Yikes. OK Francis.
Though I don't really need to explain myself to anyone, I guess it's probably necessary here since you are insistent on calling me out. This has been a fairly civil discussion so far, why make it personal?
I've pumped more money into this hobby in the last 20 years than I care to think about. (Just ask my wife) I've had good deals and bad deals which happens when you do something enough times. I've been lowballed so badly on some of my stuff it literally hurts to think about. I've also made some decent money on some of my sales.
I am proud to say I've never ripped anyone off in this hobby. Never ever. I price my things accordingly. Sure, I try to get the best price I can (within reason) but 9 times out of 10 I cave to a decent offer. The market for these particular cars is relatively small which makes demand high. So now we're in a situation where the seller is in the driver's seat. Nothing we can do about it, just simple economics.
So now what do I do, sit back and let it be without any intervention? Do you buy everything at whatever the seller sets their price at? I'd rather make an effort to alert people that this kind of stuff (flipping etc.) goes on resulting in artificial inflation. Will it do any good? Considering the responses to this thread, probably not.
Are you OK with guys flipping cars like the Dart here? Just asking. I'm not, but that's OK, I don't have to agree with everyone else. I really don't care what people do with their cars but I also have every right to comment on it and state my views.
I pony up when the deal is right. I don't try to lowball people because I don't like it myself. I have studied the markets enough to get a pretty good grasp of what something should be priced at. Do you?
This really has nothing to do with how hard anyone works or about whining that cars are too expensive. Perhaps you can take a few deep breaths and get yourself to a nice, happy place. Then go back and actually read (comprehend) what I am trying to get across.
:grin: