[Roadsters] How Much Is Your Car Worth - Just for Grins

[Eddie]

Consider this also:

A car's "worth" parted out is far higher than as one complete unit.  If 
you tried to buy a new car from the dealer piece by piece, your average 
car would cost about 5 times or more than what you pay for it as a 
complete drivable unit.

Considering the fact that MOST roadsters out there, (except the one's 
that have been restored), are in need of a serious overhaul to make them 
"new" or "close to new" most people spend a lot in parts, especially if 
they live in a climate that is conducive to rust.  Then add to the fact 
that there were only about 5,000 of both models made each year AND the 
parts haven't been made in over 40 years... well....certain parts are 
just more expensive.  Body panels for instance.  Other parts which are 
simple to make and/or were on other models Nissan made are considerably 
cheaper, if you know where to get them.  Most engine parts can be 
purchased from a forklift dealer, and are the exact same parts... 
especially for the r-16 and H20 motors.  Water pump, timing chain, 
valves, etc... all the same.  (Camshaft is different though!) 

Value also is determined by demand, which in turn is determined by the 
state of the economy.  I'll bet 3 years ago the same car was worth far 
more than it is today...

When I got insurance I wanted full coverage for my roadster in case some 
numbskull plows into it.  They figured it would be $16K to replace the 
car with one exactly like it.   I had done a full frame off restoration, 
and every single part on that car has been cleaned, repainted or 
sandblasted, repaired, or replaced.  It's basically a brand new car.   
Fortunately, the insurance company agreed, and I got that level of 
coverage.  The best part is, because of the age of the car, they figure 
I won't be driving it very often, so the insurance is about $250 a year. 

Eddie

peter harrison wrote:
> PO paid 2.5 for the car and put another 25K into it
> Me - paint 2700, engine 1300, suspension (including powder coating) 400,
> refitting and powdercoating fuel tank 200, 5 speed tranny - 500, starter +
> alternator 100+, miata seats 15, stereo 500, miscellaneous 500
> = 35k
> = maybe 10K car
> Just wonder how much the investment in our vehicles balances their worth -
> dont really care - they are fun - just a perpestive question - grins
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