Which Camaro Z28 Should I buy?

Question

I'm looking at two cars...nearly identical...which is the better buy?

1995 Camaro Z28 - $5600 with 112k miles
Being sold by a private party because he has too many cars in the driveway already. Ram-air hood + 19" aftermarket rims (they look okay, not incredible). Cloth seats.

OR

1997 Camaro Z28 - $6400 with 101k miles
Being sold by a dealer who got it as a trade-in. Leather seats.

The blue book value for a private party on the first car is $3500-4000 (dealer retail is $5700). The blue book value for a private party on the 2nd car is $5500-6000 (dealer retail is $7000).

Also, I'd like your input on book value vs. the price I'd pay. My concern there is that even though the 1995 is cheaper, it's more above its book value. This means I'd take a bigger loss when it comes time to sell it or if there is an accident and the insurance company would only pay book.

1995:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEDW%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320111186949&rd=1&rd=1

1997:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=YEAR+descending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_9_%7CB-9000%7CD-_78_%7CN-N%7CR-100%7CI-1%7CP-YEAR+descending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-53703&aff=national&paId=134248621&recnum=22&leadExists=true

The prices I quoted above are the "bargained" prices. The first car (1995) went to auction. The high bidder didn't pay, I was next in line @ 5600. The second car (1997) he's asking $8500 and was willing to come down to $6400-6500.

Answer 1

neither car is worth 5000 dollars....keep shopping around.

Answer 2

It is hard to say without seeing and hearing both cars. The question is which one do you like better? Myself, I would think the second one, just because I like the leather seats. They don't stain as quick as the cloth.

Just because they are asking a price, doesn't mean you have to pay it. You can make an offer, that you believe will get the car. Tell each one that you are looking at another car and trying to make a decision. I'm sure they will bargain a little. good luck.

Answer 3

might be better off with the 97! being from a dealer they probly did a full inspection on the car.

Answer 4

Neither. Buy a better car.