Hello,
This seems like the place to get some feedback on a car for sale :
1971 Eldorado, $22 k, supposedly 21 k miles. And a bling-factor that is through the roof! Two listings for it below.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/lynnwood-1971-cadillac-eldorado-coupe/7468571242.html (https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/lynnwood-1971-cadillac-eldorado-coupe/7468571242.html)
https://www.jaguarseattle.com/inventory/1971-cadillac-eldorado-coupe-693471q425349 (https://www.jaguarseattle.com/inventory/1971-cadillac-eldorado-coupe-693471q425349)
Been looking for a relatively inexpensive classic car for local car shows. I'm a motorcycle guy, but this local listing caught my eye! Looks like I'll I would have to do is polish it. I've had a few 70's Oldsmobile's over the years, never a Cadillac.
Thoughts? Is it reasonable? Advice?
You should see if the seller knows the maintenance history and how long it's been sitting. Regardless of the miles seals, gaskets, soft parts (brake hoses, tires etc) can degrade. If someone has been driving and maintaining it that makes it more interesting.
I'm not a fan of the eyelid over top of the windshield or the extra part on the front above the grill but for what it is it looks like it was done well. I thought the interior looked very good. Is that a really dark brown or is that just the photo? I like the idea of the dark brown if that's what it is.
We cannot see under the hood or under the car. There is one photo where you can see the bottom seam of the door and it looks clean and original. I assumed the link to the dealer site had the complete set of photos so I didn't look at the craigslist link.
Welcome to the forum!
Scott
Thanks for the reply. I understand the critique of the added chrome, but if you knew my bikes you would realize that this car doesn't have nearly enough farkles and do-dads for my taste! I know nothing about these cars, but I was assuming all the shiny stuff was aftermarket or dealer added items. I especially like the trunk straps.
The age of the soft parts don't concern me, I would expect to replace them all. The hard parts, however...yes, maintenance history would be nice. Plus I would bring my paint meter.
The big unknown to me is price. Hagerty valuation looks to be the sellers benchmark, but hemmings listings run a little lower.
Is this a desirable model? I love how it looks, so I guess that's the only thing that really matters. But I wouldn't want to be taken advantage of.
It's a Jaguar dealer selling it. My general impression is that when a dealer has something which isn't in their typical lane they're guessing what it's worth. I'm not an expert in that particular year. You posted in cars for sale which will draw people looking to buy. I wouldn't have posted there. You want to buy but you're asking for opinions on a specific car for knowledge and not necessarily others offering to sell you a similar car. I think I would have posted in the General Topics. Make sure it's clear you want to learn more about what to look for. Maybe Bruce (moderator) would move the topic for you if you send him a DM.
It's the first year of that generation. They are FWD but with the engine running in the direction as God intended (not a sidewinder). The trans should be a TH425 which was a good transmission. I don't typically hear a lot of criticism regarding the 500.
A couple things regarding the price. The bling/extras look like they're done well but a certain portion of the people will be turned off by a modified car. That works to your advantage. The Hemmings price would likely be reduced by something like that. It turns off some people because it's easier to modify than it is to return something to stock. When I see something modified I always wonder how well it was down and what was done that I don't see. That said everything else looks very original down to the factory 8-track player which is getting to be a real cool factor. The second value comment is it's very hard to comment without history, looking underneath and under the hood. My gut feeling it is a very nice car and probably deserves some premium but reduced because they limited the market when the added the bling. If everything checks out with the paint meter, if it's not a 20 footer, it's had a good maintenance history then my sense is it could be worth close to what they're asking but I would feel better at around 17K.
Just be careful of repairs which hid something. It looks original but is it? The chrome looks to be in great condition. The interior looks fantastic. The top looks great as well...but that's in photos without a close inspection. White paint hides things well but if you bring a paint gauge there's no hiding.
Scott
That's an easy pass. Keep looking.
I think the price is high.
