Is high or low mileage better when buying used?

[Jon]

I have not been looking for a Gen3 for very long, but one thing that has struck me is that the majority of the cars for sale seem to have very low mileage. Its not uncommon to see an '03 or '04 with under 10K miles, or an '05-06 with 2K miles. A Gen3 with 35K miles seems to be the exception, and every now and again I will come across one with as many as 60K or so.

For a used car in general, I would consider a 6-7 year old car with 35K miles to be low mileage, but that doesn't seem to be the case with the Viper. I have read through old posts here from folks with 60-80K miles on their Vipers and they still seem to be going strong, but is there a different standard for the Viper, or is it just as durable as any other Dodge and I should apply the normal standards of mileage when considering a used model?

On the other end of the spectrum, these cars with ultra low mileage are obviously doing a lot of sitting around, and I know that this isn't always great for a vehicle either, so perhaps a low mileage example isn't as attractive as it might initially seem? The low mileage cars usually have pristine interiors and less bumper/road rash, but I wonder if this is offset by the effects on the drivetrain of sitting for long periods of time?

If anyone has an opinion on this, I'd be interested to hear it.

Thanks!

 

[Martin]

Most of these cars have low miles on them - but they're pretty bullet-proof and I'd say they're as reliable or more reliable than they typical Chrysler product. As long as they haven't been abused when they were run, low miles isn't generally a problem if the cars get driven at least every couple of weeks during the summer and either stored well during the winter or started up and heat cycled every few weeks. Higer mileage cars can actually be in better shape in some ways than the low mile cars. People who drive them tend to find all the little problems that pop up while the car is under warranty, and that can be a good thing. Also, driving them regularly tends to keep them in better shape overall.

About the only downside to the higher mileage cars are cosmetic wear and tear. Seats tend to start looking ratty, the paint tends to get chipped in places, and since the suspensions are so stiff, little sqeaks and rattles tend to show up over time.

If I were to get one as a 'driver', I wouldn't be afraid at all of high miles as long as the car checks out.

 

[plumcrazy]

lower is always better but dont be afraid of miles. if its cared for and in good shape (and that is confirmed by a reputable viper tech, tuner or vca member) dont sweat it.

do your homework and dont fall in love with a car until its in your driveway.

 

[swexlin]

What they said! I just bought an 03 with 23,000 miles (now has about 24), and while the paint has some issues, the car (so far, knock wood) has been sound.

I agree that cars are meant to be DRIVEN, and sitting around for long periods or years can cause seals to dry out, etc. Plus, as they said, any bugs or warranty items may have already been looked at on higher mileage cars.

 

[GlennSullivan]

I have not been looking for a Gen3 for very long, but one thing that has struck me is that the majority of the cars for sale seem to have very low mileage. Its not uncommon to see an '03 or '04 with under 10K miles, or an '05-06 with 2K miles. A Gen3 with 35K miles seems to be the exception, and every now and again I will come across one with as many as 60K or so.

For a used car in general, I would consider a 6-7 year old car with 35K miles to be low mileage, but that doesn't seem to be the case with the Viper. I have read through old posts here from folks with 60-80K miles on their Vipers and they still seem to be going strong, but is there a different standard for the Viper, or is it just as durable as any other Dodge and I should apply the normal standards of mileage when considering a used model?

On the other end of the spectrum, these cars with ultra low mileage are obviously doing a lot of sitting around, and I know that this isn't always great for a vehicle either, so perhaps a low mileage example isn't as attractive as it might initially seem? The low mileage cars usually have pristine interiors and less bumper/road rash, but I wonder if this is offset by the effects on the drivetrain of sitting for long periods of time?

If anyone has an opinion on this, I'd be interested to hear it.

Thanks!

In my opinion lower mileage cars (except if they have been in an accident) are always better. All vehicles are essentially machines which have X number of trouble free miles in them. As mileage increases so does wear and tear to both the mechanics, body and paint.

I would look for the lowest mile, least used, unmodified, unmolested example you can find with the color and options you are looking for.

 

[bluesrt]

3k a year is a nice find----------- imo--------

 

[swexlin]

Higer mileage cars can actually be in better shape in some ways than the low mile cars. People who drive them tend to find all the little problems that pop up while the car is under warranty, and that can be a good thing. Also, driving them regularly tends to keep them in better shape overall.

I still agree with this statment. A 7 year old car with VERY low miles has been doing a lot of sitting. Machines are meant to be used.

