Advice: Nudging a Friend to Buy a Good Deal

[1970PAKombi]

Somewhat off-topic, but, somewhat not as we are all car people on this forum. I was wondering if anyone had issues with friends in the car community that were frugal ('CHEAP') and they needed help with you nudging them.

I have a particular friend that is into Chevy muscle cars. He's trying to restore a Nova and still needs some panels for it. He basically has a front end, motor, frame, and axles.

Recently I found what I thought was the deal of a lifetime that would set him up big time. It was a Nova that was the same year but was missing the motor, no title, and no axles. But the body was all there. No rust except the driver's door, which he has. Frame is great, quarters, fenders - all good enough to be blasted and painted - no dents!

Seller is an 8 hour trip roundtrip, they want $600 and are firm on the price. To me, even a replacement quarter panel is $389 without shipping. Yes, you have to rent a trailer and pay for gas. But in the grand scheme, $800-900 out the door to get everything that you need to finish your car AND sell parts off - you can't go wrong.

My friend just hem's and haw's, insults the guy by trying to get him to take less. I know I can't force him to spend his money, but my friend (and some of our other friend's in the car community) get like this somewhat often where if it's not in their backyard, they balk. But then express remorse over it the second it sells.

Further information - he can afford it, he has kids, but does get select weekends free as he's divorced and remarried to someone without kids/enjoys cars as much as he does.

[busdaddy]

I used to do stuff like that for a few buddies, some jump on it, others do as your friend did. Now I just keep my mouth shut and say "gee..., that's too bad" when they whine about something they farted around on and missed, I refuse to babysit them, they are grown up and can make their own decisions.
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[CanStan]

You should buy it. Since you already have a buyer lined up for all of the panels, you'll be able to double or even triple your money pretty quick.
Just kidding. Some people can't be helped. If he's not interested for whatever reason, it's not worth worrying about I guess.

You can lead a horse to water...

[gt1953]

Just like VW parts stuff. Nothing better then original part that fits. Explain that to him. The metal is better.
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[1970PAKombi]

[1970PAKombi]

[1970PAKombi]

[1970PAKombi]

My father always says, 'Life isn't a spectator sport'. I feel like people that with the available funds and means still won't pull the trigger but whine when someone else has the motivation to get off the couch and and will buy it.

[crukab]

I find that same attitude w/ some people I know, not realistic when it comes to finishing projects, as you said, if it's not in their backyard, it's to much "work".
People always tell me they want a Bus/camper, but are never willing to do the work to get one, weather it's saving the $$ to buy one, or buying a project & doing the work needed to get it on the road, " if wishes were horses"....
The last Bus I dragged home is a Westy, people ask how I found it or could buy it, I WORK at it, hunting back roads, talking VWs to everyone, they don't just fall in your lap, I had to pester the owners for 3 years, until they were ready to sell.
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[16CVs]

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
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[vwinnovator]

I you see any value you in it..
go buy it yourself and build one too!

you and your buddy can bond over the 2 cars together

[1970PAKombi]

[1970PAKombi]

[Erik G]

Man you are going to see this everywhere. There are do'ers and people that can't. I am thankful for the do'ers in my life that make me do more than I otherwise would. No joke. Maybe a good neutral bar talk? Just jumping on a lead with a friend is some of my best memories ( and deals)
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[Pruneman99]

You know what a car with no title is worth to me? Zero. I'd pass too. I don't want the Sheriff showing up on my doorstep asking where the stolen car I'm cutting up came from.

[Abscate]

[oprn]

[1970PAKombi]

[1970PAKombi]

[hitest]

Something not yet brought up here- Some people just like to be SOLD something. They don't want to listen to friend's advice or take the time to do some real research. They want the seller to SELL them on the deal. It's a narcissistic way of "winning."

My years have taught me the same as others above me here- you can't change that behavior.
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