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I think it depends on the vehicle sometimes, I recently was researching a 2005 F-250 value for my son who's truck got totaled and Edmunds was a bit higher.
1936 GMC T-14 low cab. TA for 1935-37 GMC, Director of the Gulf Coast Region
I have found Old Cars Price Guide to be "on the money" in most cases. Condition says it all but everyone may interpret "condition" to suit themselves.....and remember, its Old Cars Price GUIDE.
1937 Chevy 1/2 ton Pickup 1950 Chevy Styleline Deluxe Coupe 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton Panel Delivery
I'd rather walk and carry a Chevy hubcap than ride in a Ferd.
Guide is the key word. A '50s pickup in the plains states where there were tons of them sold will be lower than on either coast, especially in California. As with anything for sale, it's "value" depends on how bad the seller wants to dispose of it and how bad the buyer wants to possess it.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
I have determined 3 key points I remember whenever I am using any source to determine the "value" of a vehicle.
1) What is the source of revenue that creates income to maintain the information? For example, when using the Hagerty tool I remember that their revenue is based on insurance premiums. A higher vehicle value means a higher premium. On the other hand NADA and Kelley are maintained through funding from dealers and organizations that finance vehicles. Lower values help their business model.
2) Condition is a critical factor and very subjective. My experience is that most sellers overstate condition and vehicle desirability. The statement I frequently hear is "It ran great when we used it at Ellen's wedding". Except Ellen now has 3 kids!
The true value is the highest price the buyer is prepared to pay, this applies to store prices as well. If the store wants more than you are prepared to pay you walk out the door but as there are others prepared to pay the price the store doesnt change their pricing policy but a private seller may do. Tony
Totally agree with tonyw. My late brother had a classic Mustang (can't remember the year) he was trying to sell for the ten or fifteen thousand price he found in either KBB or Edmunds. Tried telling him the "value" of the car was only as high as the highest bidder was willing to pay. In this case, it turned out to be about $4500, later resold after some fix-up for $5000. That's a far cry from what the books said it was worth but, then again, he was probably overestimating its condition and not considering the market he was selling it in.
Why do I spend more time under my car than in the driver's seat?
Thanks everyone for the input. No question about the worth of a vehicle being what someone is willing to pay. I was looking for reference point for either buying or selling a vehicle. I was just looking for a realistic guide.I have been using NADA in the past (great if you are selling or insuring) not so good if you are a novice looking for a realistic price...
When your giddy emotions come into play all your wisdom goes out the door. I want every 41 Special Deluxe Coupe and Cabriolet out there and I get giddy whenever i see one.
Whe the above happens the price is imaterial. It's merely what closes the deal that counts.
The attachment illustrates the exciting feeling better than just words can do,
Best,
Charlie
NOTE: There is rough and foul language in this clip from the movie "Christine." Please don't watch with the missus or children within earshot or if you cringe at such language
