How much is a 1989 Chevy Caprice worth?
Prices for a 1989 Chevy Caprice vary widely based on condition, trim, mileage, and provenance, but you can expect a broad range from a few thousand dollars for a project car to roughly the upper teens for a pristine, low-mileage example. Current market data from major price guides and active listings suggest a broad spectrum rather than a single fixed number.
Understanding the Caprice line and what drives value
The 1989 Caprice was part of Chevrolet’s full-size lineup, with variants that included the Caprice Sedan/Classic, sometimes offered with luxury-oriented trim, and the Caprice Wagon. Value is driven by condition, originality, mileage, documentation, and the desirability of specific options or packages. Higher demand tends to cluster around well-preserved low-mileage cars or models with rare configurations.
Value ranges by condition
The following ranges reflect current market data across price guides and active listings. They are meant as a general guide and can fluctuate with regional demand and vehicle specifics.
- Poor to fair condition (not running or requiring extensive restoration): approximately $1,500–$3,500
- Fair to good condition (drives with noticeable flaws, cosmetic wear): approximately $3,500–$6,500
- Good to very good condition (drives well, presentable, minor flaws): approximately $6,500–$11,000
- Excellent to near-mint condition (low miles, original or expertly restored): approximately $11,000–$18,000
- Concours or exceptionally original with rare options: potentially $18,000–$25,000+
In practice, most mid-range Caprices in average condition tend to sit in the $5,000–$12,000 band, with standout examples pushing higher and rougher cars selling for less. Values can vary by region and the specific combination of options the car has.
Trimming by variant
Different body styles and packages can shift value. Here’s how the main variants typically behave in today’s market.
- Caprice Sedan/Classic: Values generally align with the overall range above, with clean, well-documented sedans often fetching mid-to-upper mid-range prices for good examples.
- Caprice Wagon: Demand is more niche; wagons can command lower prices in typical condition but well-preserved or exceptionally optioned wagons (especially if they have low mileage) can approach mid-range values or higher.
- Rare packages or performance-oriented/police variants: While uncommon, these can carry a premium if verified provenance, documentation, and condition align.
Bottom line: wagon models and rare configurations influence price; the most common sedans are the easiest to price in line with general market ranges.
What affects a Caprice's value most
- Overall condition and originality (paint, interior, rust, frame)
- Mileage and its documentation
- Mechanical reliability and service history
- Documentation and provenance (numbers matching, title history, records)
- Previous restorations or upgrades (quality and extent)
- Market trends and regional demand for 1980s full-size American cars
Because these factors interact, two otherwise similar Caprices can have noticeably different price tags based on their condition and history.
How to check current market values
- Check reputable price guides such as the Hagerty Price Guide, NADA Classics, and Hemmings for current ranges by condition and variant.
- Browse active listings on Bring a Trailer, eBay Motors, ClassicCars.com, and dealer inventories to see real-time asking prices for similarly equipped cars.
- Look at completed sales and sale prices when possible, not just asking prices, to gauge what buyers actually pay.
- Consider a professional appraisal if you own a rare, highly original, or exceptionally restored example.
Getting a handle on current market values requires cross-checking several sources and recognizing that regional differences and recent market momentum can shift numbers day to day.
Practical tips for buyers and sellers
- Gather and organize documentation: service records, receipts, and any restoration details.
- Take high-quality photos of body panels, undercarriage, interior, and any flaws; document rust and mechanical work.
- Be honest about condition and history to avoid disputes and to build trust with prospective buyers.
- For sellers, consider modest restoration or pre-sale detailing to improve curb appeal and value.
- For buyers, consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with vintage GM rot and common Caprice issues.
Approaching the market with transparency and solid documentation can help secure a fair price, whether you’re buying a Caprice for driving enjoyment or selling a well-kept example.
Summary
A 1989 Chevy Caprice carries a wide value range driven by condition, mileage, and originality. Typical prices span from a few thousand dollars for rough, project-ready cars to the upper teens for exceptional, low-mileage examples, with wagons and rare configurations sometimes deviating from the norm. To get the most accurate figure, consult current price guides (Hagerty, NADA, Hemmings) and compare recent listings on major marketplaces. Use multiple sources, assess regional demand, and consider professional appraisal for a precise valuation.
How much did the average car cost in 1989?
That year we watched the Berlin wall come down, the funeral of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and the first episode of The Simpsons. In 1989 the average American new home retailed for about $150,000 and gas was going for less than $1.25 a gallon. Most importantly, the average new car was going for about $12,000.
How much is a 1988 Chevy Caprice worth today?
1988 Chevrolet Caprice base price starts at $12,505 to $15,295.
Is the 1989 Chevy Caprice a good car?
Everyone I know who has seen this car say they absolutely love it. This car will get you where you are going, and you might not even have to stop. The car can go so fast, and it is so heavy, that if you run out of gas, you could probably coast to the nearest gas station.
What is the value of a 1990 caprice today?
The value of a used 1990 Chevrolet Caprice ranges from $1,281 to $5,981, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
