So, reading all the comments in this post, I decided to do a little exploring of my own. Went to Cars.com and Autotrader.com to see what was out there. What I noticed is that there are a number of RT's going for mid-to-high $30's and some in the $40's. Now, being realistic, I know these are sellers and sometimes dealers who have no idea what they have. I did also notice that many of the cars had 15k and above miles....many in the 30-40k range....and, still going for pretty good prices.
I pride myself in taking good care of my RT - always garaged and covered, always waxed, always "Tatorized" when needed. This is a nearly bone stock car, with only smooth tubes/hi-flow air filters and MGW interior accents. A non-smoking car with seats that look almost not sat in. Bought last May with only 5,200 miles, the car now has (only) 6,400 miles, as I only use the car for my pleasure and do try to keep the miles down.
Two observations:
1) I found only a couple of Gen II's with very low miles AND they were extremely high priced (too high in my opinion).
2) I found only a couple of '98 RT's, both with miles in the 30's and both were priced in the high $30's.
My conclusion is.....you get what you pay for, even in this down market, a real buyer who is looking for a quality Viper is going to end up paying a decent price.
For me, I was not interested in the hardtop - no place to keep it and don't particularly like the look. If anything, I would prefer at some point to by the aftermarket top with the vent.
So, I am comfortable in knowing that my car would be worth somewhere in the mid-to-high $30's, despite the fact that it is red.... It also has one of the best motors of the Gen II period.
Thoughts? Comments? All appreicated.
Thanks!