318 V8. 65k miles. Good looking and clean Dodge, but it clearly does not have all factory options as the seller seems to claim. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979...9120551?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337f4d8ba7
Quite low optioned, in my books. No power windows, no power door locks. Does have leather, a/c and cruise. Does not have the deluxe bumper package with the rub strips. The 318 with the 2 bbl is a bit weak for the car. The 4 bbl was a much nicer driving car, but that was only available with the police package. The 360 is sweet in these. I drove one, once, with the 225. I could walk faster! It made a 1981 Volvo with a carb seem quick! Over all, this is a nice car, but I don't think it is all that unique nor all that special. My guess is he set the starting bid and reserve way too high. I'm betting it is a no sale.
Very low optioned. I have a Consumer Guide 1979 car price/review guide which could tell me all those options this wagon does not have, starting with power windows, locks, and seat, tilt steering wheel, 8-track/cassette radios, digital clock, electric rear window defogger, and sport steering wheel (3-spoke), and those are only the ones that my '79 Town & Country I owned in 1995 had, not to mention the sunroof, road wheels, and so much more!
The Old Cars Price Guide puts the value of one of these in #1 condition, which means a car that is better than showroom new, is trailered everywhere it goes, and is never driven, at only $4,000. I'm sure that lots of things go into determining a value for a car like this in very good condition, but I can't believe it's worth his buy-it-now price, which is double this. It is, after all, a station wagon, and we all now how these are valued in the real world as much as we wish it were otherwise.
It is priced too high. I posted on the forum this loaded and much rarer Plymouth Caravelle wagon back in November when it was priced at just $2800. I would have been very interested had it not been on the other side of the country from me. 1981 Plymouth Caravelle Salon Yes, I have posted this extremely rare 1981 Canadian Plymouth Caravelle Salon station wagon model previously. But, it is still available for sale, loaded and has new photos, priced to sell at $2800! The plush interior looks gorgeous. Who wants a really beautiful example of one of the very last RWD Plymouth station wagons produced by Chrysler? http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/3289140410.html
Eight large would buy a '62 Newport Wagon in the same part of the country. With a little negotiation that could include shipping. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/3540810728.html Definitely has more potential than a compact Diplomat/LeBaron/Caravelle. I do like that '81 woodie for $2800 though. Dippy.org is a great place to talk F and M body cars. They are a very tight knit group. I'm only grandfathered in because I had an '84 Diplomat police package back in '97-'98. Miss that car terribly, too.
Wow! This Diplomat allegedly has sold for $6600. I'm skeptical, particularly since there was only the one bid. This makes that loaded '81 Caravelle look like even more of a bargain.
I bought a '63 Dodge Custom 880 wagon in 1994, in better condition than the Chrysler above, for a whopping one hundred dollars. Took a battery and fuel to get it running. Put tires, brake cylinders, belts and had the seats redone. Had about $800 it it total. The guy I sold it to three years later drove it several times from OK to Wi and back. I really wish I had not sold that car, but hey!
The $6600 seems high but I dont think its all that unrealistic. I have seen a lot more spent on cars a lot less "desirable". Remember, there's something for everyone.