Quote:
Originally Posted by billt
There are several in the 30 - 35K range if you're looking for a '99 or so. Many have only
about 20k miles. I'd opt for lower mileage over a newer one with higher miles in general. Look for a well maintained cared for stock car. Some have been "chipped" which reduces engine longevity. Mine has been absolutely marvelous so far.
|
I am always of the belief that, when you are buying an exotic more than 5 years old, that you get one with higher mileage but documentation of work (i.e. receipts). Both cars (whether 20k or 60k miles) will cost you about the same to maintain.
The 60k car will have more cosmetic (and maybe internal) "wear" but has least been driven. The little things like seals/tires/pads/etc. are probably still good because they have been used. Any little gremlins have been driven out of the car and you have history (receipts) to tell you if there are any recurring issues with the car.
The 20k car will usually be cleaner and fresher looking (appearance) but you don't know what the state of the internals are. How long does it sit between drives? Or does it get driven every Sunday for about 10 miles to the local coffee shop? If it has that few miles, has the battery died and been recharged a bunch of times, putting a lot of strain on the alternator? Does it have gremlins that are waiting to come out that the previous owner never drove enough to find?
At the end of the day, you will probably pay the same for maintenance on each car. At least you are saving a lot upfront on the higher mileage car. Like I said though, you NEED receipts (at least the last few year's worth) on the higher mileage car.
FYI - This is just one guy's opinion but I have followed this mantra with both of my Ferraris, 3 past Porsches and my current Esprit........and haven't had an issue with ANY of them. Although I really baby my cars (wait till you see my garage pics I am about to post) I do drive them. Put about 8k miles on the Esprit this past year alone.