1985 35 hp Merc - price?

revkab

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Messages
40
I have a friend who would like to sell me a 1985 35 hp merc. Have not seen it yet, but he reports it to be in good condition and maintained. Neither of us have any idea how much a motor like this should cost. Can you help?

Ken
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

Good condition, running, good compression: I'd say in the area of $800.
 

revkab

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Messages
40
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

Good condition, running, good compression: I'd say in the area of $800.

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. Can you tell me anything about this motor - its reputation, typical problems/challenges, etc?
 

Yepblaze

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2001
Messages
1,686
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

It's probably black. And about 25 years old.
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. Can you tell me anything about this motor - its reputation, typical problems/challenges, etc?

All that depends on how well it was taken care of.
 

oldgradywhite

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Messages
232
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

These motors are prone to block problems and for braking shift shafts. I wouldn't by one myself.
 

egclassic

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Messages
128
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

I have an '88 on my pontoon and I have had no issues. Starts very quickly and runs great.
 

revkab

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Messages
40
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

I am following up on this motor. Checking over Craigslist, it seems this motor ranges from $500 to $700, alongside the $850 suggested earlier here. The owner says he woulde be content to sell for the N.A.D.A. value, but I find it is only valued there at $150. That price seems unreasonably low to me. The owner is a friend and if I purchase the motor from him, I want to be fair.

The motor has been reportedly well-maintained (and I will be checking it out better when the weather permits).

Mostly I just want to do what is right, so your comments and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 

trendsetter240

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 22, 2009
Messages
1,458
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

I am following up on this motor. Checking over Craigslist, it seems this motor ranges from $500 to $700, alongside the $850 suggested earlier here. The owner says he woulde be content to sell for the N.A.D.A. value, but I find it is only valued there at $150. That price seems unreasonably low to me. The owner is a friend and if I purchase the motor from him, I want to be fair.

The motor has been reportedly well-maintained (and I will be checking it out better when the weather permits).

Mostly I just want to do what is right, so your comments and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

If the motor checks out mechanically (good compression, runs etc) and is in good condition (not rusted, corroded, beat up cosmetically) then offer him 500 bucks and be done with it. It's clearly not worth too much to the seller or they'd be asking what they wanted.

500 is a fair deal for you, leaves you some cash to buy tune up items such as fuel filter, spark plugs, gear lube and a water pump/impeller kit.

Also make sure it comes with the controls and cables.
 

revkab

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 14, 2007
Messages
40
Re: 1985 35 hp Merc - price?

Thanks. I really appreciate the advice. Again, my primary concern is to do what is right - not just to get the motor for as little as I can. My buying/selling philosophy is that unless it is a good deal for both parties, it's no deal at all.:)
 
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