Which is the better way to sell my Griff?
Discussion
I'm just about to put the Griff up for sale and was about to book it in to get a few little things sorted these being..
Stone chips blown over, hood recoloured, new number plates, new footwell carpets. This lot will come to a little under £500 all in.
Nothing major and nothing mechanical. I was then going to put it up for sale.
However thinking about it if it were me I'd rather buy the car for £500 less and get the work done myself.
Comments ?
D.
Stone chips blown over, hood recoloured, new number plates, new footwell carpets. This lot will come to a little under £500 all in.
Nothing major and nothing mechanical. I was then going to put it up for sale.
However thinking about it if it were me I'd rather buy the car for £500 less and get the work done myself.
Comments ?
D.
Most car buyers don't think like that...!
Try selling a filthy car vs one that has had a full valet. £50 spent on a valet, can get hundreds (even 1000's on the price.)
I personally would think the £500 well spent otherwise the buyer will most likely think the car has not been looked after. I take an opinion of the seller when buying this type of car (i.e. do they look/act the sort, that will have thrashed the nuts of the car when cold, etc)
B
Try selling a filthy car vs one that has had a full valet. £50 spent on a valet, can get hundreds (even 1000's on the price.)
I personally would think the £500 well spent otherwise the buyer will most likely think the car has not been looked after. I take an opinion of the seller when buying this type of car (i.e. do they look/act the sort, that will have thrashed the nuts of the car when cold, etc)
B
quote:
Most car buyers don't think like that...!
Try selling a filthy car vs one that has had a full valet. £50 spent on a valet, can get hundreds (even 1000's on the price.)
I personally would think the £500 well spent otherwise the buyer will most likely think the car has not been looked after. I take an opinion of the seller when buying this type of car (i.e. do they look/act the sort, that will have thrashed the nuts of the car when cold, etc)
B
I disagree, I would never buy a clean car, the fact that people spend a lot of time and money on polish is no indication that the car has been "looked after". I knew a bloke who had his 500Griff valeted every other week whether he drove it or not, and remarked to me (in a very authorititive tone) that he never rags the motor; I never take it above 5k revs before the temperature's at least 60. He's probably got a Porsche now and spends all his pub conversations maintaining the point of view that Tiv's are unreliable.
Anyway, this car had a full main dealer service history, looked stunning (he never put the roll over bar / plastic screen down, just in case it creased), and on paper is a much better car than mine... but it isn't
I would say having the work done reduces your market, and anyone that wants a spotless example would pay the extra after purchase to get the car in the condition they wanted
Although some (most (according to BJWooods)) are willing to pay more (over the odds IMHO) for this but this goes for dealer warranties AA / RAC cover etc.
As a buyer, do you want
a) the least hassle, or
b) the best deal
And most people should know that paying more doesn't nessecarily get you a better car
It is a tricky one, the car is very well looked after and I have the bills to prove it, the stuff I'm talking about is very cosmetic (footwell carpets, stone chips) and not something I'd ever worry about. The tyres, mechanicals etc, etc are all very good. I suppose the argument is that if I get it cleaned up then I'll still have all the bills to prove that it is well maintained (beyond being polished) the mileage proves it is in regular use.
D.
D.
In my opinion (which has been backed up to a certain degree by the different views on this thread) it depends upon who you will market it to.
If you're aiming at the knowledgable enthusiasts (like Phers
) then you can probably afford not to get the work done immediately and use it as a negotiating tool: I need at least xx for it, but I'll get the work done; OR
you can have it for 400 quid less than the asking price but in the current condition.
On the other hand, if you're aiming at a broader market and potentially selling to those who may be new to the marque, then you might be better off ensuring it looks the best it can.
>> Edited by jeremyc on Tuesday 3rd September 14:01
If you're aiming at the knowledgable enthusiasts (like Phers
) then you can probably afford not to get the work done immediately and use it as a negotiating tool: I need at least xx for it, but I'll get the work done; OR you can have it for 400 quid less than the asking price but in the current condition.
On the other hand, if you're aiming at a broader market and potentially selling to those who may be new to the marque, then you might be better off ensuring it looks the best it can.
>> Edited by jeremyc on Tuesday 3rd September 14:01
'I never take it above 5k revs before the temperature's at least 60.'
I never take mine above 3,500 until it reaches 60. Saves engine wear, you know. Ask SH. But heck, it's your engine!
'Anyway, this car had a full main dealer service history, looked stunning (he never put the roll over bar / plastic screen down, just in case it creased), and on paper is a much better car than mine... but it isn't'
I take your point but he'll probably get a better price for it than you will...
I tried selling a Griff for ages in 'as was' condition with a very obvious scratch down the side. I had an estimate for the work - £99 - and showed this to prospects as a haggle factor - I was happy to knock of the £99 in addition to anything else. No bites. They don't want the hassle either. So I got the scratch fixed and sold the car next time for a good price. My advice, having sold 2 TVRs and bought 3, is yes, a little spent making it nice will help it sell. That's what a dealer said too, when he realised I wasn't going to take his £9K for my Griff. I sold it privately for £13,500. Yes indeedee, I'll put in a bit of effort for £4,500 extra. You prefer to buy untidy cars for less money, and I can see the logic, but not everyone thinks like that, especially with TVRs where it makes them wonder what else is wrong, has the car been looked after etc.
