Could a '67 Vista Cruiser be worth...

$17k?

The details are its an all original, 37000 mile car - pictures the owner has sent verify its in just about as-new condition. 330, 3-Speed Auto - Power Tailgate and wood paneling. 2 owner, 1 family car. w/no mods. Rated a 2+ car....

Seems expensive, but Im not sure Id find another one?!? What do you Wagon-experts think?

 

Please read this first..... The Welcome Wagon

I am not an expert. But to me that price is rather high even if the condition and mileage are what it says. Still it's getting difficult to find really clean mechanically good old wagons. As I've written before, if you really like it and plan on keeping the wagon a good long time, any price is reasonable.

 

Rated 2+, if that is on a scale of 1 to 10 and 1 being the lowest......


No pics, not really worth anything...yet

 

I'm with ModelT on this, if it is your "Holy Grail" car and you are comfortable paying that and want it for you. Most of us have at least 1 or 2 cars we have more invested in then we care to think about and would have came out ahead even paying more than market value for it. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

On another car forum I'm on someone wrote......When I die hope my wife don't sell my stuff for what I told her I paid for it!

If I had all the money I've paid for cars, parts, and repairs I'd be rich...... but I'd just spend it on more cars, parts, and repairs!

 

On a vehicle like the one as described, you've got to consider it's asking price vs. what you would have to spend out-of-pocket to fix up an average one to get it to the way you want it. If you're not all that 'handy' (like me), you're going to have to spend quite a bit on it. Will you be money ahead buying the average car and then spending more to get it done? Maybe, maybe not.

If you have the budget, I say buy the better car and enjoy it.

 

I got the backup I was hoping for & reassured what not to tell the wife. Im buying to hold and keep so also looking at it as a long term deal & thus justified in my mind. Im off to see/buy the VC in a week and will post some pictures when I do... Thank you all for the conversation.

 

Given what we have seen some of these cars sell for, $17,000 is definitely not over the top for a 2+ condition car. It may be near the top of the market, but it is not over the top.

 

Good luck Dan. Like written, many nice looking vehicles were not nearly as nice once the ownership changed. It's always a gamble but the nicer car you can start with the farther ahead you will be.
I can't believe some of the rust buckets with junky interiors people buy just because the price was cheap. After many years of work and a lot of money they still have a rust bucket.

 

I flew over to Arizona yesterday to touch & feel the 67. She was not over sold or over-advertised, she was a very honest & truthful 37000 mile, all factory original 48 year old Vista Cruiser.

I ended up walking away after an hour just unable to justify the $17,500 the owner wanted... She started and drove silky smooth, ac was cold, interior near perfect minus a couple easily spots needing detail. Front fender behind front wheel was bent in and teim piece bent, under the engine had some dampness, but no rust and no examples of leaks around the VC windows.

At first I was like, well she needs a repaint. But the more I looked, I understood her original faded, scrathced and cracked paint to be her badge of honor, her patina that was something I wouldnt want to lose. She carried it with pride.

But all that being said, the owner being one neat old guy, I just couldnt get my perceived value above the cost. Ive attached some pictures, and if anyone would like the owners contact information, please PM me.

Thank you for all your comments and opinions.

 

If what I see is right, she is worth every penny of the asking price, and I suspect that in 5 years you will he kicking yourself from here to Timbuktu for not grabbing a deal when you had the chance.

 

I would have made an offer on what I was comfortable at.

 

what a wonderful looking car and by your description seller did not oversell what he has; but as others stated, it must be worth it to you; I do think the price is about right if no real other work to be done on it; either buy always the best car for the best price, even if high, or buy at 60% of what you want to spend,find the best one and then spend the money to have it at 100% of what you wanted to spend initially;
These cars are definetely harder to come by and prices will rise.

 

If you didn't feel right going for it, then it wasn't the right wagon for you.

Just thought I would post up some ads of what else is available in that price range (or lower)....

Nice '54 Ford, $12,500
http://www.cars-on-line.com/77702.html


'62 Pontiac Catalina. No price in the ad, but it should be in your price range...
http://www.cars-on-line.com/62829.html


'66 Impala, big block. $23k+ (but you can deal...)
http://fastlanecars.com/vehicles/31/1966-Chevrolet-Impala


'67 Pontiac Catalina, $15.5k OBO
http://www.cars-on-line.com/75250.html


'70 Pontiac LeMans $10,995
http://www.cars-on-line.com/40819.html


Don't get google-eyed by all the shiny alloy wheels a lot of sellers seem to have - just eye candy to attract the buyers mostly.

Lots of good wagons out there. Take your time to find the right one for you...

Good luck with your search.

Marshall

 

I would like to start a chapter of NM5SR or No More 5 Spoke Rims.