People have a different perception of the definition of "work needed" when it comes to a car.
A running and registered car with some minor imperfections to me would be a concours car compared to the old bomb I drive around in but that car with it's minor imperfections may be considered a rubbish car to someone who is more fussier than me....... is that making sense??
It all depends on what condition car you are after,your view of what that particular car would be worth and obviously what the owner thinks its worth.
There are some hand crankers out there that think there rusty old "rust free" car is worth tens of thousands and there are some more realistic sellers out there with a better car at a better price.
If you are searching and researching and going out and looking at cars then you can't do much better than that, but some people seem to think their ideal car will find them.......... it don't happen like that.
I'd be revisiting the previously seen owners on the cars and see how the offer you made is going.If their idea of what their car is worth is unrealistic then 9 times out of 10, they will still have that car and some sense of reality may be coming into their mind as to what they may expect for the car/s.
You may then have a chance at your previous offer or a slightly higher offer............ take cash with you........... but go along with your hubby
and a couple of other blokes as backup

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Chryslers are great, FB/EK's are the greatest

, I know you want you car RIGHT NOW!! but a bit of patience and time and that dream car will be sitting in your garage soon.
Good Luck and keep looking.... don't be a defeatist and give up

I can't think what to write here so this will do.