Are people just not buying Mustang GTs (or cars for that matter)?

[lo-fi]

Be aware that you don't get to set your reserve at BAT or Cars and Bids, there is a negotiation process concerning the reserve price. I know a couple of people who wouldn't list their car due to the reserve, as stipulated by the auction site, being too low.

Cars and Bids:
If you choose a reserve auction, we will ask you to suggest a reserve price – but we may ask for a lower one before we’re willing to list the car for sale. If we can’t agree on a reserve price, no hard feelings – of course, you’re free to sell the car elsewhere.

Bring A trailer:
Doesn't post their process, but I know for a fact you don't get to set it. You can suggest a reserve, but more often than not their reserve will not be what you had in mind.

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[SBR70.3]

So, I found out why my car was not selling. I have had a few people show considerable interest in it, but once I gave the VIN they pretty much ghosted me. I took it to a dealer to trade it in on a truck Saturday and when they ran the CarFax, it showed "significant exterior damage". It was damaged in a freak hail storm August of 2024 and was not totaled out. Looking back on it, I really wish State Farm would have totaled it because it pretty much ended up in the same result.

is it the repair shop or the insurance company that reports it to CarFax? Or both?

My Explorer ST was damaged in the same storm, so looks like I'll be dealing with that BS when I go to sell/trade it in.

In the future, if any of my vehicles get anywhere near being totaled, I am going to fight to have the insurance company total it. Lesson learned.

 

[dasrider]

I'm sure someone more informed than me will confirm, but I believe both can report to Carfax. I don't think all repair shops will report damage, though.

Just read through this whole thread, sucks about your situation selling the car. For reference, I bought my single owner '16 GT Premium manual just over a year ago with 53k miles, bone stock other than regular maintenance/tires/battery, for $29.5k cash. I had been on the hunt for a while and it checked all the boxes for my first ever Mustang. I know I overpaid, but the car's condition, history, previous use, and after talking with the owner made the difference. I found the car on cars.com. Personally, seeing the level of mods, specifically the S/C and tune, on yours would have automatically nixed it from my list, but that's just me.

Fwiw, and knowing what I do now about these cars I do appreciate the suspension and chassis work you've done. But as a first time Mustang purchaser a year ago many of those updates would be a red flag to me. Add in the carfax thing, and yeah...

I'd say your predicament shows some of the trending in the car industry though, as your specific vehicle only appeals to a very small and dwindling niche of enthusiasts. Put the car back to stock as much as it makes sense, drop the price, and sell off the used goodies would help sell it faster. Or continue to wait for the right buyer to come along who knows what they're looking at if you're not in a hurry.

 

[SBR70.3]

I'm sure someone more informed than me will confirm, but I believe both can report to Carfax. I don't think all repair shops will report damage, though.

Just read through this whole thread, sucks about your situation selling the car. For reference, I bought my single owner '16 GT Premium manual just over a year ago with 53k miles, bone stock other than regular maintenance/tires/battery, for $29.5k cash. I had been on the hunt for a while and it checked all the boxes for my first ever Mustang. I know I overpaid, but the car's condition, history, previous use, and after talking with the owner made the difference. I found the car on cars.com. Personally, seeing the level of mods, specifically the S/C and tune, on yours would have automatically nixed it from my list, but that's just me.

Fwiw, and knowing what I do now about these cars I do appreciate the suspension and chassis work you've done. But as a first time Mustang purchaser a year ago many of those updates would be a red flag to me. Add in the carfax thing, and yeah...

I'd say your predicament shows some of the trending in the car industry though, as your specific vehicle only appeals to a very small and dwindling niche of enthusiasts. Put the car back to stock as much as it makes sense, drop the price, and sell off the used goodies would help sell it faster. Or continue to wait for the right buyer to come along who knows what they're looking at if you're not in a hurry.

Ya, I also learned that when modifying a car, keep all stock parts and return it to stock before selling. Again, live and learn.

 

[Cplennon17]

What did you get for a trade price if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Skye]

is it the repair shop or the insurance company that reports it to CarFax? Or both?

I'm not sure the exact mechanism how the records get there, but it's akin to how credit companies re-sell your data. Participating businesses sell and forward maintenance and repair records to CarFax.

CarFax will also comb public records databases (all 50 states), credit systems and insurance claims databases. They are constantly hoovering up and/or paying for vehicle maintenance and claim data.

You understand why that damage is showing in CarFax, what the event was. For those who do not login to or use CarFax, it might be worthwhile to open an account and track their vehicles.

Countless records are being saved and applied to millions of cars. Not all of those records are accurate. I have had one dispute, opened a case to CarFax to challenge it and ultimately got it removed.

 

[SBR70.3]

I'm not sure the exact mechanism how the records get there, but it's akin to how credit companies re-sell your data. Participating businesses sell and forward maintenance and repair records to CarFax.

CarFax will also comb public records databases (all 50 states), credit systems and insurance claims databases. They are constantly hoovering up and/or paying for vehicle maintenance and claim data.

You understand why that damage is showing in CarFax, what the event was. For those who do not login to or use CarFax, it might be worthwhile to open an account and track their vehicles.

Countless records are being saved and applied to millions of cars. Not all of those records are accurate. I did have one dispute. FWIW, the challenge process with CarFax does work. I got them to remove a record that was filed in error.

Ya, I just spoke to my insurance agent to inquire about this because my ExST likely has the same "severe, extensive exterior damage" indicator. Hopefully they can get CarFax to edit that because I'll get raped on the trade in.

 

[ORRadtech]

Ya, I just spoke to my insurance agent to inquire about this because my ExST likely has the same "severe, extensive exterior damage" indicator. Hopefully they can get CarFax to edit that because I'll get raped on the trade in.

Perhaps you could contact Carfax and see if it's possible to get a note attached to that listing stating hail damage? Severe, extensive exterior damage makes it sound like a roll-over...
If you're looking at selling or trading the other vehicle perhaps you should consider paying for Carfax so you're not blindsided. And maybe be able to show prospective buyers the report and explain the circumstances. Or maybe dispute something if it's listed incorrectly.

 

[sk47]

Hello; I had extensive damage from hail stones some years ago. I covered the glass with throw rugs but dents in all body panels. Used Macks Fix a Dent as suggested by the insurance company. The job was done well. The paint is still good with the car being 25 years old. Well over 15 years since the hail.
Not any help if you want to trade in the car.

 

[FLMustangMan]

I'm in SWFL. The car lots seem to be full, and not moving very much at all! The Kia dealer is always busy where I bought my Mustang from though. Seems that's all anyone can afford from what I've seen in there, mostly working class people. Kia is as bad as GM with quality right now. I wouldn't buy a GM made within the last 5 years with all the engines kabooming right now.

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