1979 Ford Fairmont Squire Wagon private party value?

Hello all! It has been some time since I have posted. I do thank all those in helping us find a new steering column.....So we are at the point where its time to start estimating a value for our 79 Fairmont Wagon we acquired. We have gone through everything on this beauty and she purrs like a kitten. The only thing that is left is a new head liner. The original one was sagging so we removed it. Thought we could re-stretch it but haven't had any luck in doing so. I have spent many hours online reading and re-searching but have yet to find another one exactly like it ( at least the light blue w/ wood grain sides) . Its in really remarkable shape I would say 8.5-9/10 exterior and a 9/10 interior. It has less than 32,000 original miles on it . I m hoping to get an estimate of what I should ask when putting her up for sale. I figured if I asked around here I would get a fair and reasonable price to start from.

So what is a good private party price??

 

Welcome from a Zephyr owner!

I just took a look at your pictures. I can say that from what I seen its in pretty good shape, not many are left in the condition yours is in. But based on those alone (and kinda knowing the fox market) I'm guessing maybe like four or possibly five grand to the right person. But that would be on a good day.

What kind of drive train is in it? That will also effect the price. A 302 will do better than the 2.3 or 3.3. Also what about any rust issues?

But best of the luck with the sell if you decide to go that way!

 

It has the 2.3 motor in it. Which we just gave it a complete tune up. There's absolutely zero rust on the car. Floorboards are solid , doors are solid , back corners are solid no rust or start of rust that you usually see. It has sat in a basement from 1995 till this year web we acquired her. I will get some up to date photos posted this evening.

 

Sorry to say there's not a whole lot of value for a resale. I had my Cougar wagon, a 1982 model that's very similar to Fairmonts and I sold it for $2,000 and thought I did good. Zero rust but it was 3.3 and had cruise, pdl, tilt, roof rack. It was the GS and not the Villager model so no wood. It was in darn good condition. Here's a pic:



The Fox wagons, unless absolutely perfect, don't bring a lot of money. I mostly enjoyed mine for 8 and 1/2 years. The part I didn't enjoy was making it pass the emissions testing every other year. Terrible ordeal.

 

I was thinking of selling my Fairmont wagon. I have the 2.3L/4-speed base car. But, after researching, there's just not a market for the Fairmont wagon. So, it just sits in the garage, waiting till I save up the money to turn it into a 9-sec. drag car. I do get it out and drive it once in a while.
Don't expect to get much out of it. The few that have been on E-Bay didn't go higher than $1500. A good 79 Fairmont wagon 302/auto was on there 3 times, each not going over $1200. I think the seller ended the auction early and told everyone he was going to keep it before selling it that cheap.

 

If the pix in your gallery are all that you have on here,,,,you need more and better pix. A lot more and a lot better. Sorry...just the way it is. The people that have and do own those cars have given you their opinion so if you want other opinions on a price you need to show what you have. All of it...in, out, under. Engine, dash, driver's seat etc etc etc.

 

Have to fully agree AGAIN with the Fox

 

Even in my largely limited experience, fox wagons' value is in the sentiment of owning one more so than monetary value. it's sad but seems to be true. There is a really old guy that lives down the street from me and he owns two vehicles with matching 2-tone blue paint jobs... I think a 70's chevy pickup that sits in his back yard that he drives once a month or so and a fox body he keeps in the garage that gets driven only a few times a year. I have seriously thought about asking him about it but for some reason I haven't. I think it is even the same year as the one I had. He takes really good care of it.

P.S. Post some pics or we'll hunt you down...

 

There is someone selling headliners for Fairmont wagons on ebay.
Without a headliner I wouldn't offer more than 2 grand.
That particular blue on blue is not what I would consider a desirable color.
But given the condition and low miles you describe it could go for between 2K and 3K.
That's my guess anyways, FWIW!

 

32,000 miles. Wow!

I agree with the guys. Its not a high-valued car, BUT!

If you do a little digging for info, you'll find that it is one of those rare models that, even after its current 32 years, and as long as Mustangs remain popular, you'll always find parts for it, from Mustangs and Capris, baby LTDs from 1983 to 1986, and even T-birds. I see it as the modern Model-T.

With the 2.3L engine, you could modify it with a stock Turbo-charger and get it up to and over the stock 302 V8 horsepower ratings and laugh all the way through a tankful of gas.

I'd keep it and upgrade it. I've modified my Fairmont with a whole bunch of Mustang and Capri parts (Gauges and Console and ebrake in the console), interiors from a 1984 baby LTD. Zephyr grille and 4-way headlights. Power windows and door locks. I don't even look at other cars, as a replacement.

When mine had the stock 302, it also had the thick front swaybar (1-1/8" diameter). It handles curves better than a Mustang - just stays flat - no sway!

Just sounds like a solid start on a nice sleeper, with lots of comfort potential. The pre-1981 Fairmonts are the simplest cars to tuneup and maintain. No computers to deal with. Even the factory 2.3 Turbo option had a bare minimum of complexity. One under-valued hobby car.

I've had mine since 1997, and since it was a Mexican car, it came with no rust, either. I paid 8,000 pesos back then ($800 USD$). I owned a new 1981 Fairmont Futura wagon with the 255 V8, for $9.400. My 1979 is a better car, and it probably cost me under $3,000 in parts and upgrades and my Roller-Painting and new woodgrain. For 14 years of service? and another 10 years at least. Hard to beat.

Climb into a new car, close your eyes, and then climb back into your Fairmont. You can fix the Fairmont. The Service shop with hit you up with a small mortgage payment every 3 months. Which looks better?

Hope I triggered a rethink.


EDIT!!!. Its one of the few older cars that if you breakdown on the highway, you can still get repair parts for anywhere in North America, AND, rustfree body parts from Mexico or the Southern USA. A better Model-T. Foxy, eh?

 

So, Norm....you have a rare car.:banana:
An LTDcaptangzephmont.

 

You know, once in while you just see something and it just steels your heart, crawls inside, and makes itself home. Your wagon is just that kind. I'll be honest with you. I don't know what kind of hauling capabilities it has, but if it has the same kind of spirit my old Marquis had, then it's tougher than it looks. If had the $$ I would buy it in a heartbeat.

 

I remember TJ (Postal) had a really nice 82 Granada for sale for....what....2 years? Started out asking in the 3's & after a long while got down to 2. He ended up putting it on Ebay and got 16 & change for it.





In my opinion, someone got a good deal. I like the Fairmont & Zepher Fox body wagons. It's a great platform to have a go fast wagon and they are tough. Another reason I like them is because they are selling cheaper than they probably should be.

 

I hauled almost 3,200 lbs from Guadalajara, MX to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (2,600 miles) in August 1999. 2-decker custom utility trailer, roofrack and inside LOADED. I replaced the 302 water pump in a small town in Texas, and had some welding done on the hitch about 100 miles further north. Ran like a charm. Solid vehicle!

 

Yeah, I'd like to call it the FOX 5 or Zorro 5! She's fun to drive, even with the 6 banger. It would be more fun with a Turbo on it!