I have to wonder how many 'extra' holes had to be drilled.
Thanks for all the replies. Scheduled to see it Wednesday. It is located off site from the dealership. They are bringing it in. Assuming it's a sales persons or a "friends" car (or the dealership showroom is too small to display the car!!!). I asked for a rack to be available. Any last words of wisdom on inspection would be appreciated.
Use the "pimped out decreases value" to your advantage -- especially if you like it! These mods do capture an era. When was the last time you watched "Live and Let Die"?
I would point out the things which will make it harder for them to sell and obviously items which you see will need attention. I would then let them make the first offer at a lower price. After you give them the input it tells them you need the price to be lower. You can then ask them what do they really need to get for it. They probably won't come down initially to anywhere near what some are thinking. It's hard to say. When I suggested 17K I meant the high end considering miles, a history of maintenance, a show room new look under the hood, paint in very good condition and no corrosion issues past or present. To an extent that also means without the added modifications; desirable in your case but generally further devaluing.
Bryan posts a lot of links to cars for sale so he sees a lot. He never gave a reason for keep looking. I guess it was price and the modifications. My feeling is yes there are some well preserved Cadillacs out there but like the modifications or not it appears to be a car which was well cared for. If I wanted, taking Bryan's comment in mind, I would buy it for 12-15K.
You could try to check Bring-a-trailer to see what 1971 Eldorados have sold for there. They will almost all be very nice cars and that site seems to bring the higher end of the price. You could use it as a gauge at least. I would say look at 71 and up a couple of years but I know after '71 GM cars started to get down rated engines so since 71 was the first year for this body style it may be comparable to 71 only.
Scott
I owned a 72 Eldo for many years, so here are my cautionary notes, as follows:
1. THe odometer reading--- a half century and under 100K- you do the math-- maybe, but be very skeptical
2. Original seats were leather... a good vinyl job can fool you--- verify
3. RUST RUST RUST--- carefully check the front area floor pan and especially areas behind front wheel wells (thick wads of undercoating are a tell tale--- also, rust under the vinyl top, especially where the top and the trunk meet. These coupes would rust through
4. DO NOT accept, "All the a/c system needs is a shot of freon"--- you really don't want to pay for repairs on an non-functioning electronic climate control system--- you want it entirely functional on all setting. THey are relatively complex with many vacuum components that are prone to failure.
5. A functioning automatic level control system... if the mileage is "real" then this system should operate. YOu should be able to see the airshocks inflate when the car is started and you put some weight on the rear end.
6. CHeck the front wheel drive components carefully---torn rubber boots on front axle--- clicking sounds when you turn corners... front end "buzzing" when the car is up to speed (expensive front wheel bearing).
7. If it's really low mileage, have the radiator coolant checked for acid--- the "green stuff" can stay very clean looking, but have it tested for acid.
The additional "bling" were high ticket items on this car, and as mentioned above, well installed. Whoever had the work done, spent a lot of money. I noticed that a one year only (1968) illuminated rear crest and wreath installed on the rear fender---and all the other jewelry looks to be well installed.
FOr the asking price, it would have to be in perfect condition... if it's not, they are MISREPRESENTING THE CAR, and getting it perfect will be very costly. Someone mentioned "on going maintenance"-- that's a tell tale. By way of summary, yes, it's unique and old, but any major repairs and replacements on this car are deal breakers given how it's represented. DOn't be lulled into thinking that just because the car runs well and shifts well that you'll be satisfied with it-- you won't especially at that price... for the asking price, there should be no excuses or disappointments. Hope this helps, James
'
other areas to look for rust:
where the fender skirt mounting brackets attach to the outer wheelhousing
just behind each door should be a rectangular rubber flap along the lower body ... open it and see if rust, debris or water comes out
fender skirts rust out at front and back end, so have them removed for careful inspection on both sides
quarter panels rust out in front of and behind the wheels (areas are covered by the fender skirts)
doors rust out at the front and back along the bottom
fenders rust out behind the wheels at the bottom
trunk lid at back edge on the inside seam
hood along inside leading edge
behind upper windshield molding
trunk floor along inner wheelhousings
My brevity comes from reading Eric's comments over the years. Scott, James and others have provided excellent check points.
