I think I’d be able to sell that car within a day if I simply washed it and put on tire shine on the tires + found a much more ideal location to take appealing pictures of the car from all angles except those close ups of the rust.

For That price, the fact that you’re mentioning the rust in the description is fine, there’s no need to dedicate unsightly photos of it. You have to focus on the good with the pics.

Clean the interior too, not just for the pics, but cmon when someone comes to buy the car don’t you think everyone’s better off getting into a clean car? [personally I’d almost be embarrassed to hand someone the keys to a dirty car]

The engine bay should also at least be presentable. Doesn’t have to be detailed, and I understand that at that price it may not matter, but it sure would help + add a photo of it if it’s actually clean.

I “cleaned” this engine bay today as a quick extra touch for a customer of mine. Took me like 6-7min. and now I’ve got an extra picture to send him when I’m done with his vehicle and decide what I’m going to charge for the job. But these little things sure do help.😉

 

That rust is past terminal destruction, so covering it up or misleading a prospective buyer is fraud - plain and simple. The frame rust statement is total condemnation. The car is obviously in/from the Rust Belt, where large amounts of road chemicals are used to melt snow/ice.

When the pictures and descriptions are just too good to be true, Caveat Emptor !!! Thanks to the OP for being honest.

 

He can write a detailed description. Nobody suggested any kind of “coverup”. There’s no law that says you must show pictures of the vehicle you’re selling. There’s tons of used car listings on Craigs List without a single picture.

I didn’t know you were so passionate against fraud considering how you don’t seem to have anything to say when it comes to Mr. Northstar headbolt salesman defrauding people for thousands of dollars. Just sayin.

 

My 2008 STS was written off 2 1/2 months ago, for a bit of damage, which was quoted as $7500. I kept the Car and the Payout Difference was only $500. I sold it to a Friend's kid who is making an Ice Racer out of it. These cars really don't hold their Value well, Parts are Expensive and in limited supply

 

I think I’d be able to sell that car within a day if I simply washed it and put on tire shine...

Not trying to sell the car here - pictures provided for purposes of obtaining honest opinions.

That rust is past terminal destruction, so covering it up or misleading a prospective buyer is fraud...

Car spent most if it's life in Michigan before someone sold it in Ohio (before I bought it) - still resides in Ohio. I'm glad the transmission shop was honest with me when they quoted me for the replacement cooler - they could have just done the work and I'd have no idea there were chassis issue, but the guy brought me into the back and showed me everything that was wrong underneath.

My 2008 STS was written off 2 1/2 months ago, for a bit of damage, which was quoted as $7500...

I figured as much - most OBDII ('96+) cars are disposable anyway. With all the computer controls and fancy electronics, it's difficult for an enthusiast to swap parts or make a decent car out of salvaged parts.

 

Not trying to sell the car here - pictures provided for purposes of obtaining honest opinions.

Ok, but my advice still stands. Take some nice pics after cleaning it up and provide a detailed description of the car. That should yield better results than the zero you’ve gotten so far.

 

Yah Eldo-, at least 2/3 of the points in your first post and again above are what jumped off the screen at me. I was, "Is the OP trying to not sell it? LOL I'm picking up it's not painless getting to the car and spending all the effort/$$$ to gussy it up, but then agree that for your desired sale price not much point.

It sounds like there's lots of NLA and plain extinct used pieces for that model/yr. It's just a shame the opportunity doesn't present itself to sell at least one 'thing' off that car (something that "always goes out" but yours is perfect shape) to sell and get at least part way between your listing number and the JY's offer, and still not nix the deal with them.

 

Have any pics of the frame rust? I think the severity of that determines your price. Could you weld a patch or is it completely swiss-cheesed? I mean for $1000 this could be a great beater to drive around for a year or 2.

But seriously vacuum out the leaves.

 

Not sure if these are helpful - difficult to get underneath where it's parked.

 

Ouch!! Not trying to rain on the parade, but that car should not be sold as a driving car with title. Whether you keep or sell, it is only good for parts. Think of the liability if a buyer had a wreck and could prove you knew about the frame. Don't shoot the messenger. You asked for honest opinions. Good Luck.

 

That's the primary reason I haven't made any attempt make the car more presentable - if I make is seem like everything is rainbows and unicorn farts, then someone might think they're getting a daily driver for a great deal. I also fully disclosed the rust and frame damage in the ad, so buyers know exactly what they're getting into.

I actually had one serious offer of $750 - guy said his family has been without a car for the last 2 years, and they now have a desperate need for one - I basically talked him out of it and told him to look elsewhere.

 

That is rough. I'm not afraid of a little rust down there but wouldn't touch that with a 10 foot pole. Parting it out is the best option. The engine is probably worth $1000 with how low the miles are and how hard to find the early LH2s are getting. Ask me how I know haha. If you part it out, I'd pay $100 plus shipping for the passenger and rear seat cushions/leather. Assuming they aren't ripped.

 

Maybe a few years ago, I'd be willing to strip the parts myself, but I don't have much time these days.

Was contacted by two different people a few days ago, saying they own a junkyard (one in Cleveland and one in Columbus) and would be willing to pay over scrap value depending on the condition of everything. Still waiting for them respond with when they want to see the car or if they're still interested.

 

Found a buyer - sold it for $620.