1980 Buick Centruy 7,000 Miles Found in Storage Unit!

I used to manage storage places so I know what he probably paid for the cars. Just remember that he would have bought them sight unseen, definitely not having a chance to start them up, just seeing a lump under a cover. What he paid has no bearing on what they are worth to someone who can actually see them, start them, drive them. The seller should, however, get them titled in his own name before selling just to make sure for next buyer that there are no title problems.

And NO, storage wars show is absolutely NOT representative of what storage lockers get bid to during a real auction. No auction buyer would ever bid up to what he thought the contents would actually sell for, no profit in that. The buyers also do NOT get to do any more inspection than just standing at the doorway and looking in.

 

Cool story and find. I like the G body cars, nice light full frame cars that respond to performance mods very well. My dad bought a 1940 Chevy business coupe about 15 years ago to street rod. It was all original and took us a few hours and a $100 to get running. It was way too nice and original for us to cut up so we decided to sell it to someone who wanted a nice original car. I can't say that about many cars we had because we have no problem modifying one. That's the problem I have with your car, too nice and original that I would hate to own it because it would be too hard to not modify it. As far as price goes, only time will tell how much someone will pay. I know personally if it is a car I wanted, it's such a nice one I would probably pay what most here would consider overpaying. I have also sold cars that I have lost interest in for below market value because I no longer wanted it but there is a a$$ for every seat. Someone will either buy it at X amount of dollars or owner will agree to take X amount of dollars for it. Any way you slice it or dice it is still a great find and I would have been excited to find it too. No matter what engine, options or anything else and without knowing what was paid for the storage unit, (I have bought storage lockers a few times and use to frequent auctions regularly for fun) I would bet you got a great deal on it. Congratulations Nice wagon and car and good luck on the sale.

 

Another 1980 Century wagon , nice looking, but miles not as low.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4858707175.html

 

I would think its worth at least 6k and wouldnt be surprised if it went for more on eBay. I don't care what yo paid, but I wouldn't take anything near 2 or 3k for it with those miles and condition.

You have a number in mind, what are you hoping for?

 

Those are some man sized bumper guards on the 2 door Regal.

 

'Braille parker'......... Looks like they came off another kind of vehicle.
.........................................................................................................

I don't understand storage auctions. Why not make it 'honest', and allow a complete visual inspection before the bidding process starts? Yes, there might be a few where the facility gets next to nothing for it, but they could also make out like gangbusters on a unit like the OP bought......

 

Mack truck?

 

Awesome scores! Love that Regal. I love to hear stories like this. Value is going to be what someone is willing to spend. Heck put them on Ebay at no reserve and let it go from there.

Oh, and one other thing, to get top dollar you're going to need titles. Potential buyers are taking a risk at buying a vehicle with no title, and will affect how much money they're willing to spend. Especially based on your comment: "There was a third car that would have been sold but the guy/ care taker got it out before they over locked the units". I have no idea how that works, but if that caretaker still has titles for your 2 cars, I imagine he can become a pain it your rump.

 

I'm begining to like this man. Seems honest and in reality he gave us a chance ahead of many.
We don't watch TV at home but in the past watched those storage shows when at our kids visiting. I realize it's not real life.
Only once did I buy things from a storage locker. The owner explained that once or twice each year he opens abandoned storage units and sells the contents. This was more of a yard sale type thing where I could see and move things around to see more. I got some great buys on useless junk I still haven't used. But they were great buys!
50+ metal shelves, a large breaker box filled with breakers, a new electric motor like compressors have, and more.
If only I had yard sales now and then it would have been a good deal. But us hoarders just stash it away for the next buyer.

 

Both cars are amazing! My honest opinion..... the wagon is green, green in itself is NOT a selling point to 9.5 out of 10 buyers......But I'm that .5 guy, I have all ways liked green, owned several green machines over the years and to be honest the colour was the reason I got a great car, well taken care of, turn key drive away zoom zoom for a lower price than compared to Blue as a example, not many people want green. ....... I'd drive that green beast ASAP, would look great in my driveway beside my green house!

I've also noticed over the years of being a member on the forum, your Buick wagon as my 83 mid size Olds just does not get the following of a Malibu of the same era, yet from the windshield back they are basically the same car. But a Malibu in your Buicks condition, people would be all over it like **** on a blanket!

What is it worth?? Well you have gotten some ideas by now but IMO don't hold your breath as for 'book value". We have seen the "book" proven it's lack of worth many times over the years, members selling there wagon far below book value, members in accidents have BS with insurance companies when it comes to the book.

As a retired flipper of cars from way back, IMO a profit is a profit, the faster you can flip it the better. Don't over price yourself as nothing worse than seeing a "it's been for sale for over a year now" cars due to dreams of Barret Jackson thinking and that darn book value. And on top of that, your time keeping the car clean, storage, etc of a over priced for sale car. Car is worth what the highest offer is as in ca$h in hand.

Back to the book value..... What exactly are they basing "fair" and "Good" condition on? (I'm leaving factory mint out of this) So a car is in "good" condition for the rust belt area standards......... so for California standards, does that make the same car a rust bucket heap? I live on the wet coast, on a island. Our climate is very mild and still today it's nothing to see 20+ year old cars driving around that look in 8 out of 10 condition. YET people who live ocean front constantly getting that salty sea breeze on there cars, it's also common to see 5 year old cars rusting from the inside out.

Awesome looking cars, the both of them, good luck with the sales....ust don't get to greedy. I still live by the motto...... flipping it fast is more $ in the pocket than hanging on to it when it comes to the long run. And I'm sure you know that buying and selling storage containers

 

"Station Wagon Values are in the eyes of the beholder"

Well my search for a buyer has come to an end! Well not buyer but more of a trader! I was contacted by a well know VP of a large corporation in regards to my station wagon.

He persuaded me into a even trade for a 1949 Frazer Manhattan restored! Once he sent me a picture I was like SURE! See when he was a kid his parents had the same kind of wagon which represented so many priceless memories! He continued to tell me he wanted to present this to his parents as a gift. After doing some research of the gentleman we set up the deal! Just got back and couldn't wait to share the continued story.

For all those who may have a wagon don't under estimate its value!!

I am glad I didnt take the advise of many just to sell it and make a quick buck. The car as well as this car will be enjoyed valued by there new owners!

Thanks again to all who shared there expertise both good and good! Today there is a new car guy in the making.. PS Frazer is not for sale!

 

Some quick comments here.

First, congratulations on a trade that satisfies you both.

Second, as far as underestimating the car's value, you still don't know the car's value. All you know is that you and a guy with a '49 Frazer have decided that your cars are equal to each other in value. That's cool, but it doesn't establish a dollar value.

Third, as far as making a quick buck, not everyone looking to get rid of their car wants another car. There's nothing wrong with "quick bucks" if that's what you need, and some need the cash, however much or little it might be. If that were the case for you, this car would still be for sale.

 

Congrats on your deal. As I stated in my first post in this thread, I would have been excited to find it and it is a neat wagon and great you found someone with a personal connection to that model wagon!

 

Thanks for the update. Looks like several happy people and that makes playing with cars more fun.

 

Sounds like you made out like a bandit.