 

[Dom426h]

On the other end of the spectrum, these cars with ultra low mileage are obviously doing a lot of sitting around, and I know that this isn't always great for a vehicle either, so perhaps a low mileage example isn't as attractive as it might initially seem? The low mileage cars usually have pristine interiors and less bumper/road rash, but I wonder if this is offset by the effects on the drivetrain of sitting for long periods of time?

precisely.
If you want a Driver, buy a car that has been driven.

 

[Paul Hawker]

If you are going to put a lot of miles on your Viper, then buy one with few miles.

If you are going to only put a few miles on it, then buy one with lots of miles.

 

[swexlin]

I guess I just don't understand the "low miles" thing. These cars are pretty stout, and aren't going to fall apart after "X" miles.

 

[White 04 Mamba]

I bought my 04 mamba a year ago with 39,500 miles on it. I have since put another 2k on and it runs great, no squeeks, no paint issues and no mechanical problems what so ever. I will say however that it came with an extended warranty until 2013 and that was a deciding factor to buy it.

 

[swexlin]

Agreed. While my lower fascia is a bit scraped up, because the car has been lowered, my 24,000 mile car has so far been very sound. Clockspring on backorder (airbag light is on), and I replaced the run-flats with PS2s. That's it (knock wood - don't want to jinx myself.)

 

[White 04 Mamba]

Agreed. While my lower fascia is a bit scraped up, because the car has been lowered, my 24,000 mile car has so far been very sound. Clockspring on backorder (airbag light is on), and I replaced the run-flats with PS2s. That's it (knock wood - don't want to jinx myself.)

My car too has some scratches under the front fascia (not lowered) but not visable unless your on your back. Run flats should be the first thing to get rid of. PS2's put the runcraps to serious shame. Exhaust crossover removal and borla cat backs installed made the car run so much cooler inside the cabin. Other than that the car is stock and runs great.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

The car will go 100K+ all day long, but like Ferraris and Lambos, it is a mileage sensitive car for resale reasons. With tons of them out there with lower miles, it means buyers see value in a car that has been driven less.

You will find higher mileage cars for sale, and they will be lower priced, but regardless of miles we always counsel folks to get fluids checked, as well as get the car up on a lift to see true condition of the car prior to purchase.

Best Regards,
Bill Pemberton
Woodhouse

 

[RTTTTed]

I bought a 19,000mi supercharged 98 GTS in PERFECT shape and put another 10,000miles on it in 6 months. Then I bought a 20,000 mile Roe supercharged 2001 Sapphire GTS. I now have 50,000 miles on it in 2 years. This car is by far the best of my Vipers and has so many modifications that it is better than a new Viper. New Vipers still don't have Bluetooth? Macedo Motorsports rebuilt the engine and installed forged 9-1 pistons, rockers, etc. SS exhaust, VR1 lightweight wheels, lightweight '09 ACR front brakes from Roe Racing, parts from partsrack,etc. this car is 99% perfect.

I recently bought a 21,000 mile Paxton supercharged 2000 ACR. I added 5,000 highway miles driving it home and to a VCA event. I bought this car as it needed some TLC, rear tires, oil change and a few other minor upgrades. I installed all new ceramic pads (partrack), lightweight rotors, door speaker upgrades, cleaned up the car, went over the entire car mechanically, tightened bolts, clamps, etc. This car is nearing perfection as well. At 600rwhp it has more power than a Gen 4 with nthe speaker upgrades should have better stereo sound etc. 800hp axles greatly increase the reliability of the car. With the Nitrous Oxide and C02 ic chiller the 802rwhp is available in case I ever need a drag car that goes 9sec. With the Venom rear spoiler my ACR attracts as many looks as a new ACR.

As stated by Dom, For a driver buy a driven car. If you're looking for a Museum or collector car, buy the lowest mileage car you can find. Slight rust, OLD dangerous tires, dehydrated Grease in your CVs or U-joints, dried out leather int., and dried out oil seals don't matter much if you never drive the car. Some exceptions are the Gen 1 Viper with the bad paper headgaskets that HAVE to be replaced. Wheels bearings that have 'crusty' grease and oils that are supposed to be changed every 3 months even if only slightly used ... If someone never touches their car they still do engine oil changes throughout the car because of the acidity - right???

Please keep in mind that the Government requires that all Cars be ruined by Catylitic Convertors. All awesome sounding Vipers are equipped with aftermarket (except he 2010s) SS exhaust that uses "sound cancellation technology". Stock Viper speakers are garbage and need to be upgraded for decent sound. All Vipers until 2008 (except ACRs) came with PAPER air filters that become instantly destroyed with any dampness. K&Ns will fix this problem while adding free hp! If a Viper has low to No mileage then there is probably a reason for it, such as stock, old tires, exhaust, cats, etc. After buying a low mileage Viper it costs nearly $2,000 for new tires (6 years is maximium shelf life for tires), another couple thousand need to be spent on exhaust to get rid of that "UPS truck sound" and the excessive heat of the stock Cats. Then it would be a good idea to have someone replace all the fluids and remove all the wheelbearings for a repak as well as all driveshafts (another $1,000). Top quality Antitfreeze is recommended to be changed each 5 years.

