1974 412, Worthwhile Investment?

amskeptic · Post by **amskeptic** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 5:19 pm

Yes, it is at the high end. But the question is, can I get out of it what I put into it?
It has just 27,500 miles #1 condition, original, and it is $5,000.00.
Is the market interest in these cars over the next ten years going to allow this thing to appreciate more than $5,000.00 in treasury bonds, for example?
As a historical aside, I would keep this car pristine stock down to the hose clamps.
Colin

alsehendo · Post by **alsehendo** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 11:10 pm

Making money on a old car is hard to do. You will always be making it better $$$$$

3rd_slow_411 · Post by **3rd_slow_411** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 12:05 pm

If it has that many miles, you want to buy it. It is a rare / odd car, so I hope you don't hate getting looks from people. DO NOT EXPECT to ever get your 5K back, I doubt you can keep this car long enough to get ALL of it back. It may take years.
The price tells me somebody is already looking to make alot of money on the rarity of the car.
If you NEED a $5000 car, don't buy it.
If you WANT a $5000 car, buy it

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 10, 2003 12:39 pm

One can get easily seduced into buying something rare in hopes that it will someday be valuable. Very, very few Type 4s command any price over $3,000. Why? Well, partly because very few are available in excellent condition. But also, there just isn't a very high demand for them.

They have had 28-32 years to accumulate value -- and haven't.

These cars were comparably priced to BMW 2002s in their day. A 2002 would fetch a five-figure amount easily in the condition of this 412 as stated. To imagine a sudden increase in desirability would be very risky indeed.

As an investment, it is most likely comparable to a junk bond -- buy low, stay low.

The only car I can think of to take off in value is a 1957 Chevrolet convertible. In 1957 Chevy had trouble selling them. The Ford counterpart outsold them 3-to-1. Fifteen years later, the selling prices of the two cars were still pretty similar.

Sometime between Watergate and "Happy Days," the prices of the '57 Chevy 'vert started shooting way, way up as they somehow symbolized the '50s; whereas the '57 Ford 'vert continued its slow, steady, unimpressive climb.

Ironic, since it didn't symbolize the '50s in the '50s.

Don't get me wrong. I love 411s and 412s. If I could own ten cars, one would be a Type 4 of some sort. But as an investment? Nay, nay.

-René

Bulley · Post by **Bulley** » Sat Jan 18, 2003 12:08 pm

As a general rule, cars are a poor investment. a very slender few accrue value even when stored inexpensively, or maintanied frugally. If used for daily driving, only a tiny percentage of cars accrue value.

If your concern is investment value, I'd look at bonds, CDs or mutual funds before I looked at a vehicle, particularly a 412.

g

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 12:45 pm

It won't be too long. The 412 will eventually gather a little value..as more of them get restored and appear on the road and at shows. Most in the VW world have no idea they are not type 3's. 5k is too much. I do not care if it has 0 miles on it. There are inherrent problems with all type 4's no matter of age and condition. That one will have them all. It will cost you a minimum of 5k just to fix its own diseases. Examples: every rubber suspension bushing...junk...centerlink...junk...idler bushing...junk...all the shocks...junk...brakes and lines ..junk. Variuos parts of the fuel system...junk. Window gaskets...junk. These are just from sitting still with no driving. This does not include the inherent rust areas that appear in the sandwich walls of the rear fenders of all models and under the rear door sills of the 4 doors. The cars are great...but not 5k worth. Maybe 2200. Ray