Pricing guidelines on older Cads.... HELP!!!

[bigcadlover]

I am a new poster and regular on this site.... I don't own a Cad now, but am actively looking for one in the "luxury" category, which by definition (to me) means an older car.

My question is, what is a reliable guideline for pricing on these older Cads (older defined as 10 yrs or more)? Should I use Blue Book as a guide? Is there something else published that I should use or access for pricing information?

Where should I look?

[77CDV]

Blue book and NADA will give you a rough guide to start. You might also try the Old Cars Price Guide or the Guide to Cars of Particular Interest. Of course, the true value of any given car will depend on what a buyer is willing to pay and what a seller will accept. Good luck and happy hunting.

Craig

[My_favorite_Brougham]

A good likable Cadillac in the range you're looking for is probably going to be more than the bluebook by anywhere from $500-1500, as there is a growing demand for these cars. That's why we get so upset when they get wrecked and insurance companies want to write you off. You simply cannot get a great shape older Cadillac for the price the book says. Unless you get a little old lady who is more likely to budge (as they see the car as transportation rather than a collector item).

A decent '94-96 "whale body" RWD Cadillac is gonna be anywhere from $3K-6K, depending on miles, etc. Low mileage ones or mint ones may be slightly higher.

A decent '90-'92 is anywhere from $2K-$5K if you get a 5.0L engine, $2.5K-8K if you get the 5.7L. Clean and low mileage ones are known to go over $10K, though.

A decent '86-'89 is roughly the same range as the cars above. Slightly less, though, because the 5.0L engine was the only engine, carbureted, and the front end is less desirable to some.

An ok '82-'84 is gonna be hard to find since the 4.1L engine was a piece of junk (according to others). Even a nice one is anywhere from $500-$2000. Only do these cars exceed that range when they're heavily optioned, or they're so mint, they're a collector item.

An '80-'81 is gonna be the most variable in ranges, because the big block 6.0L engine is highly desirable, but being older these cars have more miles and problems, and cosmetic issues are more prevalent. One that is in decent shape will run you anywhere from $1500-3K. If in mint shape these cars will likely exceed that.

That's just a rough run down of what I've noticed. There will always be exceptions. If there's another engine like a V6 or a diesel that will affect the price. Also clean cars tend to bring in a pretty penny, unexpectedly. Also if the car is a coupe, add about $1K-2K to the price, as coupes are generally more desirable.

Now these are RWD cars that I have mentioned. After the 1985, the Deville became FWD, but I would only look into ones from '91 and after, since the engines before then weren't so great. I know the 4.1L was a dog, I'm not sure about the little 4.5L, but I know the 4.9L that was in cars from '91 on is known to be a great car up to 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Good luck on your hunt!

Greg

[mharker]

Hey Greg that was a great analysis of the market. I agree with all you've said. Many low-ballers out there think all these cars can be obtained for 2 grand... but they are wrong. Top condition cars will cost you more and are worth it.

To get an idea of what these are selling for (or NOT selling for) you can always check some of the auction results at RM or Barrett-Jackson. Granted it will be on the high side because of the auction environment... but it does show actual transactions.

[bigcadlover]

Thanks to all of you for your responses, especially Greg for putting in so much time on a detailed response!! I figured that Blue Book might not be a real firm guide on pricing, especially when you get over 10 yrs old, so Greg your general guidelines help a lot, especially about the different engines.

I have a line on a '93 Brougham that might come available after the first of the year. It is owned by a good friend of mine, which gives me some comfort because I know how well he takes care of his cars. It is the black cherry metallic color w/vinyl roof, leather interior, just about every option including moon roof. I believe mileage is around 70k, give or take a bit. KBB says value of this car in "excellent"condition is $5720... I will probably have to give more for it if I buy it, and don't mind that up to a point, given that I know the owner and the history of the car. Any ideas from you on what kind of pricing might be reasonable (this is a Texas car)?

Thanks again for all your good knowledge.... I love talking about the old Cads, "the standard for the world"!!!!

[My_favorite_Brougham]

Texas cars will always run a little higher than the national average since we don't use salt on the roads. But that really only makes Northern cars go down in value rather than jack up the price of Texas cars. That will really only be prevalent in a bidding war which I believe you're going to escape. $5720 actually sounds just right for that car, except that it has the regular 350 engine instead of the LT1 which came in '94 on to '96. But the "excellent" condition of the car probably cancels out the negative consumer effect of the engine. So the price sounds good, if not actually too high. Don't get me wrong, the plain 350 is a hoss, but most folks tend to put their top dollar biddings on the LT1 cars.

If it has 70K miles, it's probably not "mint," but probably as excellent as you can get since you know the guy. You can probably expect some slight wrinkling of the seats and perhaps some fade/rub away effcets on the plasticy parts since these are affected more by age and use than mileage. What I'm saying is condition becomes much more subjective in middle-mileage (over 25k) cars; since the issue is "truly excellent" or "excellent for it's age." I just mean don't expect a Barrett-Jackson car. The engine should still have another 100,000+ miles in it, so don't worry about it; it's not like the ht4100 which blew up at 50k.

Basically if this were an LT1 car, I'd say somewhere in the $6000 ballpark, but for this one, I think the enthusiasts would only be willing to pay $5000. But since you know this guy, I wouldn't suggest you try to undercut him.

And I'm always happy to help.

Greg

[My_favorite_Brougham]

Hmm... now that I think about it. $5720 is probably right on due to the factory sunroof. I know it really affects the price of older Broughams, but I'm not sure about the "whale body" Broughams. I've actually heard that folks prefer to have custom sunroofs put in since they keep the rear vanities. But a sunroof is a sunroof, and for all practical reasons it will bring up the value of the car. Maybe not as much as on a '92 Brougham, but it will bring it up. I'd offer $5500 but be prepared to pay $5800. Good luck!

And do post pics, should you get her!

Greg

[bigcadlover]

Thanks Greg for your insights.... if this deal goes, it won't be until after the first of the year at the earliest. If it happens, I'll be sure to post pictures.