bluejay Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 I've got a question here: Why are Commodore computers so expensive? I've never found a working one for less than $100 on ebay, and the cheapest one I've ever found is a C64 and a few cartridges and cables for $75 at a flea market, but another guy offered me a TRS-80 model 100 and a bunch of accessories for $50, so I went with that one.(Even though he said it worked, it doesn't which is why it's frustrating, considering there was a c64 that might have worked at the same flea market.) The only way I thing I can get my hands one one of those(even though they aren't rare) is by becoming somebody famous and getting one as a donation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Simply put, the prices for which these machines sell are the prices the market will support. Something is only worth what someone will pay, and for as long as I can remember the going prices for a working Commodore 64 alone in decent condition run the statistical normal distribution around an average of about $100. Including a working 1541 in decent condition, the average runs to about $130. Mind you, this is anecdotal and I think a proper analysis would be fun and very interesting. Nonetheless, this is what I remember going back to around 1996 when I used to sell refurbed 64 and 1541 combos for $125 in the Thrifty Nickel. Considering inflation in the United States, $125 today would have been roughly $205 back in 1996. I would say that holds pretty well with age and availability of units today which do not require age*- or abuse**-related refurb work versus back then. * Failed components, brittle plastic, worn plastic or finger nail indentations on keys, etc. ** Poor handling, improper storage, bug infestations, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 If you don't like going prices, I was going to suggest learning how to fix this stuff yourself. Tons of great info and documentation out there for troubleshooting, repair, etc. Owning this old gear means there's a certain bit of required maintenance anyway, so may as well get a jump on it and start building soldering skills on some busted junk! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mksmith Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 Prices have increased significantly here in Australia since I started back into retro the past 18 months. I got an almost brand new looking in boxes 64c and 1541-II for around $180 - now people are asking for $3-4-500 for less or equivalent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OLD CS1 Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 3 hours ago, mksmith said: Prices have increased significantly here in Australia since I started back into retro the past 18 months. I got an almost brand new looking in boxes 64c and 1541-II for around $180 - now people are asking for $3-4-500 for less or equivalent Woah. See here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mksmith Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 1 minute ago, OLD CS1 said: Woah. See here. Throw out some prices and see what sticks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.