I see your points. Believe me I changed my focus when a soccer mom came to see it. I focused in on its versatility and secure handling. Also its build quality. Also the fact that it has been a very reliable car for me during the time that I have had it. I would rather the car be bought by an enthusiast though who can appreciate the work put in. Actually If you look at how much I am selling it for, I am hovering somewhere between Good and Fair price points and not evening including the work I have done.
I guess what my thinking was that an enthusiast would like to buy this car. Thanks for pointing out some of things that I should really rethink.
To be honest, the only reason for me selling is that I want to eventually purchase a 911 and my wife said that I have to sell a car. Maybe it is God telling me that I shouldn't have one right now. But either way, I was caught off guard that no one would want a Jetta Wagon.
I will keep in mind your comments and edit some stuff for the next go around of posting on Craig's List.
You always have great insight Porsche.
[quote name='porsche' post='49857' date='Mar 27 2008, 12:00 PM']Brian,
As you already know, money spent on mods does not increase the value of a car when you go to sell. If anything a "modded" car sells for less than a low mile original "stock" example.
So, mods are great and fun if they add value to the owner during ownership. However, when spending the time, money and effort "changing" a stock car, hte owner should clearly understand that the car is being alterted to suit the modder's tastes (thus, a modded car is more difficult to sell as it appeals to a narrower market).
Also, money spent on mods is rarely (if ever) recouped when the car is sold. Furthermore, spending dough to un-modding a car is unlikely going to be recouped by selling the USED mod parts on eBay/Craigslist.
If you're looking to get the most for your V-Dub, you should consider broadening your buying base. eBay is an effective tool to reach many buyers on a national level. Don't be intimidated, as bank wire transferfs for payment and enclosed shipping companies make national buying/selling safe, easy and effective.
Also, if you get a "soccer mom" buyer, don't stress the mods as the selling point. Consider the attributes that are important to the buyer. Also, your "frustration" is of no consequence to a potential buyer; and lastly, it is not the buyer's responsibility to "make-you-whole financially" or to assist you in achieving the price "you need" for the car.
In other words, put yourself in the buyers shoes and create value in his/her interest.
my 2 cents,
Porsche[/quote]