Cars for Sale at Carlisle

[Bubber]

I know this might be a rhetorical question, but is Carlisle a good place to look for a muscle car? I have known about this event for years and have never been. I have been on all of the online sites, etc. and just don't trust a lot of the dealers that I see. I am looking for a b-body driver and not something collectable. I had much rather buy from an individual or someone who is known in the Mopar circles. Anyone had any good experiences with purchases from this event? From what I see, it looks like approx. 300 or so cars were for sale last year? I might have a heart attach to see that many Mopars for sale in one place. Thanks in advance.

 

[pabster]

I've never been to Carlisle, but my gut tells me it's not the best place to buy. You said it yourself- you might have a heart attack to see so many Mopars for sale... which could influence you to pay more than you should, and it also most likely will influence sellers to increase their asking prices. If I were you, I would post what you're looking for specifically, and ask people to weigh in on what they think a ballpark price would be. Then go looking in places where just because it's a classic Mopar doesn't mean it's the greatest car in the world. (I know, I know, they are ) I found my '74 by being patient- looking around at what was out there, finding out what to avoid, what people were asking, what cars were actually selling for. I found my Charger on Craigslist, and the guy who sold it to me was good people, and we settled on a deal that made us both happy.

The bonus of shopping for a car at Carlisle is that total junk and covered Bondo nightmares might not be such an issue, since sellers may realize that many buyers will see right through the scams. Once again, just a guess on my part.

Have fun and good luck in your quest!

 

[Bubber]

Since I have never been this was one of the things I was wondering. Is it a buyers market or do most guys see it as an opportunity to ask more for something just because it is the "big event" like you said? I know this is also subjective and the economy will always play a factor in things. I know a lot of you guys go every year and does the "cars for sale" area ever interest you?

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

. If you are in the market for a car, then Carlisle would be a good place to look. I always walk through the Car Corral a few times over the weekend. Are the prices in line with the market? I would say as much as anywhere else. If you go to look in your budget you might find a good deal. Prices are negotiable there just like in your hometown. You won't find as many cars in your price range in your hometown. Prices are higher on Thursday/ Friday, with many cars sold on Saturday, with prices dropping as the weekend goes on. I have seen lots of cars sold for fair money. Don't think you are going to go there and "steal" a car, but you might be surprised with what you can get reasonable. If you don't make a deal there you can always continue negotiations later with the seller, after the Mopar Nats. This AWB car sold for under $25K, 2 years ago, I was parked next to it and know the seller. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[tallhair]

It's only rhetorical if you aren't expecting an answer .. but if are actually interested in buying a car and ready to pull the trigger on the right car for you I'd say it's a good place since there will be a lot of cars there of my years, bodystyles, condition, from stock resto to street mod to project car. If there's 300 cars and as other posters have said they will negotiate like anywhere else .. why not. Great opportunity to see several and pick one if it meets your fancy and budget.

 

[Highwaystar]

I think prices there are in line with the market. Thursday, Friday they are typically higher, but also if a car is priced right it gets gobbled up quickly. Sounds like you have been shopping for awhile and done your homework, so based on what you have been seeing online, you will know if the price is right. I almost pulled the trigger on beautiful 70 Coronet RT the first 2 days, and ended up holding off, only to run onto a 68 GTX convertible on Sunday, and made the deal on the following Tuesday at a very fair price. The best part he only lived 20 miles from me. No regrets. I had shopped for a B-Body for a year and a half. I travelled to N.C, S.C, VA, MD. and everything was a mess, but looked good in pictures. It is a nice place to see what your getting, and have alot to choose from.

 

[dla4567]

Prices seem real good at Carlisle, I thought they would be high but was really surprised. Did anybody see that /6 Challenger last year for $20,000.Kinda wish I had another shot at that one.

 

[Bubber]

Thanks guys, now this is what I am wanting to hear.

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

I've seen both, e bodies are hot right now, so you see some outrageous prices on them....

 

[Northwest]

I think the best advice to buying a muscle car (house, boat, whatever) is to make the decision with your HEAD and not your emotions. If you got your heart set on driving a car back because the deal looks great - you are not thinking with your head. No matter what the car is you HAVE to be completely ready to walk away from the deal. Otherwise you will pay more than you want to, or overlook some problems with the car cause you were in LOVE :grouphug: with the idea of the car.

I drove 600 miles to see my car - it was totally what I wanted, but the price was too high. I made my offer - I had a truck and trailer but the guy wouldn't come down and I walked - didn't look back. Two months later, he calls me agreeing to my price and we made a deal.

 

[wannadrag]

There's a nice looking 68 Coronet on the epay right now with no reserve and it close to you.

 

[RS23VOA]

I've been every year except one. I think its a great place to buy a car. I've sold several there. I've passed on some good buys because i didn't have the room to keep them.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I went there looking for specific cars (68 Charger or 69 A12 Road Runner) for sale last year & was sadly disappointed that none were for sale to my liking. However, if you are in the mood to buy something, just nothing specific, you're sure to find a car that trips your trigger.

 

[FU64RY]

Don't just go to the corral for a car to buy, there are at least another 100 all over the rest of the show.
Most cars for sale on line (eBay) are usually (always) misrepresented. They look good in the pictures but turn out to be not what you expected.
Go and have a god time. Even if you do not get a car you will enjoy the show.

 

[YY1]

Car shows are good places to "shop".

You can get up close and personal with respect to seeing the quality of work.

Plus there are usually several or even many to look at.

The catch- most folks up their prices for shows to cover their travel expense and sometimes simply because the think patron of the show are in a different state of mind.

You can always take pics, write notes and get phone numbers.

Even if you don't buy a car, you can walk away with a good start on a database of what's available, and asking prices versus condition.

 

[Dennis H]

West Coast cars are a safer bet. Less bondo. Not always, but most times.

 

[Highwaystar]

Drag Strips believe it or not, are an excellent place to buy a car. Just talk to the guys in the pits. They usually have cars at home, they will sell to support there "need for speed".

 

[WileE]

Having gone to Carlisle for many years, both as buyer & seller, it is a good place to shop. What others have said here is all good advice. Yeah, you'll see hauled-in bazillion-dollar tagged rust heaps... loaded-up bondomobiles by hustler dealers... but you'll see some pretty good cars priced for what they are, whether projects or complete. As someone mentioned, shop with your head, not your heart.