LEGO still a good investment?

jb15

With the sale on at Kmart recently, I picked up a 8088 ARC 170 Starfighter for $27 (eastern USA, BTW). I knew at that price, I had to have it--but wasn't sure exactly what for--fun, or profit.

But with all the new factories--from what I understand, LEGO is majorly increasing it's output--meaning there'll be a lot more sets out there, even after LEGO discontinues that particular set.

Think it will still be worth it, to keep a set sealed, NIB? I'd be interested in opinions.

doriansdad

As usual you will have to pick the right set for a good investment. It has to have appeal to a wide base of AFOL's both new and old since they will be the ones with the large amounts of cash to pay for a nice discontinued set. While Star Wars has a good base of fans you really need to pick a good set to see any decent gains. I would choose the Grievious set over the Starfighter as he is an in-demand well designed minifig and I don't see a remake again for his ship anytime soon (and prob before the license expires). Lego will continue to do well, but as with any investment you need to separate the winners from the dogs.

jb15

The grevious set has actually already sold. :) I had no idea how much grevious (both the minifig itself, and the set) was going for.

Good thoughts, dorian. From looking at the prices on eBay and bricklink (mostly ebay), I deem the 8088 a loser, so I think I'll add it to my non-mint, non-sealed-in-box, well worn and played with LEGO sets. If it shoots up in value, to bad--it will still be worth something, even used (esp. if complete and all that).

dougts

it's set by set of course. Certain themes (licensed and not) will have a wider and longer lasting appeal than others. Within themes, certain sets or sub-themes will as well. And of course if I was that great of a prognosticator, then I'd be super rich and not worry about it.

As far as SW goes, factors to consider should include the SW "era" - OT, Ep. 1-3, or Clone Wars/Extended. Original Trilogy stuff will have a wider base than Episode 1 to 3, which will also be (much?) wider than Clone Wars, etc. Minifigure selection is huge of course as well.

Personally, I don't think the ARC 170 is going to be a great investment vehicle. There are tons of them available, even despite many sales, discounts, etc. It's a Clone Wars vehicle that did not appear in any of the 6 movies, meaning it is neither iconic nor recognizable, and the minifigure selection is nothing extraordinary. That said, it looks like the total current BL selling price of all 4 minifigures is about $20, so selling them would cover the bulk of your investment, leaving you with a $7 ship (or the parts).

One final note - you got a good price on the set, so nothing to regret there.

Si_UKNZ

With another recession due within the next 6 months by many accounts, I'd be very careful of big investment decisions where you're expecting a return in 2012-4

Yellowcastle

The arc was in Ep 3, if I recall correctly.

madforLEGO

I think overall it will be difficult, combined with what can appear to be both increased supply, more savvy buyers/'investors', and the depressed economy, it is not the investment from 2-3 years ago.. it will be harder to catch lightning in a bottle with Lego sets now...
Also thank that goofy video professor that convinced millions of soccer moms to sell on eBay...