "You can pick one up for about the price of a new Honda Civic." It's accurate & succint.

[wrkey]

I really appreciate this topic. I have had this question possed to me several times and in both formats "how much" and 'What'd it cost ya'. I agree the latter is the most annoying as I too think personal fiannces are just that, personal. I have found the 3 layered pricing answer works well, especially since I live just outside of Houston and direct them to DMCH.

But these questions always get me thinking, why do they ask? Why not on other collector cars? I think it's the rareity of these cars and the fact that they look so cool. People want to assume they are high dollar cars ($100k+) but then they know the history and some tidbit of information (not fast for example) and that adds to their confusion on the value. This leads to the implusive question. So I think the 3 layered answer really does answer their question and helps with their confusion.

But then again, I stll get the persistant ones that ask about my cars cost. I will avoid that question but will usually answer with, 'Well, I will tell you this, it has cost me more to get the car running than I paid for it." I think this answer helps them to understand that 1)my cost is my business and 2)jumping into a collector car such as this one isn't for the faint of heart.

My best recollection was when I young boy about (about 10 I guess) ask the 'How much did you pay for it' and I answered with the 3 layers and saw the obviously embarrassed look on his dad's face. When he asked again, his dad slapped him on the back the head and informed him how rude that was. LOL

[DeLorean03]

My best recollection was when I young boy about (about 10 I guess) ask the 'How much did you pay for it' and I answered with the 3 layers and saw the obviously embarrassed look on his dad's face. When he asked again, his dad slapped him on the back the head and informed him how rude that was. LOL

"Good ol' days" there my friend. Back in the day when parenting was common sense.

As to this question, it used to bother me like no other. I got decently confrontational about it once or twice as I once felt that was very rude. Now, in this day and age, meh. Sometimes, people don't know what they're saying, and they mean to ask what the car itself can cost - not what you paid for it.

Lately, my approach has been: "Back in 2003 when it was a project car, it cost me 10k." - which is exactly the truth. Then I tell them "Another 12k-15k easily went into it as I restored it.", which is once again the truth. It lets them know that this was a project car, and that I did the work (vast majority of it) myself without writing checks or swiping debit cards for someone else to do it. Indirectly, it also lets the person know that you know what you're doing (maybe :P), and that this is not the car for the faint of heart. OBD2 code readers, beware - all mechanical with 30 yr old electronics and readings by means of pressure gauges here!

For ppl trying to size me up, go for it. I'm proud of my accomplishments, and you cannot judge someone because your journey and theirs are completely different worlds.

[adam_knox]

But these questions always get me thinking, why do they ask? Why not on other collector cars? I think it's the rareity of these cars and the fact that they look so cool.

People ask this question on all sorts of automobiles, not just Deloreans. I get the speculation on why people would ask such a question and the viewpoint that it is a rude/inappropriate question. However, its not like the information is super secret on the cost of vehicles. I think the 3 price point answer is great as it avoids the direct personal reveal of how much you specifically paid for you car, is helpfully informational and for the nosy inquisitors its a sufficient answer without giving them the answer they really want to know.

Me personally, I'm usually pretty honest, tell 'em the condition the car was in when I got it, what I paid for it and that I've been saving for it since I was 12 when I got a paper route. Seems to suffice for every encounter I've had. I'm not out to impress anyone, people born with silver spoons respect that and those who like the car/style but can't afford it at the moment see that its still an obtainable car with some determination. Envy is the only one of the 7 "deadly sins" that offers no personal enjoyment, so I do my best not to encourage it.

[Rich W]

<snip>

I don't like going the truthful route either as it takes too much time to explain, I really bought my car for just $5,000(but it was a basket case project) but that make our cars sound really cheap and would further continue rumors that our cars are poorly made piles, So I would have to go on and explain how ive put another $13k or so into it over the last four years with thousands of hrs in hard work..... this spawns more questions that I usually dont have time or patience to answer again and again.

Ideas?

If answering random, off-the-cuff questions (especially to those that do not appear to be too interested in the actual answer)
Try to keep your answers as vague as possible and keep enough truth in the answer, where you could always back track a bit.

"DeLorean prices range greatly, depending upon their condition". (can work in the revised "Rule of 30", if they are interested)
"I bought this car a while ago and it needed work when I got it". (could be a few months, a few years or a few decades ago)
"I have spent countless hours working on and detailing the car". (unless you keep exact work logs, all hours are not counted)

If you sense serious interest, you can always adjust your answers, to provide more factual answers during the conversation(s).

[Jacko]

I paid a little over $34K for my car new. When asked 'the question' my response
was "I could have bought two Corvettes" ... which I could. :wave:
MSRP, 1981 Corvette was $16,258.52

[Ron]

...and pretty close to what NADA shows for a L82 today!

[Kenny_Z]

I usually go with "way less than I should have" because it's true. I feel like my DeLorean was a killer deal and I only got that deal because of the paint.

[Kane]

Not to be stereotypical or racist

Yet somehow you are.


But im not an asshole

Are you sure?

[Josh]

Yet somehow you are.



Are you sure?

No need for comments like this. You criticize the OP of being an asshole but take a moment to reflect on your contributions to this thread.

[nullset]

"Most of them cost about 25k, but this one was more expensive because I had to pay someone to take off all the BTTF props they put on it when they made the movies".

Or,

"Most of them cost about 25k, but this one cost more because I had to remove all the gold plating, and that was really time consuming/expensive"

[Henrik]

Exchange at a recent car show:
Dude: "Hey man, what would you ask for that thing?"
Me: "No idea because it's not for sale"
Dude: "Well, give me a number!"
Me: "OK, $60K"
Dude: "Are you crazy?"
Me: I told you, I am not looking to sell."

I think he got the point about the basics of supply and demand: I am not interested in selling but if somone comes around and makes me an offer I can't refuse, then.. perhaps.

[Jonathan]

Or, another option depending on the situation:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilY4hRgfC2Q

Yea, I know it's Star Trek and not BTTF, but you could give them the "there is no money in the future" response. The more serious and stoic the look on your face the better when you're telling him about it. Bonus points if he walks away confused muttering something about you being weird, lol.

[Jacko]

I'm sure it's been mentioned before but I couldn't find it ... How much did it cost to produce a DeLorean?

$Big Number divided by 9,000 ... :shocked:

[Rhsxo]

Are you sure?

He's not, but I am.

When someone ask how much it cost, just look at them and say "It's worth more than your life!"

[Kenny_Z]

I was watching an old episode of My Classic Car. Dennis Gauge asked an owner what he paid for a Matador after the owner mentioned the interior (which was stunning) was original. You could see the look of pain on the owner's face. I know why Dennis asked but it really should have been asked off camera if at all.

[beernpizzalover]

Someone just asked me this last night. I referred them to www.delorean.com to query 'Pre-owned DeLoreans for Sale', if they were serious.

[Farrar]

I always say "It doesn't matter what I paid, since I bought it so long ago. They cost a lot more now." ;)

[DeLorean]

I often say "less then a new Honda civic" But... I think I am going to taker the "make me an offer" or the "I wouldn't sell mine for less than "$XX,000" as a future response.

[vwdmc16]

Alot of goo ideas guys! Thanks.

[yellowmxwheels23]

I get this a lot too and I tell them "a pretty penny"

[JohnZ]

I like to say "its years of work".