Saw this sterling and interested in it, but few concerns.

[chromecarz00]

This car needs a bit of work, but I've found a mechanic that is willing to put together the basics and make it drivable. That said, there are some spots with some rust that trouble me, I didn't see anything too bad but I put all the pictures in this album. I apologize for the low quality.

This car had no windshield, side indicators, rear lights, or title, and a rough paint job but has a brand new motor, scat 1776 with 0 miles. However, it has been sitting for a few years - it turned over fine.

It has new wheels and tires, disc brakes on the front.

Do you guys see any blatant problems, and what do you think the car is valued at? Does anyone know of any ready to run cars under 5k?

Thanks.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ygm08pyfg2681t2/AACKIncSEmLIeW16r2iQNngQa?dl=0

 

[Peter]

I would have thought that with no interior, no screen $$$ *eek!* and a paint job needed, a little surface rust would be the least of your problems, there is a lot to be done there but as you say the basics are there and it's a runner *thumbs up*. All the best with your project *rock on*

 

[letterman7]

That car has been listed for sale for a long time. I think the CL ad he has $3K on it... IMHO $1500 too much for the work it needs. Lots of running cars out there for $5K - give Greg on the forum here a call (unofun). He's got a garage full of cars. He's in Oregon, though, but I think he travels to parts of CA on a semi-regular basis.

 

[ratrog64]

I don't see anything scary in the photos that would prevent me from buying the car. The motor and transaxle are worth the asking price ($1500?) if the motor is what you say. I look at project vehicles as a sum of their parts. A 1776 scat motor with a few chrome goodies is $2000 (again if it is new or a fresh rebuild by an experienced shop). If it is just a used, running motor with good compression and no real issues with a working bosch alternator $650 to $1000. A used, working transaxle with axles is $350, a mystery transaxle that can not be confirmed is $100 to $150 core value. A disc brake front beam complete is $250 to $400 unless its very rusty and the rotors and calipers are shot. Otherwise the beam is $100, steering box $50 and caliper cores are $30. A chassis, no beam and no title but a good rear torsion set up $75 to $150. A set of 4 roller rims and tires $20 each. Keep in mind, these are used "Retail" prices.
The Sterling body has value also. I just traded $450 worth of new FG parts for a used canopy no windshield or side glass in average condition.

When I buy used cars or project cars this is how I determine the price I am willing to pay. I like to be fair with the seller and have paid more then asking price to sellers who I thought were asking too little. I like to walk away from all deals I make with a good feeling. I want to feel like I got a good deal and that the seller didn't get taken as well.

Keep this in mind, from the looks of the photos, his car needs a tremendous amount of work. If you plan on paying someone to do it all for you then be prepared to spend a whole wheel barrel full of money. In the end you might have a nice car, but you will have spent more to get it there then it is probably worth, even if your initial purchase was a good deal. Kit cars / project cars are for the do it yourselfers or the guys with great big fat wallets.

Be smart with your purchase and realistic with your expectations or you will be very disappointed with your Sterling experience. Or like so many, 2 years from now you will be selling it for less then you have in it.

EDIT: I think I misunderstood what Rick had written saying $1500 was too much. I'm thinking $1500 to $2000 is a fair asking price 2k being on the high side. If 3k is the asking price, I'd say keep shopping or negotiating.

 

[letterman7]

Yep, no worries Rog. I think *maybe* $1500 for that car if the motor can be made to start. If it's been sitting that long, even if it's new, there are likely issues.

 

[chromecarz00]

Ok guys thanks for the reality check. Seems as though I'm a little heart over head with this, which is why I have you all!

I want to deal with as few issues as possible so it's probably better to get a runner with title and all. There's another one in Reno that I'm looking at, owner claims everything runs, e-brake needs fixing and clean title. 1600 motor, no overheating, top works...seems promising. Pictures attached, anyone know anything about this car?

 

[ratrog64]

Looks pretty good from where I'm sitting. Whats his asking price?

 

[chromecarz00]

$5k, what's a reasonable price?

 

[ratrog64]

Without really seeing the car in person and going through it, I'd have to say a running / driving Sterling should be worth 3500 to 5 k in reasonably good condition. Similar to a late model (68 thru 79) beetle.
Of course there are always lots of variables.

I paid 5k for #114. In hind sight I wish I had paid less. I feel the car could have been flipped for a little more without doing anything to it. So I do think it was worth what I paid. I bought it sight unseen and the seller agreed to deliver it 300 miles away for 200 bucks. No regrets.

 

[ratrog64]

Something to keep in mind. You can buy a pretty nice late model car for 5k. It won't be free of problems, but it will be modern, have AC and be road worthy. 5K is a lot to spend on a project car if 5k is all you have. If its just play money, I'd say you can't find much else cooler then a Sterling!

 

[letterman7]

That green car has been for sale off and on for a while on CL as well. The tail has been extended; can't recall if there was something special with the engine or not.

 

[kenneth83]

I am seriously considering selling mine. We will be moving soon, and I just don't have the time lately. Im in California as well. It runs, has had a lot of work done and is pretty darn close to being road ready. The only downside other than the needed finishing is the cracked windshield (bummer).

I`m in it around $6000 and totally get that Im not getting anywhere near that back out of it, nature of the hobby. But I`m willing to deal if you are interested. The picture is old, and does not reflect some of the latest work (Headlights installed, nose is now in primer...)
If you decide you might be interested we can talk about the car a bit more and price.

 

[chromecarz00]

PM'ed Kenneth!.

Also for the green car, it seems pretty promising. I think I'm between that one and Kenneth's. We'll see what happens!

 

[ratrog64]

Good Luck!

 

[letterman7]

Personally, I'd go with Kenneth's if you have a choice. At least you'll have a history behind it and known issues.