I never take mine above 3,500 until it reaches 60. Saves engine wear, you know. Ask SH. But heck, it's your engine!
'Anyway, this car had a full main dealer service history, looked stunning (he never put the roll over bar / plastic screen down, just in case it creased), and on paper is a much better car than mine... but it isn't'
I take your point but he'll probably get a better price for it than you will...
I tried selling a Griff for ages in 'as was' condition with a very obvious scratch down the side. I had an estimate for the work - £99 - and showed this to prospects as a haggle factor - I was happy to knock of the £99 in addition to anything else. No bites. They don't want the hassle either. So I got the scratch fixed and sold the car next time for a good price. My advice, having sold 2 TVRs and bought 3, is yes, a little spent making it nice will help it sell. That's what a dealer said too, when he realised I wasn't going to take his £9K for my Griff. I sold it privately for £13,500. Yes indeedee, I'll put in a bit of effort for £4,500 extra. You prefer to buy untidy cars for less money, and I can see the logic, but not everyone thinks like that, especially with TVRs where it makes them wonder what else is wrong, has the car been looked after etc.
Why not advertise it as it is. Talk about thinking of getting the paint and carpets done to a potential buyer and then it can form part of the negotiation. If the price gets too low then say its up to the buyer to sort out the cosmetics.
Also remember that most people (i.e. people who don't already own a TVR) will be highly suspiscious of a front end respray - I was until I had read Steve Heath's book. Allowing them to see the 'before' and 'after' could help widen your market.
Also remember that most people (i.e. people who don't already own a TVR) will be highly suspiscious of a front end respray - I was until I had read Steve Heath's book. Allowing them to see the 'before' and 'after' could help widen your market.
quote:
Give it to me!!
Ok, you'll have to give me some money though :-)
Hopefully the car will go to an enthusiast (Ph'er) who will understand that awesomeness is not just a paintjob.
I think I'll put up for sale at the higher price, get it booked in to get the bits done. If someone comes along in the meantime they can have a few quid off.
Right anyone want to buy a nice Griff :-)
D.
quote:
As a buyer, do you want
a) the least hassle, or
b) the best deal
And most people should know that paying more doesn't nessecarily get you a better car
As a seller though you stand a far better chance of someone "falling in love" with your car if it is in tip top condition. Selling is so much easier if the buyer really wants the car! Selling to someone who really wants the best deal and not so worried whether its this car or the next is not so good.
Just my 2p!
Simpo,
I completely agree, the way I buy cars isn't for everybody, and I understand why people would be put off buying mine (even though I'm completely honest about it's history, can demonstrate a top notch repair, and when I come to sell it I'll ask for about 70% of the current retail value) just saying a clean car isn't a good car, that's all.
Incidently, when the chap in question traded up to a newer model, he got hardly any money for his old Griff 'cause he was convinced the dealer would give him top dollar without haggling becasue of the car's excellent condition and he "knew" how much people valued repeat custom. And the dealer reckoned the engine was in excellent condition despite being ragged from cold after being standing for months at a time.
Takes all sorts
I completely agree, the way I buy cars isn't for everybody, and I understand why people would be put off buying mine (even though I'm completely honest about it's history, can demonstrate a top notch repair, and when I come to sell it I'll ask for about 70% of the current retail value) just saying a clean car isn't a good car, that's all.
Incidently, when the chap in question traded up to a newer model, he got hardly any money for his old Griff 'cause he was convinced the dealer would give him top dollar without haggling becasue of the car's excellent condition and he "knew" how much people valued repeat custom. And the dealer reckoned the engine was in excellent condition despite being ragged from cold after being standing for months at a time.
Takes all sorts
I sold my Griff through Station Hill Garage who were excellent. Basically it sat on their forecourt for a little while until it sold. It only took a month, but yes, I had the front end resprayed along with the boot lid because of some scratches. I figured when people are buying a £25k car they want it to be pristine. £25k may not be much to some people, but they are in the minority.
'cause he was convinced the dealer would give him top dollar without haggling becasue of the car's excellent condition and he "knew" how much people valued repeat custom.'
Heh - doesn't work in the motor trade, least of all with TVR dealers. Trading in: 'Blue sir? Not much call for blue these days, hard to shift...' Buying: 'Beautiful blue sir, very fashionable colour, see how it sparkles in the sun sir...'
Caveat vendor!
Heh - doesn't work in the motor trade, least of all with TVR dealers. Trading in: 'Blue sir? Not much call for blue these days, hard to shift...' Buying: 'Beautiful blue sir, very fashionable colour, see how it sparkles in the sun sir...'
Caveat vendor!
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