Did I make a good deal on this old Tracker?

[yonyon]

A guy walked in where I work and asked if my Tracker is for sale. He says he's been looking for one as an economical replacement for his dying Suburban. Although there's a lot I like about it's general design, I hate driving with such a vertical seat which certainly makes it for sale. I asked what his price range is and he said he's looking for something around $1800. I said I thought $1500 would be pretty fair, gave disclosure about it's condition, and let him drive it around the parking lot. There's a pile of garbage in the frong passenger side footwell so I disclaimed any responsibility in case he catches any diseases. When he came back inside he was still talking $1800, but I held firm at $1500.

This is a 1997 Geo Tracker 2 door convertible with 5-speed. Its known problems are:
-bad paint and small dents
-needs exhaust replacement rear of the cat
-MIL is on with a code for EVAP purge valve
-true mileage unknown, but I believe 140k to 180k miles
-needs a new top because the windows are shot
-rear brakes out of adjustment assumed to be self-adjuster problem
-egg dried on windshield - I expect this may go away the next time it rains

I've had it for almost two years now. I've got about $600 into it not including insurance, state motor vehicle fees, oil changes:
-initial aquisition
-GMB water pump
-Conti timing belt & NAPA tensioner
-one hose clamp and some coolant
-off brand clutch cable - the old one actually broke
-aftermarket radio head w/ 3 outs & plays from flash drive
(original radio missing)
-three light bulbs for the dash

Did I make a decent deal? Would you have gone a little higher or lower with the price?

 

[wallyuwl]

Wait, he offered you $1800 but you sold for $1500? That is what your post says.

I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for that vehicle, and that is pushing it.

 

[Chevys_n_Hawgs]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
When he came back inside he was still talking $1800, but I held firm at $1500.

Did I make a decent deal? Would you have gone a little higher or lower with the price?


Why weren't you talking $1800?

 

[tomcat27]

eh. you both did fair. it needs work and money -

 

[Gabe]

Originally Posted By: tomcat27
eh. you both did fair. it needs work and money -


Congrats on the 2000 posts!

 

[yonyon]

Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Originally Posted By: yonyon
When he came back inside he was still talking $1800, but I held firm at $1500.

Did I make a decent deal? Would you have gone a little higher or lower with the price?


Why weren't you talking $1800?


I felt that $1800 would be a little on the high side for this truck. If he paid that much for it, then if something that couldn't reasonably be expected to break were to break in the first couple of months I'd feel guilty and offer to fix it at my expense. At $1500, I think that if the car were to burn down, fall over, and then sink into a swamp next week I'd be able to shrug it off.

 

[dishdude]

You sure can't go wrong - it was a 15 year old vehicle in what sounds like average condition for a 15 year old vehicle.

 

[daves87rs]

Not bad..

 

[Chevys_n_Hawgs]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Originally Posted By: yonyon
When he came back inside he was still talking $1800, but I held firm at $1500.

Did I make a decent deal? Would you have gone a little higher or lower with the price?


Why weren't you talking $1800?


I felt that $1800 would be a little on the high side for this truck. If he paid that much for it, then if something that couldn't reasonably be expected to break were to break in the first couple of months I'd feel guilty and offer to fix it at my expense. At $1500, I think that if the car were to burn down, fall over, and then sink into a swamp next week I'd be able to shrug it off.


Then why ask what we think. If you feel you were fair, and are happy with the 15 bones, then that's all that matters.

 

[yonyon]

Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Originally Posted By: yonyon
Originally Posted By: Chevys_n_Hawgs
Originally Posted By: yonyon
When he came back inside he was still talking $1800, but I held firm at $1500.

Did I make a decent deal? Would you have gone a little higher or lower with the price?


Why weren't you talking $1800?


I felt that $1800 would be a little on the high side for this truck. If he paid that much for it, then if something that couldn't reasonably be expected to break were to break in the first couple of months I'd feel guilty and offer to fix it at my expense. At $1500, I think that if the car were to burn down, fall over, and then sink into a swamp next week I'd be able to shrug it off.


Then why ask what we think. If you feel you were fair, and are happy with the 15 bones, then that's all that matters.


It's a matter of trying to keep my sense of value for these things aligned. It probably won't be the last unloved car I'll buy or sell in my lifetime.

 

[Chevys_n_Hawgs]

Originally Posted By: yonyon


It's a matter of trying to keep my sense of value for these things aligned. It probably won't be the last unloved car I'll buy or sell in my lifetime.


10-4

 

[hardcore302]

I think you are happy with your decision.

 

[GMBoy]

I think you did very well, because like another said, it is probably worth no more than $1000. You got a fair price, was honest aboout the condition of the vehicle and the buyer saved 300 dollars. A win/win all around.

...That was a blessing too because you know how things work...if you were trying to sell it nobody would buy it, lol. It's when you least expected - a buyer - and you took advantage of the opportunity.

Good deal!

 

[yonyon]

I always second guess myself with these things, but definitely feeling comfortable with it now. Thanks, guys.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
I always second guess myself with these things, but definitely feeling comfortable with it now. Thanks, guys.

Nothing to second guess at all. That's a $900 SUV here IF it can pass a state inspection. You gave the guy a discount and still got more than its typical resale value and made a healthy profit on it.