Used Value - possibly selling
 

Alright, so my wife is asking if we can get something that we can all enjoy. I have two little kids, and though not having A/C is something I am totally cool with, my wife doesnt like it one bit. So if I am going to enjoy this hobby, I may need to start thinking about selling my dream car. It doesnt break my heart to let this Z go as I can always get another, and if I end up in something else I can atleast look forward to driving the kids around in dads "race car" as my oldest (3) puts it.
So, I have been following used Z/28 numbers and its a buyers market with new cars still out there. My car has what I consider "issues"; needs new tires and has the typical quarter panel and rear wheel flare rock chips/dings. As for the good; new splitter without rash, AGM (best color), production #181 and is the only U.S. market production AGM without A/C (1of1). The car has 8300 miles, has had 2 engine oil/filter changes (4k miles and 6.5k miles), fresh GM trans fluid at 6.5k miles (because I wanted to). Lloyd mats in the front and trunk. ZL1 add ons rock guards.
The kicker is that I owe $55k on the car. This seems to be the one point that I am unable to make when discussing this with my better half. Current market on this car is likely $50k to the right buyer, maybe less. I dont think $55k is terrible if considering future collectibility and the car being a 1 of 1. I see the miles, tires, and quarter panels as deal breakers at my current "owed" price.
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So, how about some advice or thoughts on this delima?

Thoughts - you gotta do what ya gotta do and if mama's not happy nobody's happy. And red is the best color, just say'in. ;)

As far as getting out of the car your 'upside down'. Owe $55k and wholesale or dealer trade with those miles, needs tires, and no AC. My best guess is mid $40's on a '14 based on auction results. Trying to sell for $50k may take some time, still a lot of new and used inventory out there. Your also coming into the end of the driving season, last half anyway. It's going to cost $7-10k to get out quick.

Good luck. Hope you can sell privately, that would be your best bet. One thing to hang on to the car longer is advertise it and put a big price on it. You'll keep everyone happy if you know what I mean.

Good luck. There is a reason you are one of one with no AC. Most people outside of the folks that bought them to track them a lot want AC. I just saw one listed at 49k at a dealer close to me. Those things are dropping like stones. Found something with 10k or more in incentives and maybe you won't have to roll you losses into the new car. A large SUV or a Truck is probably your best bet. Of course it never evens out though, plan on being upside down on what ever replaces it too.

Already have the family cars squared away for my wife and I, anything that replaces this car will be another weekend only sports car. I should have clarified that in my original post.

Well, then plan on putting a bunch of money down or rolling you loss into the new loan. Unfortunately, those Z/28s just aren't holding any value.

Keep your car. Very simple. In a year, see where you're at because all the new cars will be sold. Once that happens, you won't hear, "yeah, but I can buy a brand new one for $54,000. There won't be any new one's left. At this point, you're probably $8,000 upside down. Financially, you're way better off waiting until you have it paid down.

+1

You 2 are both wrong...synergy green is the best color!

And if u already have a family car and u wanna replace the Z/28 with another sports car why do you have to sell it? Just the AC problem and its a coupe?

new '17 ZL1 may be worth the wait!!!

We may need to talk. PM me a phone number.

1. Trade it in now, don't procrastinate or you could be further upside down.
2. Wait it out and trade for a 2017 Zl1 and hope the Z/28 values stabilize, don't put mama back in the car until October, keep it under 10k miles.
3. Trade for a boat (no A/C) or R.V. or some other family friendly power toys?
4. Retrofit the factory A/C into the Z (yes I cringe too knowing this is what makes it 1 of 1).
5. Negotiate with mama, what does she need that will make her happy and will get you over this bump in the road?

I think you will be 10k upside down really quick parting ways with the Z at this time and or be accruing more debt neither of which are favorable. Has she been in the driver's seat at track day or autocross event? If not consider gauging her interest, you never know!

Prices are going to continue to drop as more people bail for the 6th gen as they release the ZL1, 1LE, Z/28...and these things aren't gonna be collectible for a long time so don't count on that...needing tires that cost what those cost, you've got a hard sale right there...good luck.

+2 If you're dead set on selling it, your best bet would be to drop a chunk of change down on the loan because you are definitely AT LEAST $8,000 upside down. I just hope you have the money to do it and you're not just one of those guys that buys up a bunch of toys and is living payment-to-payment. Good luck with your decision! :) If it were me, I'd keep the car. I have a convertible. The top stays down April through October. When it's 90 degrees and 90% humidity, deal with it. The top is NOT going up. :D

The kids grow up fast, they will be in HS and heading to college before you know it. I'd not be in a hurry to sell - you may have lots of regrets. Maybe put some x-pel film on it to cut down on paint chips, keep it for a while longer and ponder this more. Track ready car having a 427 with 505 HP ... if you sell your friends will probably think you lost your mind.
I have a/c here in NC, however, most days do not use it. I like the windows down so I can hear the dual-mode NPP exhaust clearer.
My oldest son and I have the same name ... so I tell folks the toys belong to him and his name is already on the titles - he does not think any of them should be sold ;-)