They made a lot of these, relatively speaking, for many years. To focus on one, especially when it is priced in convertible money, does not make sense. Add to that the modifications, which most of us do not like, but you apparently do, which is fine.
Pimpmobiles, for a lack of better description of these sorts of modifications, are "kind of" neat and I would consider one in the much much lower price range. But for $20,000 to $23,000 a person can expect to get a well sorted, high point 1971-1976 Eldorado convertible.
And you are dealing with an agency (the dealership) that has set the price, an unrealistic price, that they have no idea on what we discuss here. They aren't even a Cadillac dealer with a long history. If they were, they likely would have never offered to sell this modified, customized job.
You don't want buyers remorse with a $22,000 purchase of a modified Eldorado hardtop. In my opinion.
Wow. Many, many thanks. I will be making a checklist. Gotta love this World Wide Interweb thingy!
Here is a link to a Google shared photo folder of about 30 undercarriage and engine bay photos sent to me late yesterday.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YGWHNn8Aj9WrWuGn9
In the second and third engine compartment pictures, there is what appears to be a siren. ::)
In the last picture, evidence of the vinyl top shrinking can be seen. Check that top all around the car very carefully, especially (as has already been mentioned, but I repeat for emphasis) for signs of rust underneath the top around the rear window, which will be seen as bubbling under the vinyl. A very common bad spot on these cars and expensive to fix, and usually worse than initially thought --- once the top is partially removed to fix the rust.
To add: I wouldn't accept that mileage unless they can provide verification.
that Eldorado is amazing and that price is very reasonable The chrome aftermarket items are worth $6000 alone.
That car is in New York.
Quote from: Ccm on April 10, 2022, 03:21:11 PM
Thanks for all the replies. Scheduled to see it Wednesday. It is located off site from the dealership. They are bringing it in. Assuming it's a sales persons or a "friends" car (or the dealership showroom is too small to display the car!!!). I asked for a rack to be available. Any last words of wisdom on inspection would be appreciated.
This should be interesting, Ccm (and the dealership) are in Seattle. Don't suppose they are bringing it to Seattle from New York so he can see it on Wednesday. Or are we dealing with a scam here.
I think the posting saying the car is in New York was meant for the posting of the convertible listed on BAT. That very nice car is located in NY.
I looked at the additional photos and to me it doesn't look like the image which the car presented itself as in the other photos. In the photo of the driver side sill plate there's signs of some rust bleeding through on the paint. It was likely sitting outside for a while in the fall as there's a leaf stuck in the door jam. The frame makes it look like a car with a lot more miles or at least not stored in optimum conditions.
I think most agreed it would need to be basically flawless for their price but with the vinyl top pulling back, some small signs of rust. It's far from what I thought from the other photos. It will be interesting to hear what the paint gauge has to say. I should stop guessing what it may be worth but I feel as if cutting my initial impression in half would be closer. I am tending toward the walk away and look for something else camp.
BAT is a good place to look. They tend to have very nice cars and/or at least the auctions seem to be revealing. The average price is typically high but BAT selects the cars they want to list and not all make the cut.
Scott
The custom white Eldo coupe is for sale by Mark Manuzza in New York as far as i know.
The siren under the hood is a 70's style car alarm. Haven't seen one in years. The car is a cool period piece. I
didn't like them when they were new, but now they kind of appeal to me.
The shrinkage of the vinyl roof is very concerning, though. That roof could be hiding heartbreak.
