[ged2227]

If anyone has a real world experience with selling, not consigning, to a dealership, Legendary or other ones (Not Volo! LOL). Had both good/bad experiences with eBay, Facebook is limited to the area, hundreds of messages and only 1 person shows up, BaT is BaT..

For instance, a hypothetical frame off, documented, concours 1969 GTO. Not expecting top dollar.... Owner just feels the "car is just 'too nice', and it has rarely been driven and enjoyed since the restoration has finished. It's just sat in the garage for 5 or more years, collecting dust. During nice weather, it is driven around 20 miles/week, just to make sure that everything operates as it should, and fluids are circulated..."

[mgarblik]

I have only one real world experience to report. A very good friend sold his 1971 Mustang Boss 351 4-speed to a local, well known collector car dealer. They specialize in Corvettes but sell other collectible cars as well. He was the original owner of the car and it was un-restored but nearly perfect. Had about 30K miles on it. The dealer made the sale a no hassle, seamless experience for him. They didn't pick it apart because there was nothing really to pick on. They simply looked at auction results, several collector car current price guides and such. Took the max values and subtracted 40% from that value. Take it or leave it. Simple as that. They explained they had to make a minimum of 25% on every car to maintain their floor plan based on the amount of time they felt they would have it in their possession. It was a strictly a business deal, zero emotion. If they happened to turn it right away, then they really made out. In the case of this Mustang, they gave him 50K cash for it. Two months later, it sold 78K. If you can live with that kind of transaction, it's a no hassle approach.

One of the really big advantages dealers have over private sales is their ability to offer financing. I think some on the forum might be surprised by the number of mid level muscle cars under 100K that are purchased through financing rather than a cash sale.

[poncho-mike]

I had a friend sell their car though a collector car dealership. Their experience wasn't bad, but not quite as seamless what mgarblik's friend experienced. In this case, the car was extremely nice but was non-original. The engine had been replaced with a more potent one, but otherwise the car was extremely clean and garage kept its entire life. The dealership stated the car was modified and it would reduce the pool of buyers. My friend got about 65% of what he thought it was worth.

[bdk1976]

Why would it matter if it was sold to a dealership or some rando off the street? Last time I checked, cash is cash. Either way prepare to be lowballed. Selling cars is a PITA, which is probably why I have so many.

[ged2227]

Originally Posted by bdk1976

Why would it matter if it was sold to a dealership or some rando off the street? Last time I checked, cash is cash. Either way prepare to be lowballed. Selling cars is a PITA, which is probably why I have so many.

Agree... But I feel less of a hassle.

[71GP76TA]

I would try and sell it yourself first. Put a reasonable price on it. Most people make the mistake of overpricing. If it doesn't sell within 30 days then go the dealer route.

See what a dealer is willing to offer... advertise for about 15% more.

[jamesq]

I sold my station wagon to a dealer. They contacted me from a Craigslist ad I had placed. I did not get top dollar, but I was happy with their offer. It was a seamless and relatively easy transaction!
James Q

[65madgoat]

BaT is likely your best bet selling these days, or try Hagerty or Hemmings or even Facebook if you are not wanting to be so involved like is required on BaT for the most successful sale.

Any Dealer is gonna low ball you from true market value. If you don't need that 20% to 40%, then several Dealers are out there to take it off your hands. Once you post it on Hagerty or Hemmings they will come out of the woodwork doing just that.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Leaving considerable money on the table .

If the car can hold its own in true quality go with BaT .
If it's all numbers match and he knows how to physically validate that - definitely BaT.
Dealer outright or by consignment is the last ditch effort.

But if he has a dealer nearby , it could be useful info to get their offer first.
Usually ANY actual interested person will pay above a dealers offer.