Advice on the Value of a MK1 Clipper that I am looking to buy

Hi Guys,

I very stupidly sold my previous 1989 clipper last year(big bodykit type) to fund a T25 camper project…

I have since seen the error of my ways and have found a 1987 small bumpered Clipper non GTI thats potientially for sale. Its has approx 85000 miles and seems in pretty good condition. It has a small tear in the roof, the only patch of rust is at the bottom of the windscreen and it has a dent in the front wing that needs addressing. Apart from that it looks like a nice example. What do you think I should offer roughly. I know some of the later clippers seem to be reaching quite high prices these days, and so i'm not sure if the earlier models are more or less desirable…

This will be my daily driver as it will be our second car but i'll still be looking to have a 'play' in terms of the styling/wheels etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

£500

Thanks arf333. I'll give that a go. Might be a bit lower than he's expecting me to offer

Hmm he's thinking at least £1000… 

 "It has a small tear in the roof"
expensive, roofs always cost more than you expect to put right and despite what the owners states, always leak, gravity will see to that  
 "patch of rust is at the bottom of the windscreen" difficult to repair properly and with tin worm being akin to an iceberg can rapidily escalate  
 "and the dent in the front wing" I suppose it depends how fussy or how bad the dent is but this is another job that can quickly grow arms and legs  

I agree with arf, 500 notes as a maximum in my opinion

CAPTAINBUCK said

Hmm he's thinking at least £1000… 

I written about this a number of times because I used to do this for a living but in short.
A seller has three prices in mind.
1. His asking price
2. The price he would like
3. The price he will except

So with that it mind and don't forget if I didn't buy and sell cars I couldn't put food on the table.
Each time without exception I'd hit the seller right where it hurts the most and wait for and gauge the reaction.  

You've just burst his bubble and hit him where it hurts by offering price No. 3 and of course he's going to have a kissy fit.
But you can (when the moment is right) go up from that but you can never go down!  

If you really want the car, go round there with 700 in cash in one pocket and two 50's split in two other pockets.
(or what ever your low number is)
Look closely at the car again.
Be nice but points out the faults (he knows anyway )
Then pull out the 700 and say, there you go. I'll give you this and take the car and never to bother you again!  

Wait for him to react.  

Try it but don't be afraid to walk away, there's plenty more out there!  

I should add, never EVER by on emotion, it's an expensive addiction!  

golfcabrio said

Be nice but points out the faults (he knows anyway )

Point out every single fault you can find and how much you it will cost to put right!
Print out our Guide To Buying A Cabriolet
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/data/attachment.php?id=261&filtered=1&filtered=1

Roof will be best part of £600 to have a new one fitted
If its split then i imagine its leaked so may need carpets (£100 new) seats (£75 - £100?) doorcards (£50?)

Wing + waint will be best part of £100
Sorting out rust under windscreen is a pain

Is the car taxed and MOT'd?

Got any pics of the car you can share?
Scott

Thanks for your help guys…
This could be the first time that I've ever paused to actually think about a purchase, usually i rush in and regret it.
Its a tricky one. He has said that he was going to put it up for £1400! I think at this stage he won't go low enough for my liking. The roof I'm not overly worried about. I had a lovely blue mohair fitted to my last clipper for around £350, and i estimate the wing would be about £100 as arf rightfully suggests.
My theory behind all this is rather than buying the usual high mileage battered runaround thats a boring modern car(having just had a Peugeot 206 that lasted us a few weeks) I want a second car that's going to hopefully appreciate rather than depreciate, and provide me with a bit of enjoyment at the same time. I've also got a T25 camper project on the go at the moment as well ?!?

I would agree with £500-600.

Roof is £500 plus and if you can get it for less then your a better man than me as up here they are far dearer.

Wing £100-150

Rust under the widscreen is a pain and a few quid.

Pics would be easiest to determine the correct price but £1400 is way off the mark in my opinion.

Remember though that a car is only worth what someone will pay for it and as long as you are happy then who cares  

"Remember though that a car is only worth what someone will pay for it and as long as you are happy then who cares"  
couldnt have put it better myself