96 Impala SS

[69rsss350]

I am supposed to be an expert on used car values but this one has me stumped. I was at an auction today and there was a 96 Impala SS that went across the block Odometer INOP. No telling what the true mileage is. The car was in good running conditon (good drive train) but needed some cosmetic restoration. My best guess is that a couple grand would make this a very nice car. What is it worth?

[Denis]

Here's what NADA says:

CHEVROLET
1996


IMPALA-V8-RWD
Body Style: Sedan 4 Door SS
Model Number: BL5
Weight: 4,036
Average Mileage Range: 72,800 - 75,800
Average Trade-In: $14,950
Average Retail: $17,450

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Optional Equipment
Aluminum/Alloy Wheels : $50
Leather Seats (Std. Impala): $200

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Totals
Total Average Trade-In: $15,200
(*)Total Average Retail: $17,700

[69rsss350]

Thanks, I am a car dealer and I know what the books say. I want to know what the car is really worth, that is what someone will write a check for. Remember there is no mileage documentation. I'm not trying to sell the car, I don't own it, but I CAN buy it and I want to know what the money is. Thanks, I'm sure you didn't know I was a dealer.

[Stefano]

Most car dealers in my area would hit the car to the right of Rough Black book/wholesale by as much as 50% (not NADA) minus the work it needs to get it up to snuff.(You say its $2,000.00)

You as a dealer would traditionally be the one to set the retail selling price. The stronger the retailer the more that particular dealer will pay wholesale.

I would venture to say that if it was run at a major dealer auction that caters to Franchise and Independent dealers that it already fetched a fair wholesale bid.

[69rsss350]

You are right on, I am a wholesaler. The guy that owned it was trying to sell the car for about $10,000. I thought the car was worth about $6,000. Needless to say it was a "no sale".

[DjD]

The last one I saw was setting on a Chevy dealers lot and they wanted $25K for it. It was in real nice condition but Sat for about 6 months. This was within the last year. It's hasn't been there for 3-4 months now. this is the same dealership selling 35th SS convertibles for $52K

[69rsss350]

My thought was that these cars had some value as collector cars and could be worth buying and fixing up. Would still have to sell it TMU but if a guy owned it for the right price...???

[redeuce]

If you are going to stash one, '96 is the only year to get. Only year for floor shifted auto. However, to be worth money, must be under 30,000 miles. If odometer is inop, it's a high mile car-backed by your guess that it needs 2,000 in resto work. Worth no more than 6,500-6,800 if you are buying it to make money. However, easily worth 9-10,000 if you plan on upgrading it. I have appraised 2 '96 in the last two weeks- both low mile, body off, powder coated everything, supercharged. One had a Vortech and the other a Paxton. The guy with the Paxton was running 20 lbs at full boost! He also had it in a trailer. That's the new trick set up for the '96- powder coat or chrome everything, 5 spoke chrome wheels, stainless exhaust, adjustable computer, etc. One guy had 50,000 invested. The other 60,000. I know it sounds unbelievable, but around Chicago this seems to be a hot set up. One of the guys owned a powder coating shop near Chicago and this is the only car I have appraised that received a #1 condition rating in 8 months. He's won top gun at World of Wheels and many other shows. I think this model car may make some small waves in the near future.

[69rsss350]

I agree with your post in general, there was a 96 at a car show I went to today set up like you say. It was pretty trick, the guy even had a custom interior in it with the factory type leather. I know of another 96 for sale here in town that is supposed to be very nice for 10,500. I can't remember what the miles were. 50-60K sounds like alot, hope they plan on keeping them cause I don't know anybody that is going to lay out that kind of dough for one!
PS, my old Camaro took 1st in Class and Best Muscle Car. Sweet!

[redeuce]

You may be surprised. I have seen some popping up at many of the cruises I attend. The owners all seem to be thirty-something. This may be the next generations ride of choice. The ones I appraised also had the interiors totally redone in custom leather.

[69rsss350]

I'm assuming that your appraisals were done for stated value insurance purposes? Gonna keep my eye out for a low miler, maybe fool with it but I gotta believe the mods could be done a lot cheaper.

[redeuce]

Yes they were. And you are correct-pick up a low miler, upgrade on a smaller scale.