Alan,
The under carriage images appear to be a net positive; however, the vinyl, as you note, is likely well beyond its service life, and will need to be removed and replaced... perhaps there'll be little or no rust on the metal roof. When I owned several well aged Cadillacs back in the 80's, I had Maaco paint the vinyl with the rest of the car, and that worked out well for my cars that sat outside in the Florida weather...(for several years, at least), but these cars were not 50 years old, and hardly a comparison in price. James
Well.....that was a major disappointment. They must have used the "beers goggles" filter when they took the pictures. The car was in rough shape (on the outside, inside it was nice). The car easily had 100k miles more than they advertised. 200k wouldn't shock me either. Torn top in a number of places. Rust bubbling and boiling around all the wheel wells, front and back windows, rocker panels, etc. All the chrome pimp-bling that I loved...all pitted (grill was particularly egregious). Hub caps trashed. I wouldn't have paid 7k for it. At least the young salesman was a good sport about it.
What I really didn't understand was that the salesman told me the owner of the dealership was into these kind of cars, yet had that POS listed ridiculously high. They had a 1975 CDV (brown, of course) for sale in the showroom in a separate room from all the jags. It was frickin' spotless inside and out...an absolute gem. Asking $34k for it. Now that may be a high price, but how many you gonna find that looks brand new! If that was in my budget I might be driving that right now.
Thanks to all for my crash course education on the 70 caddys. My search for a luxo-barge continues.
Sorry that turned out badly. Please contact Larry at lcamuso@msn.com. He has a real nice 76 CDV. Ca. car, no rust. He's in San Jose, Ca. Tell him Bob sent you.
Yeah, that blows. An in-person inspection is invaluable.
Now that you've seen it, can you see the imperfections in the pictures? The pictures seem to make it look like new.
Isn't it funny how they always look better in the photographs than in real life.
Exactly.
I once converted a '68 Corvette to RHD back in the 80's, and from the description of the car, and the pictures supplied, it looked good.
BUT, when the car arrived, if the seller had taken the pictures from exactly 180 degrees to the ones supplied, the car would never have been purchased, and from the description, yes, it had all the things mentioned, but each and every item mention was either rusted out, broken, or had to be replaced, it also would have stayed in Florida.
The vehicle repairs cost 4 times more than the actual conversion costs.
This is why I advocate going to have a look, no matter where it is.
Bruce. >:D
When it comes to finally seeing such a car, experiencing the deep disappointment and (frustation that can easily turn to anger), I have made it a habit of asking Mrs. Landi (who is my better 7/8's), "What price makes this car attractive to us." With this type of approach, we purchased a 72 Eldorado convertible many years ago--- it had "show chrome" that was perfect, except in several places where it was pealing... it had a "newish" top, that was stained, it had a great looking interior, but it was vinyl, it had an "only needs a shot of freon" a/c that we never attempted to fix, and during the test drive, it rode like a truck (tires inflated to 36 pounds). The underside of the front floor was entirely covered in heavy black gunk to hide the rust repairs, and the white cpaint was dull and dirty. Following our thorough inspection, Kristina and I went to lunch, discussed just how we'd use the car up here in Maine -- (no need for a/c with top down weather), and what we could do with the chrome. So we made an offer substantially under the ask--- I drove the car home that afternoon, and never regretted that purchase--- not perfect, but rode beautifully (with the tires inflated in the low 20 psi) and with a good deal of elbow grease, it looked pretty. Sold in 8 years ago for what we paid for it, and we presented it honestly-- an occasional car, for top down drives, not to be "pushed" etc. James
Pimpin' ain't easy.
Quote from: wrench on April 15, 2022, 09:26:10 AMPimpin' ain't easy.
...and that seems to be the most appropriate end to this thread!
Thanks to all. I will be posting further questions regarding my quest for a '71-'78 Eldorado (or a boattail Riveria or Mark IV or V. Sorry, just being honest!) in a more appropriate section. I truly appreciate the feedback. A very helpful forum indeed.
-Mark
That's a shame. They all look great in the pictures, don't they?