When I "found" my 'Cuda, I approached the house shortly after working hours. I made sure I was wearing respectable clothing - nothing dressy, just khakis, polo shirt, etc. I also made sure I had a C-note in my wallet (you might want 4 or 5) because you NEVER KNOW when you'll find that guy who says, "shoot - what've ya got in yer pockets?" I heard of a guy once who got a 340 'Cuda for a freakin' dollar............
Anyways, start by ASSUMING that the guy
loves and
drives the car often. You know otherwise, but don't let him in on your research. DON'T take your own 'Cuda - two reasons: He'll think, "he already has one so why should he want mine?" AND, he might see your car - how nice it is - and think, "Man, I really want mine to look like that" and actually rekindle his interest in KEEPING his car.
Ask questions like, "What year is it? What motor is in it?" - simple questions that you might already know the answer to - you just want to get him talking. I'd hesitate to start talking about yours - if he's financially challenged and realizes you're looking to buy your SECOND classic car, it might just put him off. Approach that topic carefully.
As he's talking about the car, you'll get a feel for what it means to him. Maybe it's his father's car and it's important to him. Maybe it was his first car. If he doesn't talk with that "mopar passion" we all know so well in our hearts, then after a while casually ask, "have you ever considered selling it?" He might go straight with a yes or no. He'll probably go on about "restoring it someday"... At that point you want to be casual, tell him you were asking because you'd be interested in making an offer and were just curious if he had ever considered a value on the vehicle.
The important thing is to get him thinking about it. You don't necessarily want to talk figures unless he definitely DOES want to sell it. You at least want him to start thinking about it - thinking about maybe having a few grand to put in his pocket, clearing that spot in the driveway - whatever. Then, in another month, you can approach him again and ask if he's thought any more about it.
Now, if he says, "Oh yeah - I'm thinking $10,000 for it" then again, you have to make a character assesment based on your conversation with him up to that point. If he seems like a wise-a$$, then you're best dropping it and wrapping up your chat. You can't teach a pig to fly - it only wastes your time and annoys the pig. If he seems like maybe he's unsure of his price, maybe start by asking him how he arrived at that figure. When he says, "Well I saw Barrett Jackson," make a reply like, "I think Barrett Jackson skews people's understanding of these cars because there are so many factors - such as model year, engine, trim, and features - that affect the value of these vehicles. I can tell you that from what I've researched, this vehicle, with [insert what he's said it has here] would probably go for [insert appropriate price.]" Don't use the word "only" - as in, "Only worth $6,000." You don't want to make him feel insulted or ridiculed. Also, don't try to diminish the value of his car - don't tell him it's worth 2K if it's worth 6K, etc. If he doesn't accept your deal on the spot and decides to do his homework, he'll realize you were BS'ing him real quick and any chance you had of acquiring the car will be shot (as you might be if you return to his house!)
That's how I'd approach it - assume he wants to keep the car - that way you'll risk offending him by trying to buy it on the spot. If he does want to sell it, act surprised, act interested, and always remain respectful. He still has the keys for now!
Sorry this got wordy - but I used to sell cars for a living. And besides, you asked for it!
Jeff
