Hello, I am Paul and I am new to the forum

From the 1960's to the mid 1980's my family used station wagons for a good part of our transportation needs. I still can can remember my Dad's 1963 LeSabre wagon, (long since gone), and of course his 1972 Estate Wagon. If you have not already guessed he was a big Buick guy. One Summer vacation in 1971 we took the 1963 wagon from Wisconsin to New Mexico, up to Wyoming, over to South Dakota and back to Wisconsin. It was one long but interesting trip. I took my drivers test in his 1972 Estate Wagon.
Which leads me to my sales pitch. Could anyone tell me what a 1972 Buick Estate Wagon is worth? My Dad is now in his early 80's and wants to sell it.
It has the 455 V8. Nutmeg brown exterior and brown interior. It is a one owner car, never smoked in, with 53,994 miles on the odometer. The A/C does not work but we plan to repair it (bad compressor). It shows very minimal wear on the original paint and the interior is almost perfect. No rust (did not drive in the Winter). Do you have any ideas just let me know.
Thanks, Paul

 

Welcome to the forum Paul! Sounds like an awesome wagon, you may find a buyer on this forum for sure, plus an idea of what it's worth.

 

Paul. Sounds like you are from a wagon family. It's sad to see you want to sell what appears to be a nice family station wagon. Why don't you consider keeping it or buying it yourself? It's very rare to have a chance to keep a family vehicle.
That's my sales pitch and I'm stickin to it.

 

Welcome - can you post some pics of your wagon? It's hard to have any idea of what it's worth without seeing it.

 

First off, keep in mind that station wagons, as much as they're loved on this forum, are not high up in the collector car world as far as desirability and value, although that might be changing slowly as people come to recognize what these cars once were and the eras they represent.

Anyway, the Old Cars Price Guide lists the value of a '72 Estate Wagon in #4 condition, which means runs and drives but needs complete restoration, at about $2,000. In #3 condition, which is described as "car show" condition but not showroom condition, the values listed are in the $4,000 to $4,500 range.

While we haven't seen any photos or anything of your car, from your brief description, I'm going to guess it's somewhere between these two condition levels (needs some things but not everything), so maybe a very ballpark estimate is around $3,000.

But you never know. Clean it up well, get it running if it isn't running, take LOTS of photos from every angle, underneath, engine, etc., be honest about any defects as you were about the A/C, and, if it doesn't have any obvious rust or dents, stick an asking price of $5,000 and see what happens. If no one knocks on your door in month, drop it to $4,500 or $4,000 or whatever.

Depends on how fast you want to sell it and what you want for it. Since your family has owned the car since new, or 41 years now, it's not like you're trying to get back a price you paid for it recently. Whatever you can get for it puts you ahead of where you are now if the goal is to turn it into cash.

 

Welcome aboard PaulR.
Great advice already provided by your friendly forum buddies!

And I must add: Pics wanted!

 

Welcome Paul!

 

Welcome Paul!

 

I'm fannie and not so new...

to SWF

You should list your wagon on here maybe a member might buy it...:confused:

 

Yes, by all means, post photos of the car and your sale info here. The clamshell wagons are unique in the history of station wagons, and it's always nice to see another survivor.

 

If I was closer,had the money, and it wouldn't cost me my marriage I would happily pay 5 or 6 grand for the car you described. I agree with CatModelT you should think of keeping it. Nothing beats the feeling of cursing the road in your very own land yaht.

 

I hate potholes, too!

 

Welcome! Love to see some pics.

 

1972 Buick Estate Wagon

I just tried to post a long and rather good reply and this damn site kicked me out and erased it.

Thanks

 

I see you have a 1969 Ultravan. That is the one with the Corvair power train and dashboard gauges yet? I probably will not keep it because I will get my Dad's 1973 Opel Manta Rallye instead. A much more practical vehicle.

Nice meeting you. Paul