Is it a proper question to ask... - Lateral-g Forums

BBBluey · #1 05-08-2016, 09:20 AM

How much did you pay for it?

I love going to car shows. I don't believe I have ever asked someone how much they paid for their car or how much they have in it, I can usually ball park it or the owner will openly just talk about it. In either case, I know it's something I can't afford, Lol. I have asked how much they paid for a certain part or labor and where they got it, but never flat out how much they paid for a car...unless there is a for sale sign on it, and the conversation goes from there.

I understand the question coming from spectators in the sense that they're not owners of a classic, they just enjoy walking around and looking and they're simply curious. But when it comes from participants and just other car guys who have a lifetime/years in this hobby, I'm not sure what to think about it. It's not something I would do. When I get asked questions about the car, I make clear that I bought the car done and I did not build it. When I hear the same from other owners, I just congratulate them on a beauty of a car.

I have a pretty nice 70 Nova that gets lot's of attention and I hear tons of stories but nobody has ever asked me how much I paid for it, they just talk about the car.

I also have a 71 Firebird. The car draws people in...it just won a car show. Every time I take it out, I get hit with the question "How much did you pay for it?" I don't mind when people ask if I'm willing to sell it, that actually makes me smile a bit cuz it lets me know they like it.

So, am I giving it too much attention, is that actually a common question the prettier the car is, or is it kind of rude?

**andrewb70** · #2 05-08-2016, 09:58 AM

Why ask why? People do silly things all the time.

Andrew

Zspoiler · #3 05-08-2016, 09:59 AM

Most of us build our own cars . And with all the time and money we spend on our cars,We do this as a hobby.And we just don`t add up the receipts.Its just too scary.

69hugger · #4 05-08-2016, 10:21 AM

My opinion is it's rude.
I think it is less impolite ask a person what "something like that is worth", because it puts them less on the spot. They can choose to tell you what they paid, give you a range of similar cars, or they can give a vague response like "it really depends on many factors, such as suspension upgrades, etc".
I get asked pretty regularly what I paid for my cars. It really puts me on the spot because I don't want to come off like an a-hole, but I don't know the person from Adam, and it's none of their business. I usually say something like "more than my wife thinks".
I think it holds true for houses, boats, motorcycles, etc.

Just my $.02...

Boss 5.0 · #5 05-08-2016, 03:09 PM

I agree, it is beyond rude to ask. I would never dream of asking, or answering. If someone asks me, I just don't respond.

Che70velle · #6 05-08-2016, 03:32 PM

Sure, I'd ask a close friend or my brother, but NEVER would I ask a stranger at a show, or anywhere else. It sounds desperate to me. I figure if I have to ask, I couldn't afford it anyway.

BBBluey · #7 05-08-2016, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69hugger

I usually say something like "more than my wife thinks". I think it holds true for houses, boats, motorcycles, etc.
Just my $.02...

Thank you for that...I think it's perfect

It's what I'll be saying from now on.

**Flash68** · #8 05-08-2016, 03:57 PM

I don't feel this is a black and white answer here.

It shouldn't be the first question asked when encountering a stranger, but I've delved into these types of conversations with strangers numerous times (on RE, cars, whatever) only AFTER you develop some commonality, rapport, etc that evolves with a conversation.

I enjoy talking local RE, values, speculation with just about anyone I deem to have a clue, so I enjoy getting into the numbers on things ... at a point.

It's not for everyone, but it doesn't always have to be rude.

Vegas69 · #9 05-08-2016, 05:21 PM

I got that question all the time. I'd always say, "too much". I didn't care about the question, I just didn't want to fill the public in on how much I had in it!!

**Flash68** · #10 05-08-2016, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I got that question all the time. I'd always say, "too much". I didn't care about the question, I just didn't want to fill the public in on how much I had in it!!

Ha. Exactly. The acquisition price is usually a much more palatable number.