New guy with that typical "What should I pay?" question

I want a station wagon! I want to ditch my new SUV for some classic iron. I've been narrowing the years down via Google Image - an awesome tool for this by the way. I've landed on the 68-72 (give or take) era. I like the long, wide kind of "hunkered down" look.

I came across a 1969 Buick Sport Wagon - LOVE the roof-windows! It's all there - and unmodified... I think it's owned by the original owners. No rust, no dents... just a faded old wagon in (what looks to be) really good shape.

Is this particular wagon anything "special"? Knowing nothing about old wagons I'm assuming they're like any category, e.g. the '55 Chevy is worth more than a '55 Olds (which I had and loved!).

Any idea what I should expect to pay this wagon? Anything I should look for - places they typically rust, options that would drive price, etc.

Thanks for any insights... and for humoring the new guy.
-Mark

 

Soemthing less than this!

http://www.cars-on-line.com/45593.html

Check here for other equivalent wagons:
http://www.cars-on-line.com/

If its a 'barn-find' you might get away with trading 'one-last-ride-after-restored', like I did with a 1955 Studebaker President Coupe. If its complete and running, AND solid, you could try from about $2,000 to $3,000. Anything less is a personal assessment of the wagon's condition, rust status, etc. I'd just go and look, and size up the car and the owner, then make an offer.

 

What to pay....that's a hard question. What ever makes you and the seller happy.

I personally like the Buicks better than the Olds Vista. I'm odd. I like anything that has less popularity than the going thing. Mustangs for example aren't high on my list. Everybody has one so to speak. So, I have a Cougar instead and a wagon to boot.

I say get the Buick.

 

Is there a good site for specs such as engines, transmission, etc. on the old wagons?

It looks like Buick used a I6, a couple 350s, a 400 and 430 in 1969. I'm assuming the 400/430 was for the GS/GSX (guessing here) so that leaves possibly an I6 but probably a 350 making 230-280hp.

Can a visual, e.g. one-tone paint and hubcaps, on a Sport Wagon determine motor? It looks pretty base... sure hope it's not the I6

 

I'll bet that there's a 99.99% chance it's a 350 V8 or 400. I just don't think that Buick would have used a I6 in a Sport Wagon. Maybe the plain flat top wagon but not a Sport.

I do have a question? What the heck is wrong with an I6? Those engines last forever. Mine has 88 hp.

 

You won't find straight 6 in a Buick Sportwagon or a Olds Vista Cruiser. Way too heavy. Most of them came with small-to-medium sized V8's (a few may have had big honkers), but since they are so old, some that you're looking at may have replacement engines.

As to what they ar worth, the biggest deciding factor is condition. Shop for what your time, money and talent allows you. For what you're looking for, this is what you are gonna get (talking generalities here....)

$0 - $2,000: Pretty much a 'beater' May have parts missing and be undriveable in it's present condition

$2,000 - $4,000: Driveable, but needs work in most areas. Expect to have to rebuild some major components soon.....

$4,000 - $6,000: Decent 'driveable' collector. Has seen some care over the years. Some items may have already been done, but still needs attention in some areas. Probably the best 'bang for your buck' in this category.

$6,000 on up: Anything this expensive (with a few exceptions for rare vehicles) should be safely driveable ove long distances. Lots of work done, but not necessarily finished. Lots of stuff out there for sale in this price range is overpriced, actully belonging in the prior category. Be careful! Inspect thoroughly so you know what you are buying.

Good luck.
Post up some links or picsof the wagons you're looking at if can, and check out our 'Auctions' section where we post wagon ads from all around........

Marshall

 

To me, this alone makes it worth buying, and you should buy it! I've always though that those raised-roof Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers were one of the best-looking station wagons ever, particularly the '68-'72 era, and the Buicks were just as nice.

 

Ditching a newer anything for a old wagon is a great start. I really do hope it turns out for you Mark.


Those wagons are worth $$ for sure but how much $$ should you expect to pay..? To be honest, we need a better description and pics, lots of pics etc to really be able to help you.

IMO you should be hunting for ones that sold but only pay attention to ones with alot of detailed pics. If they are sold you know the buyer and seller are happy, so thats what it's worth.

 

This is a very succinct and helpful scale. Without being able to put it into words, as you have, this is my 'gut' feeling about pricing.

As someone who recently paid $6500 for a wagon, I know I wanted the car, they seller was happy, but in the back of my mind I kept thinking, "did I overpay?" (nevermind that the next lowest bidder offered $5000 for the car, I got it at the reserve price.)

Got in the car and drove it home, 200+ miles, am happy like crazy, but still there was a part of my brain that doesnt want to get taken advantage of or worse, look like an idiot to guys that know better.

Thanks Krash.

Oldschool, hope you get the wagon of your dreams!

 

Man guys... you've already been a huge help - and I've yet open the door on that or any wagon. The owners appear to out of town

I've built old Jeeps for years. The undisputed fact in that - and most automotive categories - is "It's cheaper and easier to buy a finished/restored ___" In other words, that $2,500 "deal" seems cheaper than the $7,000 shiny version... until you swap the motor, deal with rust, rebuild the tranny... I'm currently building a Scrambler that will end up costing north of $15,000. I could probably sell the finished Jeep for $9,000... or less.

So, unless you guys steer me otherwise, I think I'll focus on the "puffs"... even if it costs more upfront.

 

Old School, the fact that you've made the incredibly wise decision to get rid of the SUV for a long roof says alot about you. Congratulations. The Sport Wagons and Vista Cruisers are some of the most beautiful wagons ever made; there's no doubt about that, let alone the fact how much fun they are for the rear seat passengers. I would suggest to be patient, get on line and get a feel for what's out there and what the prices are, and then when the right one becomes available you'll know it.
Good luck and keep us informed.,

 

You're right for sure about that! The more you spend upfront, the less you will lay out in total. I couldn't begin to build my car for what I paid for it - even if I had a rust-free donor to start with...

 

Once I get around to actually looking for a collector wagon, I'll be taking that route as well. A lot of that decision also has to do with just how 'handy' you are with some of the necessary work. Paying someone else for labor is expensive, but you have to know your limitations.

There are some guys, like Norm, who have no limitations........or fear.

 

This is KILLING me - This is just amazing: After narrowing the year/style of wagon I want, I finally wandered over to my neighbor's house - we're talking 200 yards from my driveway. It's the '69 Sport Wagon that I mentioned ^. But after 3 days of walking by, knocking on the door... they're not home!

It's killing me 'cause this could be THE wagon. OR - the owner could say "#&* NO!" that it's an heirloom, etc.

So as not to set myself up (further) for disappointment I'm (sort of) writing this one off (oh, I'll check - no doubt)... but I want to keep looking.

What are some good classic car sites?
CraigsList and CraigLook
Classic AutoTrader
Ebay (not a huge fan for actually buying a car)
Others? CarDomain? CarsForSale?

Thanks (again!)

 

I'd go off the beaten path. This site often has some nice wagons:
http://www.unclehenrys.com/

http://www.desertgold.com/classic/4sale.html

http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/

Canadian site in my province, but he often has North Dakota cars too.
http://www.callingallcars.ca/