Newbie to collecting...questions about rarity/value

[Vinsanity]

Just recently started collecting die-cast cars, only have a few right now...but I've been looking around on various forums and on eBay to pick some more up. But my head is spinning trying to figure out how/why certain cars are worth more then others, especially on eBay. For example, I've been looking to pickup a Dale Jr - Dave Matthews Band paint scheme car from 2004.

So I look on eBay, and see the Elite version, a Platinum version (I think?), and several "regular" versions that have lot numbers ranging from "1 of 2388" to "1 of 3888" to "1 of xxx,xxx" etc, to RCCA Club versions. And of course, the price ranges on all of these different versions is staggering. From $7.95 for an "Elite" version, to $350.00 for the Platinum, and anywhere from $20-$50 for the "regular" versions. (the regular versions have a generic blue box, with a sleeve around it...and a blue letter "A" for Action...I think these are considered regular versions or club versions?)

My sense would tell me that the lower number of total created would make a car more valuable? For example, a car that was 1 of 2388 should be more valuable then a 1 of 3888 version?? But I see some that have a print run of 30,000 or more selling for much more then a "1 of 2388" version? Why is this?

Here's another example...I found this Dale Sr car from 2000, and lost the bidding on it...but can't find any idea how valuable this car should be?
2000 DALE EARNHARDT Goodwrench Diecast Car ( RARE ) - eBay (item 230409673164 end time Dec-13-09 15:00:03 PST)

It ended up selling for $40...but is it worth $40? How rare is this particular car? How would I find this out before I bid a certain amount on it? I looked through the diecast registry for this particular car...but can't find a paint-scheme and box that matches what was in the auction?

[Ron3fan]

the biggest thing is to pick one you want to have and set a price you are willing to live with spending and stick to it. if it goes over your max price, then it wasn't meant to be.

[Kahnefan98]

What Ron said, but you were right when you said the lower the number the more valuable they are.

Say you buy a car that the box says 1 of 1,500.
Well, in the back window of the car will be a DIN #.
Example: 047 of 100 would mean your car was #47 of that 100 produced. So you want to shoot for a lower number, but keep in mind it will probably be a little more expensive. Some cars are 'promo' cars and are even more rare and cost even more.

There are some websites that explain this... just can't remember them.. sorry man. If I happen to remember later I'll let you know. Good luck collecting and have fun! It's very addicting.

[TeamBlueOval]

Elites are the top-notch diecast currently on the market.

Below that, you have the Action Platinum diecasts.

And, then the Gold Series being the lowest quality available.

Of course this applies only to current diecast (2008-present). And, DIN numbers didn't even start until 2006.

I don't know much about Action stuff pre-Motorsports-Authentics. My drivers were always produced by Team Caliber (Rudd & Edwards) from the time I started collecting in 2003 until the merger in late 2006.

[Kahnefan98]

Originally Posted by TeamBlueOval

Elites are the top-notch diecast currently on the market. Below that, you have the Action Platinum diecasts. And, then the Gold Series being the lowest quality available. Of course this applies only to current diecast (2008-present). And, DIN numbers didn't even start until 2006. I don't know much about Action stuff pre-Motorsports-Authentics. My drivers were always produced by Team Caliber (Rudd & Edwards) from the time I started collecting in 2003 until the merger in late 2006.

Thanks... my bad I forgot the DIN thing is pretty new.

[Vinsanity]

Thanks for the replies guys...I think my confusion stands in the wide variety of pricing found on eBay and other places. You guys say that lower production numbers should make it more valuable, but I see "1 of 2388" selling for less then "1 of 125,000" all the time...and on top of that, I see the Club cars or Gold Series cars selling for more then Elite and Platinum, and sometimes it's vice-versa.

Like the Dale Earnhardt Sr car I linked to in my original post...how would I possibly find what that car is worth, and if it is worth the price? (other then...what I am "willing" to pay) The auction says it is "Rare"...its from 2000...is it worth $40? $10? $100? How would I find out if I'm getting ripped off or not?

[TeamBlueOval]

Just continue to watch them on ebay and try to find a good price. The cars are only worth what people are willing to pay for them. Not more, not less.

Keep your eye out for a while and watch the prices that they go for... that should help you decide what a good price is. :)

[Ron3fan]

Originally Posted by Vinsanity

Thanks for the replies guys...I think my confusion stands in the wide variety of pricing found on eBay and other places. You guys say that lower production numbers should make it more valuable, but I see "1 of 2388" selling for less then "1 of 125,000" all the time...and on top of that, I see the Club cars or Gold Series cars selling for more then Elite and Platinum, and sometimes it's vice-versa. Like the Dale Earnhardt Sr car I linked to in my original post...how would I possibly find what that car is worth, and if it is worth the price? (other then...what I am "willing" to pay) The auction says it is "Rare"...its from 2000...is it worth $40? $10? $100? How would I find out if I'm getting ripped off or not?

one good way to see what something is worth, is go on e-bay and go to the completed items page and see what other ones like it are selling for and work out an average price and go from there.