Selling a Grand Marquis: BaT vs. Craigslist & FB Marketplace | Which Platform Wins?
As a Bay Area resident seeks to part ways with a 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis, the decision hinges on the best sales platform. With 87,000 miles on the odometer, the car is generally in good shape but has a non-working A/C and a small paint chip. The seller is comparing Bring a Trailer (BaT), Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace for this sale.
Current Market Sentiment
Recent discussions on forums showcase a mix of advice regarding which venue might yield the highest return.
Bring a Trailer Insights: Some commenters noted that BaT might push for a no-reserve auction. This strategy can create a competitive bidding environment, with one person suggesting that this model could see bids escalate by an additional 10-15%.
Craigslist vs. Facebook: Many users prefer Facebook Marketplace. "Just throw a price up and see what people offer," stated one commenter, emphasizing its simplicity over Craigslist. Another added, "Keep in mind the fees BaT charges if you go that route."
"Cars and Bids might be better for this cruiser if you don’t want Marketplace," a user mentioned, highlighting alternative options for less conventional sales strategies.
Valuable Community Suggestions
Several practical tips emerged from the community interactions:
Set Realistic Expectations: One insight indicated that if the air conditioning is fixed and the car is detailed nicely, the seller could fetch around $6,500, reflecting strong potential value from efforts.
Quality of the Vehicle: Commenters emphasized the car's condition, noting it had been stored in a climate-controlled garage and only driven about 3,000 miles per year.
Key Insights
📈 Facebook Marketplace typically offers smoother sales than Craigslist.
💸 Adjustments like minor repairs can significantly boost the car's selling price.
⚖️ Fees from platforms like BaT should be factored into profit calculations.
The overall consensus among commenters suggests a tailored selling strategy is crucial. Engaging with potential buyers through multiple platforms could lead to a lucrative outcome. With Facebook Marketplace's popularity on the rise, the seller might just land an unexpectedly high offer.
What’s Next for the Grand Marquis Seller?
The owner has a real chance to achieve a successful sale by embracing a versatile approach. Armed with insights from recent discussions, they could optimize their listing and find a solid buyer willing to pay a fair price. Will the Grand Marquis become another sought-after classic in this shifting market?
A Shift in Automotive Sales Trends
There's a growing parallel between vintage vehicles like the Grand Marquis and past trends such as the vinyl record revival. Just as vinyl holds nostalgic value today, classic sedans are capturing attention from car enthusiasts eager for characteristic rides in the fast-paced digital era. With the right positioning in the market, the Grand Marquis could attract buyers looking for a touch of the past that offers more than mere practicality.