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So Im trying to buy this Camaro...

SuperSport

SuperSport

New member
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!
 
I'd say find out what he wants for it and flash the $$ in his direction. Seeing you with cash in hand may motivate him a bit ;)
 
If he's on the fence about selling it then money is not the factor here.

you must appeal to car enthusiast aspect.

Sorta like it was trying to buy an Enzo, money didn't matter, you had to APPLY to purchase it.
 


Cash talks and bull**** walks
If hes thinking about selling it some green bills will help him change his mind.
 
I forgot to ask, what are the specifics on the 'maro? year, engine, mileage, Z28?, etc...

Just because it seems like its too good to pass up doesn't mean you should grab it just yet. I've seen plenty of F-bodies that looked good, but were a basketcase otherwise. Often rode hard and put away wet by the exact age range that he is in. Don't ask how I know ;)

Of course this being the innernets and me not knowing the guy personally all I can do is offer advice. Just hate to see your bro get screwed. And if he does get it and its an LT1/LSx series engine have fun working on it :th_laugh-lol3:
 
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?
 
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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.
 


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.
 
Tell your brother to talk to him about it and tell him you are pretty interested. If he is ever at your place with your brother just sit down and talk to him about it and show interest it in. Like others have said, money talks.
 
Did you ever think maybe the other buyer is just an excuse to not sell it to a friend but sell it to a person who he will never see again. The car might have a serious problem that he knows my cost a big chunk a few miles down the road. I know a few cars I sold in highschool and shortly after I would not even give to friends.
 
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