I'm getting few bites on my 1-owner 1998 R, but I can't figure out why no serious interest. I was hoping maybe someone could comment on why nobody's picked it up.

I think the first person who sees it will be very happy to take it.

Did I "undersell" it by being honest about the few issues it has (VERY few)? Is the price wrong?

Any help (PM or here) would be appreciated.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/showpo...21&postcount=6

It's an amazing car, and I hate the idea of it just sitting around.

And I'm not trying to "sell it" on this thread - I'm just looking for ideas on what's wrong with my ad, price, etc...

Thanks in advance.

Steve

 

I think the biggest thing is the oil burning.
Any ITR owner will tell you that almost 2qts of oil in-between oil changes is a substantial amount. It might run strong now, but it's only a matter of time before something gives. (Oil control rings, valve guides, valve seals, etc.)
The motor probably needs a rebuild.

Given that, and the high mileage, I don't think 11.2k is reasonable price. I bet you can sell it for about 8-9k, but that's completely up to you.
Good luck with it!

 

was just going to say this. with that mileage and that condition 8k cash is reasonable with a 9k ask

the market is already telling you this with no real interest. listen to it

car would be gone in a couple weeks if you price it correctly

 

This would probably sell quicker in the spring. It would suck to buy that car and then in starts snowing in a month.

edit: rust is probably a factor.

 

not sure looks really clean, only thing I dont like about it is the speakers on the dash
seems well priced and in good cond. IMO

 

This. Cars move much easier in the spring, people get tax returns, holidays are over, etc.

I had a R with a bit of rust, the car was flawless outside of that; however, it did take a bit to unload it.

Post up more pictures of the affected surface areas, it's good that you admitted that it was an issue but now you just have to show. I wouldn't flex too much on price though if it's just minor surface stuff.

8-9k is way too low for that car.

 

I just went over and talked to my dealer and service mgr (who have known the car since new), and they're shocked it hasn't sold at (or near) the asking price.

Here's a link to a bunch of pics trying to show the rust. You can download the original shots (hover over the upper-left corner after clicking the thumbnails) and really zoom in to see.

http://www.grillosview.com/p544995171

Any more thoughts (after viewing the pics) are appreciated.

And for those thinking they wouldn't want to drive it in the snow, it's a BLAST in the winter with the LM25s. It has less traction, but is really quite fun.

Steve

 

Just from reading your original ad I'd think that rust was more serious than that (just looked at the 2nd batch of pics). Post more detailed pictures to show just how minor it is.

Oil burning seems high, mileage as well.
And that's the only things really working against it. Seems like a clean, well maintained Type R.
I'm a big believer in buyer's ignorance. Keep it listed for your price, advertise it out as much as you can and wait. Selling a $10,000 niche car like this isn't something that will necessarily happen right away. Unless you NEED the money right now, wouldn't it be worth it to hold out till someone comes along (they will).

 

As others have mentioned high mileage, license rust and oil burning are huge turn offs to the typical buyer.

 

if i were on the market for this car , id say the rust is a HUGE issue. cars dont only rust on the body, but nuts and bolts rust and seize and break off when you try and change parts. thats the most frustrating thing when dealing with rust.

i say if somebody offered you 9 cash take it and run with it. theres no price tag to fix and replace rusted bolts

 

I would be more precise with the 1-2 qts per 3k. Honesty is great but the fluctuation in your terminology may scare off buyers.

A DD from New England would be a concern of mine as well due to winter conditions. Cleaning the underside and taking pictures of the wheel wells, subframe, and undercarriage will help the "fear of the unknown" interms of rust.

The current market is not great for sellers. $8k seems low to me. FYI I sold my 01' with 110k in April for $10.9k. Flawless interior and zero rust. but had a dealer replacement block.

 

are you buying?

because no one else is at his ask price

 

that's fair. 2500 new bottom end. big perk for a driver. the transmissions will go 250-300k if you don't beat them. that's totally in line with a nudge to being in your favor

this car doesn't sound anything like your car though

 

The oil is probably 1.5 qts per 3k but it doesn't blow smoke anytime, startup, vtek, or any other time from what I've seen. I thought it odd to say 1.5

Steve

 

So it sounds like the price is too high. I'm surprised actually that nobody's come to see it.

Would 10k be about right?? Remember includes nice winter wheels and tires, and its 1 owner, full records, well maintained, and never raced. Someone would get a fantastic deal at that price, I'm thinking.

I just hate the idea of it sitting around all winter not being driven and enjoyed.

Steve

 

But driven in harsh winters, has rust and the bottom end could need an overhaul soon.

I think 10k would be a fair asking price.

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the issue. At least now I know what's scaring people off. It's too bad because its really in awesome shape and the engine is super strong. I'm almost positive that the first person who actually sees it will buy it and be VERY VERY happy.

I may change the price in the next day or two.

Steve

 

lol, If car ads were a legitimate source of information on how owners handle their cars, poorly maintained cars, and racing would be non-existent.

 

True. So sad when there's no trust in something like this.

Oh well, good for whoever comes to see the car in person.

Steve

 

The rust kill the sale for you...ppl that in searching for a R they want it to be in MINT condition. Drop your price 8-9k the right buyer will come along.

 

9k is nuts. Did you se the pics and description???

Mint is 20k. This is a great deal

Steve

 

When I was in the market for an R, I had a few criteria. I wanted the R to have as few owners as possible, so I searched for a one or two owner only. The less owners you have, the less "it was like that when I bought it" answers you'll receive. The other main factor, and probably the most important to me, was the owner. What kind of person was he or she? Were they honest and up front with information? Did they keep records, were they organized, did they appreciate and take care of the caR. Steve, you sound like you have these qualities, and i'm sure the next owner would be very happy with the caR. I would keep it at $10,000.00 price point because its going to need some elbow grease to get her cherry again. Be patient, and the right owner will come along. GL with the sale.

 

8-9k is a fair price... with that rust its gonna be hard to sell... even tho its very light rust, its still rust and rust just scare buyers away esp. when ur forking out 10k.... just like one guy said ull have rust bolts to go with those rusted quarters... and rusted bolts are not fun... also high mileage isnt going to help it but good luck with the sale...

 

 

I looked at the extra set of pics and when you say rust, are you referring to the hood latch, those few bolts and the vtec solenoid cover? If so and that's all the rust the car has, I wouldn't haven even bothered listing that in the add.

When people say there are rust issues first thing that pops into the head is the quarter panels rotting away.