milage question

[terminator02]

I see some great prices on cars that have 30-45k miles. Is buying a viper with those miles risky? Part of me thinks that it would be good because the engine has had some decent usage. I don't know when these engines start to have problems (even if well cared for). Has anyone driven their cars to 100k+ miles without major engine issues? If the car is very well maintained and serviced would it be wise to go for a car with 35k-45k miles and get the better price, or should I go for the garage queen and pay the extra 4-8k???

[mike & juli]

Ask Chuck 98RT/10 about HIGH mileage!!! ~juli

[Kenneth Krieger]

These engines are basically bullet proof...........there are cars with 100K miles with no issues what-so-ever! There are many who don't drive their cars much for fear of the depreciation, then there are those of us who bought the car to DRIVE IT...enjoy its attributes, and have some fun in life and not look at a trophey in the garage. 30 to 50K in a 12 or 14 year old car is NOT high milage. If the car is maintained properly......it should be good to go!!

[dave6666]

It has been discussed many times here that garage queens can actually have more problems than driven cars. Seals and stuff that only sit there and never get lubricated can actually fail faster that ones experiencing daily or at least more frequent use.

[CitySnake]

Originally Posted by Kenneth Krieger

These engines are basically bullet proof...........there are cars with 100K miles with no issues what-so-ever! There are many who don't drive their cars much for fear of the depreciation, then there are those of us who bought the car to DRIVE IT...enjoy its attributes, and have some fun in life and not look at a trophey in the garage. 30 to 50K in a 12 or 14 year old car is NOT high milage. If the car is maintained properly......it should be good to go!!

EXACTLY what Ken said! IF you're going to look at your Viper as some financial investment , then you'll find far better choices IMO. If you're going to "invest in driving pleasure", then you'll be thrilled at your return.

[ViperJon]

Originally Posted by dave6666

It has been discussed many times here that garage queens can actually have more problems than driven cars. Seals and stuff that only sit there and never get lubricated can actually fail faster that ones experiencing daily or at least more frequent use.

Dave speaketh the truth.
My 98 had only 9K on it when I bought it and had a lot of issues, including an oil leak.
It runs way better now at 30K.

[99 R/T 10]

I hate to keep pimping my 97, BUT:

ViperClub Classifieds - 1997 Viper RT/10 - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

It has less than 3000 miles per year, but is consider near high mileage, does that make sense? It has been completely prepped for the new owner(new clutch, brakes, plugs/wires, oil change) If I don't sell it by June 15, I plan on using it for my Route 66 drive with my son to California this summer . To he!! with the gas prices!

[dave6666]

Oh yeah... Better give my standard speech now...

If you put your car in the bank and your money in the garage, your investment in fun will never reach maturity, and your financial goals will be passed by inflation.

[Dave's Big Brakes]

63,555 granny miles :lma o:still runs strong it's my daily driver

These cars are made to DRIVE

Big Brake Dave

My cool avatar from Mr. Big

[Dom426h]

+2 on what ken & jon & dave said

if you want a car to drive, then buy a car that has been driven

[twinturbo3150]

Originally Posted by mike & juli

Ask Chuck 98RT/10 about HIGH mileage!!! ~juli

I dont think Chuck's been around the block that many times has he?

[NukedGTS]

Originally Posted by terminator02

I see some great prices on cars that have 30-45k miles. Is buying a viper with those miles risky? Part of me thinks that it would be good because the engine has had some decent usage. I don't know when these engines start to have problems (even if well cared for). Has anyone driven their cars to 100k+ miles without major engine issues? If the car is very well maintained and serviced would it be wise to go for a car with 35k-45k miles and get the better price, or should I go for the garage queen and pay the extra 4-8k???

I currently have 81,000 on my 97 and it runs like a top . . . want to know what really makes the Viper tech I work with nervous? 10 year old cars with 10,000 miles on them. A typical engine with all it's moving parts was not meant to sit idle for long periods of time . . . I think the main issue is really how the car is maintained more than the odometer reading. Good luck.

[terminator02]

Originally Posted by NukedGTS

I currently have 81,000 on my 97 and it runs like a top . . . want to know what really makes the Viper tech I work with nervous? 10 year old cars with 10,000 miles on them. A typical engine with all it's moving parts was not meant to sit idle for long periods of time . . . I think the main issue is really how the car is maintained more than the odometer reading. Good luck.

nice that is good to know. I have been a little biased toward the lesser mile vehicles, but I would get this car to drive and not sit. I don't think a 40k vs 80k car will differ that much on the resale in a few years anyways...

[agentf1]

If you plan on driving it a lot get one with mileage already on it. The only thing low mileage does is bump up the price and make re-selling it easier. These motors will run to over 100k with no problems if treated properly just like any other motor.

[terminator02]

Here is another question. If I get a "decent deal" on a GTS for about 40-45k, and put maybe 5k miles on it a year. Would it be unreasonable to sell it 3-5 years down the road for 35-40k? Are these cars at a low point and expected to appreciate at all...or are they going to continue to decline? I am not looking for an investment (my fun is enough) but I am not necessarily looking to take a bath in case I need to free up some assets down the road. Thanks everyone!