The cars you are quoting are basket cases. That is not a fair assessment of market value.
I wouldn't say they were basket cases by any means. They were just used, not garage queens. Neither of them looked like they would fall apart. And all 3 had clean titles AFAIK
I should have saved pics of them. I wouldnt be embarrassed to drive any of them. But I guess I usually take apart every "keeper" I buy and detail the hell out of it before I put it into regular use so I know what a little elbow grease can do.
As far as increasing MSRP holding the price of older models, I totally see where that is coming from. Example I really enjoy home theater. Maybe some of you have heard of B&W, Bowers & Wilkins. I have a pair of Nautilus 802 speakers which retailed for $8000 back in 1999/2000ish. In 2004 or so they were worth around $4000 used. Well as the new models came out, 802D and 802DI, the MSRP increased with each one. Because of this, my N802s that are 13 years old are worth $4000-5000 depending on condition because the cost of admission has increased on the new models to nearly $16,000.
08s in the 50s can and do happen, all you have to do is keep an eye out and accept the car may have 20k or more miles on it. Doesn't mean they are basket cases or anything. I wish I remember what that red viper went for, I think it ended up selling for 50k? There was a thread on here about it, I don't recall it had to of been 5-6 months ago, maybe more.
Anyways I am all for discussion as long as people don't start insulting others to try and make a point. (not directed at you, just making a statement)
Is 50k the average retail of a gen 4? No, but to say they cant be had for that price is obviously incorrect.
Looking on ebay I see 3 08s that have sold.
blue 08 coupe with salvage title 14k miles for $51great price, Solid price but I would probably pass on a salvage
orange 1 owner clean title vert with 8k miles for $57 smoking price for a sharp 1 owner car. Looks like its being flipped for $66k on autotrader by a dealer.
venom red 3 owner clean coupe 11k miles for $57 great price on a clean coupe
ebay non completed ads
venom red 1 owner 19k mile 08 coupe (non garage queen) @ $55 no reserve, 0 bids and 5 hrs left
venom red 3 owner 6k mile convert BIN $53,900 salvage title. Clean looking, sounds like it was done right and it was a bumper, wheel, tire, some suspension, id prolly pass though
black 08 ACR with 2k on it for BIN of 79
Auto trader:
2008 Dodge Viper with very low mileage. This is an excellent buy for someone serious about owning a Dodge Viper. All scheduled maintenance, All records, Always garaged, Custom wheels, Factory GPS system, Looks & drives great, Mostly highway miles, Must see, Never seen snow, Non-smoker, One owner, Title in hand, Very clean interior, Well maintained VIN #1B3JZ65Z08V200669 Serious enquirers only. 5,200 miles $59,000
2008 Venom Red convertible 29k miles dealer $55k No clue if its salvage or not