Classic BMW market... when to sell?

dang

dang

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A question for those who have opinions! (everyone)...

I have a line on a Euro '74 2002 but would need to treat it as a buy... minor repair/detail... flip car. The problem is, I feel like eBay is the best market but half the country won't be looking to buy a classic car going into winter. I'm also finishing up a '73 tii that will go on eBay and was planning on putting it up for sale in the Spring because of the weather/market.

What do you guys think about selling a classic BMW during the winter? I don't really want to buy this '74 and tie up the money over the winter, but I think I could double my money if done right.

Dan
 
If it is a great car you should be able to sell it most any time. I'd imagine in California (Where old BMW's seem to command premium prices the selling season is not as rigidly defined. Selling a Miata in Winter in Ontario would not work well though.
 
I can loan you the money to be doubled until the spring. I could also park it here in Cupertino so it does not take up space for you. Could use it for errands to make sure it gets driven.

BTW, what is winter?
 
Hi Dan, I can only speak from my experience; I have never tried to "flip" a car, well, maybe once and I lost money :-( I have sold a few cars and made money and the reason seems to be that "I" loved the car and I would want to buy it AND the price is too good to turn down. I usually ask 3 questions and if it's a yes on any 2 of them I typically pull the trigger; first, is it something I can use as is, or with very little work, second, do I think it will appreciate in value ($) and third, if I hang on to it is it something I will use often (like a daily driver). This works with just about anything I purchase such as real estate. So, if it fits at least 2 of the criteria I usually go ahead. That being said, there is the common sense issue of if I buy it at the right price will it be easy to sell quickly and make money, and I think there is a gamble in everything- so best of luck. a 2002 is on my list one day I hope.
 
dang said:
A question for those who have opinions! (everyone)...

I have a line on a Euro '74 2002 but would need to treat it as a buy... minor repair/detail... flip car. The problem is, I feel like eBay is the best market but half the country won't be looking to buy a classic car going into winter. I'm also finishing up a '73 tii that will go on eBay and was planning on putting it up for sale in the Spring because of the weather/market.

What do you guys think about selling a classic BMW during the winter? I don't really want to buy this '74 and tie up the money over the winter, but I think I could double my money if done right.

Dan
Click to expand...

It depends on who is looking. I found my '73Tii, Vern, on ebay. I bought in the spring it was the right car, right seller, right buyer. It's a stock Tii with a sunroof, I looked at dozens of '02s before I bought him.

If you are in southern CA, winter doesn't really matter. Photograph the underside of the vehicle and be honest about the description. Show good and bad. Imagine you are the buyer, and include pics of what you'd want to see.

Best of luck to you.
 
I'm not really worried about the purchase price and selling price, there's margin there, I'm just curious about how the east coast buyers feel about buying a car during the winter months. I'm assuming there isn't near the activity as there is after the snow melts and/or the temps go back up. Seems like most of the cars and parts I've sold on eBay go east. :cool:
 
One of my friends was a car transporter, East Coast winters were his busiest time. Lots of cars sold and hauled, just not driven.

My favorit delivery was a Ferrari 308GTSi going to a trailer park in SC. Guy wanted one since "watching Magnum PI", I recall it sitting next to his lifted pickup truck. It was lower then the bottom of the door of the truck. :roll:
 
The east isn't THAT cold

From Pennsylvania and southwards there are plenty of days to drive a classic car in the winter. Days when it is cold (30s-50s), but dry. A tii with a working heater is no problem. And lots of us live in warm states like Florida and Texas. So time of year makes no difference to the majority.
 
Especially for a 70's BMW. A Miata on the other hand....

craterface said:
From Pennsylvania and southwards there are plenty of days to drive a classic car in the winter. Days when it is cold (30s-50s), but dry. A tii with a working heater is no problem. And lots of us live in warm states like Florida and Texas. So time of year makes no difference to the majority.
Click to expand...
 
Craterface is correct. Here in Southeastern PA I drive my coupe all winter. Dry, sunny days when PENNDOT'S salt has been washed away are perfect. I feel our coupes run better in cold weather. And while coupe ac can be dicey, the heaters are Teutonic. My 1600 and two Bavarias were the same. If it's the right car at the right time, season does not matter, someone will press the Buyitnow button.
Steve
 
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