Need advice on a two year old VS.

Hi Guys,

I have a line on a 2001 VS 1600. It has been used as a rental by my friends company for that time and it has 26K on it or 16.5Mi. Realizing that a rental is a bad thing, what's the worst I could figure on having go wrong with it. I have driven it many times and it runs well each time and my friend has had it maintained/repaired professionally all its life. As I said it is my friends car so I can talk him into a pretty good deal. The problem is no one knows where to value it,what would you guys think it is worth, sight unseen. Any ideas?

Oh and thanks! In advance. Tim

Tim,
That's a tough one, appraise a car sight unseen. Being a rental, I would be mostly concerned about anything related to the engine and driveline. Rental cars often live a hard life and the car most likely was driven by some folks who didn't really know how. Intentional abuse aside, which there may have been some of too, just carelessness or indifference has probably taken a toll on the cars general condition. At the mileage you quoted, it has seen enough service to warrant careful scrutiny of the maintenance records if they are available. You say professionally maintained. By whom? Did the mechanic know what he/she was doing? Not every mechanic knows what a Type 1 VW engine requires.

I am assuming that the car looks very good to excellent, is this correct? If not, that will take points off also. Given the mileage, the type of usage and year, now almost three model years old, I would estimate it to be valued in the 12 - 15K range, adjusting for condition and a blessing of an independent VW mechanic.
my 2 kroner
John H.
(Message Edited 8/10/2003 9:46:34 AM)

I was reading through the post and response and agree with John. I personally bought a Vintage used and had only seen it by digital imaging but it seemed pretty cherry and had far less mileage on it.

I didn't know squat about any of the stuff bantied about on this forum, just thought it was a cute car and a lot cheaper than another 'real one'

I would ask if any of the engine components had been upgraded or replaced, if the ignition system was as original to the build... keep in mind you are mostly buying a VW as far as mechanicals are concerned and though not bullet-proof, they are pretty darn steadfast.

I'd guesstimate the same price-range as John, maybe a grand higher if it has a good top, tonneau, side curtains, carpeted trunk, good stereo/CD...
MM

I have a rule, never buy a car from a friend.....or for that matter sell one to a friend. I would venture to guess that this car was only 17,500 when purchased. A normal entry level car will lose about 2000 dollars a year in value. Having said that, a normal car this is not, I would say that the mileage is ok with good maintenance, but this car has had a hard life, people rent cars like this to see how much "fun" they are and like they said previous a lot of the abuse was non intentional....I wouldn't want to pay more then 10,000 and thats assuming all cosmetics are in good condition for that kind of mileage.
(Message Edited 8/10/2003 9:41:52 PM)

I have to agree with Steve - friendship deals can be dicey, and I also think he's closer to right on the price, say $10,000 to $12,000.

Wow, great advice guys thanks. Overall I think everyone make sense and the values are right on. I know the car is depreciated to under $12K on his books. He is a friend but only so much as I know he wouldn't lie to me about the condition of the car or what he owes on it but, not so much that either of us give a crap about what could happen. I would also say that if everyones estimate averages $11,700.00 then I wouldn't give him more than $10K just for taking into account the fact that it was a rental. Lets face it. It has been abused. The physical attributes of the car are great but even with a good type 1 VW mechanic on it I would guess that 26Km is more than most of you put on yours in less than 24 months and certainly more than I see in other resales. Lets not forget as well the kids that work for him who take out their frustrations on not getting to take home the Ferrari that night. That has gotta hurt. Is $17,500. the real starting point from Vintage? What would be the first most obvious option from there? 4 wheel disks? I imagine that if he ordered it directly he would have gotten the base model. I haven't thought to ask him yet. Thanks again guys this is a great help!

I made an assumption that the car had some of the typical options which in fact it may not have. The "Makers" tab on this forum currenly states that the base price of a VS is 17.9K. If you go to the makers website, you can get the price of the options or just ask your friend exactly what he did pay for it. If it is truly basic, I would revise my estimate downwards closer to George's figure. The 1600cc engine is an obvious shortcoming; Most of us like something a little larger.

I'm not sure, but the base price was probably lower then the 17.9k two years ago. You should also talk to the mechanic, if he is reliable information as to the current status of the car, and how much extra abuse the drive train has incurred over the last two years