Ted



Ted

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

I guess I just don't understand the "low miles" thing. These cars are pretty stout, and aren't going to fall apart after "X" miles.

After over 10 years and almost 100,000 miles, I've never understood it either. Viper buyer / owners are entirely responsible for this anomaly. There is no valid reason a Viper shouldn't be treated as other car for odometer miles.

Because of this skewed line of thinking, Viper values have unfairly eroded over the years as this low mile thing gained traction. In reality, the well built Viper engine is likely easily capable of 200K plus if properly maintained. .....most modern day cars/engines are.

Steve

 

[eucharistos]

and more miles = more awareness of the car (maybe less "nice vette" comments) and thus maybe more of a market for the used ones

 

[Coloviper]

Having seen the destruction and "Lot Rot" that can occur from a car that sits all year long (currently replaced a ton of new old items on a 69' Mach 1 that I restored fully in mid-90s and stored for 16 years on blocks), it is amazing how things can degrade from doing nothing at all. I totally agree with the poster that said 3,000 miles per year is a good find. Actually 1,000 to 3,500 miles a year is a great find. If it has been well maintained and you buy from the original owner with a full service history, car checks out clean, no accidents, etc. that is probably your best bet.

Just look at how many new GEN IVs have bit the dust under 250 miles. There is your sign that lower is not always better. Don't be affraid of too many miles though there are limits, I am sure.

Now I saved up enough (what seemed like forever) and after selling my business, I bought a new 06' Coupe. For years I was telling myself, if I ever was fortunate enough to get a Viper, I would drive it everywhere and it would be the highest mileage Viper in the world when I was done with it. Well, after 4 years of ownership new, it just hit 4,000 miles a week or two ago. I love every mile I have driven in it, but my wife doesn't enjoy the jiggly, loud factor all the time, so unless we have a good reason to drive it, and the weather will be guaranteed nice, we park it and drive the SUV. I prefer to drive it alone as well. Not sure why but it is like doubling on a snowmobile, it is just not that fun for the passenger all the time.

Can't explain why most are low miles, but if I had to guess, they are the perfect car to take the edge off or reset your stress levels very quickly. It doesn't take but the time I get to the bottom of my driveway and I am grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Sure I want to drive it more, but I don't want to drive it to work and rub it in people's noses, etc.

I had the best of intentions to drive it all over, but it just did not work out that way. 1,000 miles a year is about what I put on it. VOI11 will double that number for this year WooHoo!

Anyway good luck with the search. Original owner and full service history records are how I have always purchased my used vehicles. Usually someone with pride of ownership will keep that kind of stuff documented. Good or bad, I have never been burnt on a used vehicle purchase following that advice. That and checking it out thouroughly.

 

[swexlin]

1,000 to 3,500 miles a year is a great find.

Yep. My car, now with 24,000 miles, has averaged 3428 miles per year since it was put into service in July 2003. It's a great driver, and a pretty good looker too!

 

[FEDBYVORTECH]

I would think a 04 with about 20k miles still under warranty would be perfect. Better still one that Arrow rebuilt the motor 1000 miles ago under warr. I just happen to have one Black Mamba. I took a deposit on it, pulled it off the classifieds than the bone head said his wife would not let him buy it. I being the "nice guy" gave back his 10k deposit. Maybe I am the bone head. You should really buy one with a warranty than you have no worries. Very few have the 7yr 70k.

 

[97GTS]

lower is always better but dont be afraid of miles. if its cared for and in good shape (and that is confirmed by a reputable viper tech, tuner or vca member) dont sweat it.

do your homework and dont fall in love with a car until its in your driveway.

Exactly.



Ron

 

[Nixon's SRT]

I have 73k on mine and it still runs 11.5 in the 1/4 mile and paint looks about a 8/10. Keeping up with fluid changes and replacing parts when they wear will keep the car running.

My neighbor has his for sale, let me know if its something your interested

2003 Black on Black SRT-10 - Fresh Motor - ViperClub Classifieds

 

[adesrt]

i Have bought one with 750 miles intending to put 10000 on it in the next 18months, and so far it has had some niggly pain in the ass faults

 

[2003 Viper]

My 03 has 18K now and I thought it was a high mile car.I want to keep it under 21K as I plan to upgrade in 3 years.