I was in Iowa and I found a 1972 Ford Maverick Grabber with the 250cu/in 6cylinder and 3 speed auto. It appears to have the deluxe interior with vinyl and cloth and is in decent shape. It was stored for some years and as a result the lip of the hood is completely rusted through. The doors have some rust at the bottoms but the trunk is solid and the floorpans appear to be as well. It is in running condition. The owners are asking $2,000 and state that the car has 15,000 orig. miles, which I'm wary of. It's the little old lady story, then they bought the car for their daughter. Long story short, what would you guys talk these people down to?
I'd give I'd give them $975.00 check the brake and gas pedals do they look worn, at that mileage they should look like new.
any advice on getting them down in price, they seem pretty firm on the car NADA lists the darned thing at $1,600, which isn't helping. Maybe I should just point out EVERY single problem, then offer cash. Also I could use help on the really key places to check for rust on these cars.
All that rust is going to take a lot to fix, not to mention it's just a six cylinder. NADA comes up with some ridiculous numbers sometimes. Mine is a '72 non grabber, factory 302 car. When I bought it, It had a near perfect interior, minimal rust on the quarters and doors and fenders and holes rusted through the floorpan. I drove it away for $200.00. If the thing looks decent I'd offer probably 700-900 cash for it. They are out of their mind if they think they'll get $2000.00 for that. If those are really origional miles there are bound to be lots of rotted seals in it. Careful.
price guide Grab a classic car guide , a top grade car, (for example on a 74 Comet) , with auto and 250 6 was like $1800.00 but they described a top grade one to be like it was off the showroom. this sounds like it is quite a ways off that , I don't remember how they referred to it I think it was a numerical grading, but anyway what you're describing would probably rate as fair and fair in the book I looked in was $600 to $800. The low miles... ( ahem) would bring it up a little but not $800 worth, not when seals etc would most likely need to be replaced.
xpsnake If you don't go after this one, I would be interested in looking at it myself. I am looking for a maverick, and this is in my neighborhood. What part of Iowa? thanks
Chances are if it has that level of rust on the hood and doors, it's everywhere. I wouldn't buy it. I'd take it if they gave it to me....maybe. Steer clear of it with massive rust damage and owners wanting 2k for it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6057&item=2470726346 This eBay car seems kind of comparable to what you are looking at. Maybe you'll be interested in the car, or maybe you can just see what it sells for. I'm no authority on the value of Mavericks and parts for them, but I've been building a pretty big collection of eBay auctions after they close to get ballpark figures for parts I need...and cars too before I got mine. I think Maverick parts usually go for more than "usual" on eBay, but I've seen Maverick cars go for all kinds of prices in the last several months. Good luck
check the torque boxes and frame rails for rust.... It doesnt sound like the car is worth more than a few hundred dollars. I have bought all of mine for $250 or less. One was a rust free, 302, auto car. The values are going up on the Mavericks but this doesnt sound like it will be one of them.
This is what I pay! Most owners could care less what people think. If you want it, fine if not see ya! There is a general price guide on the value of vintage cars you can buy. Going by that I evaluate the car my self. Does it seem to be what they say? If this car is my hearts desire, It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Everyone is different. Everyone else got one for $250.00 with a V8-loaded/25,000 miles. Good for them them! I wish I could find one like that!! If you believe this car is good and its what you want buy it. If there are problems, and there will be, thay can be repaired. When I found my car, It was a prayer answered and a burning desired fulfilled. I had sold my orginal Maverick in 1988. It was a mistake!! I found the one I have now, 7miles from my home, same year/make/options, different color. They wanted $9500, I got it for $7500, A steel! I could NOT sleep until I got this car home! It was appraised for $10,000 and its insured with Hagerey Ins. Many people have had a lot to say about this, it means nothing to me. I got the second chance I thought Id never get! Joe
Car is worth what you would be willing to pay and what the owner would be willing to take! Sometimes you luck out and they are the same thing!
