[GOAT WHORE]

So I bought my first Pontiac in 1986. A nice rust free 66 GTO, running driving 4spd car with a 400 in it. Nice red paint, nice interior with no rips etc. I paid $3000 for it and at the time might have been to much but I was 19 and got a loan and was mostly concerned with what the monthly payments would be.
I got thinking today what would that car cost me today based on inflation. Came out to be about $6500. Well I know I couldn't touch that car today for $6500, would probably be more like $15,000-$20,000 if I had to guess.
I know these cars have appreciated in value but was shocked to think that in today's money I paid $6500 for a car that would cost a kid $15,000+.
No wonder kids aren't into cars like we were.

[cuz68]

I know where a 66 cat vert 4 speed for $2500.

[goatless]

Originally Posted by GOAT WHORE

I know these cars have appreciated in value but was shocked to think that in today's money I paid $6500 for a car that would cost a kid $15,000+.
No wonder kids aren't into cars like we were.

You bought a 20 year old car… right about at the bottom of it's depreciation.
Now pick out a car from 1996 and see how much they cost today.

[dhcarguy]

My first Pontiac was a 1967 GTO convertible with a 69 400 HO motor. I was18 yrs. old and paid $800. for it . It was in like new cond. Red, His and Hers,3:55. It was in 1971.

[Hillard]

1987...purchased a 69 Grand Prix for $500. Today I would estimate it would be $3k. I still own it. It's probably worth about $5k in its present condition, but I have no intention of ever selling it.

[Norwood]

I bought the 1970 Trans Am pictured for 2,000 in the fall of 1975. In today's dollars it would be valued at 50 plus.

[4birds]

My first Pontiac was this 72 Formula 350 2bbl 4 speed. Cost me $1100 in 1980. I would guess something like this would go for about $8000+ these days.

[Stuart]

I bought my first 1961 Catalina in 1976 for a whole $70. That translates to about $300 today.

[Old Goat Racer]

So what formula do y'all use to adjust your inflation figures ?

[GOAT WHORE]

I used three different calculators from a Google search.

[Norwood]

I didn't inflate the dollars, I inflated the car.

[muscle_collector]

back in 2002 my sons economics teacher at school asked me to do a quick talk on the value of money. so I thought how can I tell them something they can relate to instead of talking over their heads. so I said in dec of 1975 I bought a new 1976 trans am fully loaded up and paid 5k for it. I was making 5.00 per hour and was able to pay for it and still have money to buy gas, go out and date. I told them however to buy the same car today you would have to spend 40k to buy the same car and would need to be making 40 per hour to be in the same position. i got a lot of comments like that is not fair and who is to blame for it. i think i left them all depressed and mad.

[GT182]

My bought 1st 66 GTO in May of 1970 for 1100.00. I was offered 34,000 2 months ago for the 66 GTO I have now. Both 4 speed cars. Not for sale... at this time.

I had a 63 GP after I totaled my 1st 66 GTO and paid 300.00 for it. Next I traded in the GP for the 66 Tempest Custom for 600.00. That one was in really good shape, but the ST-300 died, and like a fool I traded it. In 1978 I ordered a Formula Firebird 301 automatic with the WS6 package and Deluxe interior. Paid 6500.00 for that. I would still have it if it wasn't for the complete interior being stolen while it was in storage. It's great having friends like that. NOT! And he got away with it. I often think of what these 3 would be worth today. Back then cars were throwaways. Little did we know that they'd be hot ticket items in todays world.

[wagonmaster]

In 1984 I paid $2600 for my 70 GTO. Today probably 20-30k. In 82 I paid $1200 for my 1970 Buick GS Stage 1. today a $30 k car. The real kicker is probably my first car a 1969 Chrysler Imperial Lebaron ( with every available option. Original purchaser was for the dealers wife, so every option) I purchased it from my uncle for $300 today with the rarity could be $50K or more.

Tim

[GRX]

My first car, which happened to be a Pontiac, would be the same price today because it was free.

'71 LeMans sport. Had to fix the brakes & replace tranny before I could even drive it. My father set me up with some hard line, a flaring tool, and a tubing bender, then said - Have at it.

[carcrazy]

My first one was a 62 Catalina, pretty basic, 2bbl auto car but low mileage. Paid $185 for it in 1969. My next one was a 62 GP 389 tri-power, 4 speed car. Only had 40k miles on it. Paid $350 for it and drove it for a few years. Neither of these cars had rust issues. Probably the best deal I got was in 1974 when I purchased a 67, Ram Air GTO from a dealer in Youngstown Ohio at the price of $900. We won't talk about what I sold it for in 76!

[hurryinhoosier62]

My 1st Pontiac ('72 Catalina 4 door hardtop) cost me $1 in 1981. I saw one recently for $5,000.

[Jeff Hamlin]

I had a few Chebbies before I had a licence but this was my first Pontiac.
1966 Lemans 4 Door that had a '65 215 inline six under the hood.
Back then I thought it was the original engine
It was Martinique Bronze with a Black vinyl roof, good looker and ran well.
I paid about $500.00 for it, in installments no less

Today I see similar going for $2,500.00-$3,500.00, man have things changed
Sadly didn't take a lot of pictures back then.

The '66 Brochure has a rendering by Art & Van that reminds me of it very well

[Jeff Hamlin]

I had a few Chebbies before I had a licence but this was my first Pontiac.
1966 Lemans 4 Door that had a '65 215 inline six under the hood.
Back then I thought it was the original engine
It was Martinique Bronze with a Black vinyl roof, good looker and ran well.
I paid about $500.00 for it, in installments no less

Today I see similar going for $2,500.00-$3,500.00, man have things changed
Sadly didn't take a lot of pictures back then.

The '66 Brochure has a rendering by Art & Van that reminds me of it

[David Jones]

My 1st Pontiac was a 77 Phoenix.
Worth?
I suspect it's a microwave oven now.....