Worth of Used Vehicles

[2tall]

Some unfortunate things I've learned:

1. Edmunds always is lower that what you'll get for retail, and sometimes higher than trade in.
2. Viper's are worth more than their kbb/edmunds/nada value.
3. Extended warranty is always a good idea on a viper, since most people own them for a while.
4. You should pay around 10% of what the aftermarket parts cost in extra cost of the vehicle, if any.

 

[Tomer]

By way of comparison (although not direct) I got a 96 RT/10 (white with blue stripes) 2 months ago in immaculate condition, with 6600 miles, hardtop, 7/70 warranty good through end of 2002 for $45K. My research showed that was a good deal. The GTS costs more than the RT/10, and you are a year newer...

Tomer
No. Cal
96 RT/10 bone stock

 

[Sean Roe]

Aftermarket parts generally add 50% of their original parts cost (not labor) to the value of the car, if it's something you would want anyway. If you don't want the parts on it, the added value should be figured at what you may be able to sell them for (40% to 50% of original cost) if you still want the car and are getting the original parts with it.

 

[MES]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
1997 Viper GTS in excellent condition with less than 10K miles and full documentation including maintenance records? Up to $47K -&gt; outstanding condition private party sale in outstanding condition per Edmunds.com?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You may get lucky and find one in that condition for $47K but the chances are very slim. I would say per that description above you can get one for $50-51K fairly easily with some shopping around. There are lots of clean low mileage Vipers but the owners will often hold on to them until the right buyer comes around, rather than have a fire side sale to get rid of it.

I agree with Sean that you should expect to pay an extra 50% or so for aftermarket performance parts/upgrades but ONLY if you want them. If you don't want them see if the owner will take the parts off and let him sell the parts.

I also think you should pay a pro-rated amount for the remaining time left on the extended warranty. No discounts, but just the time that's left. Keep in mind if your going to go out and mod the car anyway you'll just void the warranty, so only get it if your going to keep the car fairly stock.

 

[K Adelberg]

Sold my 97 GTS Blue and White about 6 months ago. Sold for $52K. Had 10,700 miles, Hennessy cat-back exhaust, $3k stereo, Simpson belts, roll bar and 4 years left on the extended warranty.

Good Luck!