Resources for determining value of 914?

[green71]

Hi all -- been a while since I posted, but I'm still a happy 914 owner. Unfortunately it may be time to sell my car. I'm trying to determine the value of the vehicle, but I find it to be difficult because of the scarcity of local comps (Boise, ID). If I could tell from Craigslist that a few had sold locally, it might help my price the vehicle, but there are very few of them in this neck of the woods. I've also looked at comps in other northwest cities, but there aren't many for sale. I've also checked eBay, but when you consider the wide potential range of condition of a car this age, it's tough to find one comparable.

NADA has values for classics/collectibles, but I wonder if their values aren't a bit optimistic. Given their descriptions, I'd call my car a "20-footer" - middle of the road, a capable, reliable, and fairly attractive daily driver.

Can anyone direct me to any other resources that might have some information as to how to price this vehicle when I'm ready to sell? I'd appreciate it very much. If anyone here wants to take a crack at it, I'd be happy to post photos & a few more details about its condition. You won't insult me.

Thanks much,

Mark
1971 1.7l

[green71]

If you're interested in throwing out a value, here's a little more info:

The engine was rebuilt in 2001 and has about 18,000 miles on the build. Converted to hydraulic lifters at that time. It has the original D-Jet fuel injection with new injectors and aftermarket Pertronix electronic ignition, all of which works great. Since I’ve had it, it’s had the following (and more) done:

Brake rebuild

Engine rebuild, new clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, throwout bearing, clutch cable

New fuel injectors

New tires with plenty of life on them

Front & rear alignment

New upholstery

Bursch exhaust

Bilstein shocks (rear only)

Various other odds & ends that don’t come to mind – I’d have to look through my records for a complete rundown.

There is some rust in the rear trunk pan, and a little cancer on both of the rear quarter panels near the bumper. Battery tray and giblets below the tray have been restored once and are solid. No other rust to report.

This car starts up every time and runs great. In the time I’ve had it, I’ve never neglected it or let it go into disrepair. This is not a show car or garage queen. However, it is a very solid, reliable car that would be suitable as a daily driver or a weekender.

Again, you won't insult me with your feedback. The car is a fairly nice example, but it definitely has warts and isn't a particularly sought-after year or config. I have one potential buyer who hasn't yet seen the car, but has indicated a budget of $5K. According to NADA it should be closer to $7900.

Thanks again,

Mark

[Mike Bellis]

The biggest issue on these cars is rust. Only 20% of it is visible, the rest is hidden. Rust repair can often cost more than the car is worth. Your pictures look great but it would take a through inspection top to bottom to really know how much is there.

Take 100 pictures and put it up on ebay to get the most exposure. Most owners think their cars are worth more than they are. Myself included. Bottom line, it is worth what the market will bare.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Look further afield for comps. PCA does evaluations on 2.0 liter 914s, but as of a year or two ago they didn't on the 1.7s or 1.8s; that may have changed now? You could do worse than write to them and see--at least, if you're a member.

Look around in the Classifieds here, and on the more highly-trafficked site at 914world.com .

I haven't kept up with the market, but I am pretty sure that it would take an offer of much more than my car is actually worth to convince me to sell it.

--DD

[Matt Monson]

Excellence used to do a Marketplace segment that covered a different car every issue. 914s have been trending up for years. But as Bruce Anderson's health faltered (may he rip, his service is today) they dropped the section but last year published a single market guide issue.

In that issue they only covered Good to Excellent cars. I am guessing you car is tickling the bottom of what they call Good ( their standards have always been very high). They said bottom of Good is $8k. As such I would guess your car at $6-7k. This is based on your specific model and year and not some general grouping of all 914s.

[boston914]

Nice looking 71.

I sold my '76 914 2.0 about 3 years ago.

Mine was a fully optioned, no rust, original condition 59,000 mile car.

I had done new brakes all around (rotors, pads, SS brake lines, all from Pelican Parts )

I also had Ed Reed polished Fuchs.

I sold it for $11,000.
NADA book value on my car was $14,000 at the time .


Your car is a 1.7, and is painted a color that might not appeal to many buyers.
Further, you have some known rust issues.

Like with all old things, condition is everything.

In my opinion, your car's value is in the $5000 range.

If somebody really likes the color, and is not knowlegable (or concerned) about 914 rust issues, you might stretch the price toward $6 or $7000.

Best of luck with the sale.

[green71]

Hi all - thanks a bunch for your feedback. I think you're all right on the money, no pun intended. I had been thinking the car might be worth $5K, maybe $6K on a good day. I have a buyer interested at $5K now, and he's very honestly indicated that's the top of his budget. I like this buyer because he knows a bit about these vehicles and about what he's getting in to. During this afternoon's test drive he didn't grind the gears or miss a shift -- that's a good indication in my book, since I'm looking for an adoptive parent more than a buyer.

Thanks again,

Mark

[GeorgeRud]

Hagerty Insurance also has a nice pricing guide that shows trends for many vintage cars. It's free to use, though you have to sign in if you do more than 5 searches.

[green71]

Thanks for that lead, George. The Hagerty tool valued my car at $5800. (I rated it's condition a 4, which I think fairly describes the car.)