Thread: So Im trying to buy this Camaro...

My brother who is a HS senior, happens to have a buddy who is thinking about selling a Camaro. Told my bro that I was highly interested. After my bro started asking him questions about it, turns out there is another guy somewhere who is interested in the car as well. My question is...how do I beat this guy to the punch? Do I have to have a bidding war with this other guy?

Remember the car is not for sale. But when he does decide to sell it, what technique should I use to make sure I get my hands on this thing?

Any tips guys?

put a gun to his face!
im joking, get closer with the guy so he will think about selling it to you more then the other guy!

Its too good of a deal and in too good of shape to just pass up.

Cash talks and bull**** walks
If hes thinking about selling it some green bills will help him change his mind.

Originally Posted by NashGT02

Cash talks and bull**** walks
If hes thinking about selling it some green bills will help him change his mind.

Pretty much. A stack of cash should do the job.

Although the year of the Camaro doesnt matter here, I will say that it is very low miles for its age, (driven about 3,000 miles a year average) and they appear to be car "enthusiasts"

So a good idea would be to walk up to the door and introduce myself with a stack of cash in my pocket?

Originally Posted by matt5112

if they're enthusiasts then cash means nothing unless they needs the money.

So then what would be a good approach?

mullet mobiles show up all over, there cheap just before winter starts, but super expensive just as summer comes out.

Originally Posted by KwazrollinZ28GTP

mullet mobiles show up all over, there cheap just before winter starts, but super expensive just as summer comes out.

^^^This...especially in the upper states where it snows.

As someone already said, get to know the guy. And as Matt said, you need to let him know your a car guy. Not to long ago I sold my mustang gt to a guy I knew from a local forum. And that's the only way I knew him. I wasn't really friends with him or anything, but I knew he valued the car for what it was. That means a bunch to someone who spends time modding, detailing, and/or spending countless hours on internet forums trying to learn more about their pride and joy. I don't know if this guy is like that or not, but, if he's only putting 3k on the clock a year, he's trying to keep the miles down for a reason.

There really isn't a clear cut answer for you though, you have to gauge this guy, figure out what is going to open his mind up to YOU being the next owner of his camaro. Be that a stack of cash, or shared enthusiasm, that's something you're going to have to figure out. I would suggest maybe asking to go for a ride in it with him sometime. Complement the car, and if it feels right, slide right into your interest in buying the car. And don't low ball, a lot enthusiasts don't give a rat's ass about blue book either.

Thanks Slowpoke. You've been the most helpful so far. Very good advice.

A couple of observations:

• I'm not accusing the owner of dishonesty, but there's a good chance the "other guy" who's interested in the car doesn't exist. A lot of people will say this to get a potential buyer to rush into a sale.
• 3,000 mi per year is very low. I'd be worried about seals drying out and causing oil leaks at that low mileage. Try to find where it's parked and check for oil spots on the pavement. If you do try to buy the car, look over the engine compartment very carefully for signs of any leaks.

Research the price (KBB, NADA, similar cars on eBay and Autotrader, etc) to find out what the car is worth. Regardless of how much of an enthusiast the owner is, I wouldn't offer more than what any other Camaro is worth unless the car is extremely special (show-winning condition inside and out, all service records since it was new, immaculate pre-purchase inspection, etc).

Lastly, don't get emotionally invested in this car before (if) you buy it. If he's not willing to meet your price on this one you have to be willing to walk away; always remember there are plenty of Camaros out there. It can be the car of your dreams once you own it, but until then you need to think of it as a financial transaction and nothing more.

Thanks for the input!

Yeah there is a ballpark price on the car if the individual decides to sell it, and the car is in very good shape. From what Ive seen of the car at a distance, it looks to be about an 8 out of 10. The ballpark price is very very fair compared to similar condition year/miles online.

Normally I don't get attached to anything before I buy it, but this time it is hard to not become emotionally attached to this particular car. You hear all the time of people traveling across the country to buy their idea of a perfect dream car (year/color/trim/options etc), and in my case, that car is sitting one town over from me. And yes I do know what price puts me in over my head, and if it comes to that then it would be the only reason to back down.