Originally Posted by Mallick_1984

Dear All,

Found this car on craigslist;

https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5414955125.html

I saw the car in person and here is what I found;

1) There is damage on rear dumper and rear left quarter panel. Cosmetic damage but it means replacing the quarter panel and repainting both the panel and the bumper.

2) The engine bay was untidy, stock, and can be cleaned up, but untidy nonetheless.

3) Car is coming up on 100 k, so one has to budget in for all the preventive maintenance. With that many miles, shocks, fluids, tensioners, belts etc needs to be looked at/replaced.

4) It may be visible in the pictures, but there are two dents on the hardtop.

I would like to know what a clean CR is worth? And what would be a good buy for this one? I want to bring it back to life, but also not planning to keep it forever as my VISA will expire and I'll have to leave US in couple of years.

Thanks and Regards.

Originally Posted by dbwy111

Here's my opinion:

If you can save the quarter panel, that would be a big deal. If the VIN tag is missing off the quarter panel, it will be much more difficult to sell. I think people can look past the bumper, but the quarter is a big hurdle.

With that said, I'm assuming the body damage will be under $2000 to fix (correctly). I'm also assuming you may put another $1000 into maintenance items.

If you can get the car for $19,000 or even $20,000, and put $3000 into it, it seems like it will be a good deal. You will have $22000-23,000 into it (minus taxes and reg). Assuming it is a clean car when you go to sell it, I could almost guarantee it will be a fast sell at $23,000. I actually think it would be worth closer to $25,000.