Caprice engine swap?

[Adam]

This is not a P71
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Marauder- ... 1461026358

[Bob]

Here's a mint 11,600 mile example of a 95 Impala SS.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5271599331.html

The resale on these has seemingly not change at all. In fact, resale probably hasn't gone down on any, only that more higher mileage and used examples exist which drive down the average transaction price. But the price of very well kept examples is still high. Unlike the G-bodies, these didn't drop and come back - they never dropped.

Here's an even lower mileage example. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5298938349.html

[Adam]

It sounds like you want to pay rusty Caprice money for your Caprice again. Otherwise you aren't going to do it.

I think cash-for-clunkers altered the landscape of these cars. Many of the less desirable models that would have provided a steady stream of parts for the interesting models are gone. The ones that are left are now being neglected to the point where they will soon be worth scrap value at the junkyard.

Speaking of that, scrap value is something to consider. Not sure what a B body goes for now, but normal cars are in the $300-500 range. Considering the weight differential, I would expect a B-body to bring in ~$700 if you brought it there. You can't expect to find a very nice specimen for only 2x scrap. That is always what holds up the bottom of the market for used cars. No one is going to sell one for less than scrap, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Scrap tends to follow inflation (and is arbitrarily increased by things like metal shortages).

[Adam]

Here's a mint 11,600 mile example of a 95 Impala SS.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5271599331.html

The resale on these has seemingly not change at all. In fact, resale probably hasn't gone down on any, only that more higher mileage and used examples exist which drive down the average transaction price. But the price of very well kept examples is still high. Unlike the G-bodies, these didn't drop and come back - they never dropped.

Here's an even lower mileage example. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5298938349.html

Wow, it's finally time for its first oil change.

[Bob]

I am guessing the interior must be pretty bad given the price: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5287466699.html

[Adam]

So, to replace your Caprice, you need to find either a neglected (but not too neglected) version of an interesting model for $1500 or a perfect copy (condition-wise) of your Caprice for the current inflation-adjusted market value (just under $5k)?

[Adam]

I am guessing the interior must be pretty bad given the price: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5287466699.html

Or it has 200k on it.

[kevm14]

I don't know what I want. I am currently sorting through things I don't want, since I can't seem to quantify all of my requirements.

[Bob]

Lambo doors, y0: http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/5306278277.html

[kevm14]

So, to replace your Caprice, you need to find either a neglected (but not too neglected) version of an interesting model for $1500 or a perfect copy (condition-wise) of your Caprice for the current inflation-adjusted market value (just under $5k)?

The thing with used cars is, most of the little things that would drive me nuts and take time and money to fix, DON'T tend to decrease the market value that much.

Which means, I have to be extremely picky or otherwise pay too much. And that applies to every car purchase I've made. I don't intend to change that approach.