How much is my car worth?

[Pontman43]

I think I am going to sell my baby. :cry: I dont want to, but I will be going to college soon and need another car that gets better gas mileage and something I wont worry about where I park it and who is around it. lol I always thought I would keep this car until I was 90 years old, but my parents wont let me have two cars and I just wont put this car through college.
So about the actual car...
It's a 97 Pontiac Trans Am LT1 auto, has 94K and is in damn near perfect condition, I'd bet you, you wont find a cleaner one. I have always babied it. Only been to the track once, when I first got it. I am a detailer, so I keep it clean. The car has over $6K into it, and has a custom paint job (see pics), Harwood WS6 hood, shaved side molding, stainless steel brushed look rear inserts, black Z06 motorsports wheels wrapped in 275/40/17 BFG G-Force TA KDWS (>4K miles on wheels and tires), DMS lowering springs, Bilstein HD shocks/struts, KBDD SFC, Edelbrock STB, UMI LCA, UMI Adj. rear PHR, 1LE front sway bar, SLP CAI, Hooker Cat back w/dual/dual 3" tips, custom cut out, SLP fan switch, Pioneer DEH-7700 deck, and Kicker comp mids. It has no dents, chips or scratches, no rips, tears, stains or anything. I take this car to shows, so trust me its clean!
I'm thinking around $11k but would like some input from others.

[GearHead_1]

It's always tough when you have to let a baby go that has lots of aftermarket goodies on it. The truth is the car is worth exactly what you can get out of it. Unless you're able to find a performance enthusiast that appreciates all of the extras you've put into it you'll be hard pressed to get much more than high book. The world of car buyers often doesn't care that it's got a special set of wheels, paint or engine upgrade. The mentality is simply well it has to have a set of wheels, paint and engine and that's what I'm paying for. I have personally found this to be true especially when it comes to audio equitment. Good ear gear isn't something that you necessarily see and lots of people think factory audio is just great. I know many that have been in your situation that have ended up pulling the aftermarket goodies and selling them individually in order to recover their investment. I hope this doesn't come across as being too negative it looks like a nice car.

[Sherman8r44]

I would assume that prospective buyers for a car like that would be enthusiasts. That limits the buyer base, but I think you could most likely get more than 11K for it--especially if they saw it in person. That car looks amazing, and with all the mods and care you've put into it, it should be going for more than 11K IMO.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

having sold many upgraded (ie. modded) vehicles over the years, I can only suggest one thing. Strip it and sell parts seperately on Ebay or forums. You are limiting your audience to a very specific group otherwise and they will believe you beaten on it simply because you modded it. Also consider that rarely will you get over book value unless a true collector wants it with those specific upgrades. I think you will also kick yourself several months after selling it , so revamp your thoughts and see if you can make it work. Store it (very reasonable currently) might be another avenue until done with college or living outside campus.

[DS Detailer]

11k on that would be a steal. If you didn't live in Cali... and only... say a 4 hour drive from me. I'd buy it today. No lie. Looks Dynamite. If I were you, I'd start off higher and throw an OBO on there. You never know, a collecter might have something decent and some cash for a trade.

[Pontman43]

Thanks guys! I have thought about stipping the parts because I still have stock, but I think with the paint it all just kinda goes together. I am marketing a small crowd (either spoiled kids first car, like me lol, or a collector) and I know, but I think this is a good thing. Even though some people think modded car = thrashed car, I think after seeing my car they will know I dont thrash it. I have also thought about storing it, but I cant afford insurance on two cars and my TA isn't paid off so I have full coverage ($300/month) and a car payment on top of that. Especially when I go to college because I wont be working so many hours. I know I will regret selling it and I am going to try to keep track of it and maybe buy it back in a few years. But later I will buy another and build it bigger, badder and crazier, it wont be my first car, but it will be better. So I think I'll raise the price to $11,500 obo
Thanks again guys!