prices lower now?

[Hans@GZP]

Seeing people bitch about a $30k SL Spyder that has 10k miles on it makes me sick. But of course, those people bitching are the people that can never afford such a car. There is a market for every car. There are even people willing to pay a premium for a nice, low mileage example. Especially these days. Not many can be found with sub 50k miles on them. I know I've resurrected a couple of SUPER low mileage ones from the grave and got bitched at about pricing or what was accomplished to fix such a car. But those same people will scream at me for parting out the 200k mile car. It just doesn't make sense. Then there are the people that complain that you didn't fix every issue on their $5500 car. There is no profitability on fully restoring a 150k mile vr4. If I wanted to throw money out the window, I'd do just that

[sergechronos]

But of course, those people bitching are the people that can never afford such a car.

I know I've resurrected a couple of SUPER low mileage ones from the grave and got bitched at about pricing or what was accomplished to fix such a car. But those same people will scream at me for parting out the 200k mile car. It just doesn't make sense.

You just answered your own quandry about why it doesn't make sense.

The people that bitch about fixing a low mileage one couldn't afford it, but when you part out a 200k mile one that's something that their broke ass could've afforded. Maybe. Doubtful.

The VR4s and TTs have lost value for sure, but I think that beyond the supply and demand aspect of it (given the sheer numbers) the other part is perception. When you talk to outsiders about VR4s they have plenty of ideas which may or may not be true, like the weak transmissions (sure the bell housings and transfer cases should be braced, but otherwise its a 1000+ hp capable transmission from the factory) or the spun bearing thing (which it does happen but we've seen over time that's normally shitty maintenance and dented pick ups from idiots.) And of course the weight, always gets brought up..Even though the Evo weighs right at around 3000-3200 pounds, and 1g VR4s weighed what, 3400ish?

Perception in the public eye is quite a bit in sales, because you can't keep selling to other people within the community. Supras and Skylines were produced (or imported in the case of the Skylines) in far less numbers for sure, but their screen time skyrocketed their prices. Even NA DSMs got a bump from it (I know cause I sold mine after that movie came out and made a nice premium over what I paid .) With the Evo and the 3G Eclipse, it was a bit different. The Evo 8 was the first to be released in the US and it came out at the same time as the movie, so any premium that was on them by the dealer was going to be there regardless and there wasn't a huge aftermarket. Same with the 3g Eclipse, it was a new car at that time. So there were no used values to increase, although for what it's worth the 03 Eclipse sold 38k cars in North America (compared to 76k in 2002 and only had 1 more year over 30k since then.)

It's a combination of factors that have driven the car's value through the ground. That said, the more that get parted out, or torn up by shitty owners, the cheaper parts get, but the more valuable the actual running cars will become.

[HilbillyHomeboy]

VR-4's are near 3800 curb weight.

Jeremy

[sergechronos]

Just checked the service manual, so they do. The Sls are near 3400. No idea where I got that mix up from -_- I shall go flog myself in penance or something.

[IPD]

VR-4's are near 3800 curb weight.

Jeremy

1g's. the z15's were probably in the 3600lbs range stock. spyders in the 4k range.

[Jeff V.]

The 97 and up cars don't seem to pull the premium they once did.

Yeah. People got wise and realized it's the exact same car as 91-96. Of course the pedants among us will list all the trivial differences, but all the important stuff is the same.

On the other side at Mitsu, they were selling the Spyder VR-4s, MSRP in the $60ks but with dealer mark ups many selling in the $70K price range!

We went over this on BAWC. The Spyder was a sales disaster for Mitsubishi. By late 96 Mitsu had basically shut down Spyder production and were having to bribe dealers to the tune of $10,000 per car to take the ones that were gathering dust at ASC.

spyders in the 4k range.

Something like 4,160 for my VR4 Spyder. I feel every pound of it when I drive it. I can't imagine how people drive SL Spyders. Talk about a pig...

[Kyoshosp2]

1000hp tranny ??? I'm pretty sure my gen 1 stealth has a weak one I was told do go over 500 or launch it hard . Thinking of selling it and getting a 93 with better trans , block and crank


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sergechronos]

93 doesn't have a better trans.

The bellhousings (especially on the 6 speed) are prone to cracking when the clutch is dumped, and the transfer cases on the 5 speed models is aluminum and tends to blow itself to bits when launched. Again, there are braces for both of these components and it is a pretty cheap upgrade (certainly compared to the kind of work that goes into prepping transmissions for other platforms for serious amounts of torque.) No matter how well braced though, if you just dump the clutch you are putting a ton of shock into the system and will be certain to be picking scrap up.

[Street_Chally73]

I think he's referring to the '93's 25-spline O/S versus the earlier models' 18-spline one.

But yes, you can make your driveline components rather bulletproof for not too much $$$.

[Kyoshosp2]

Don't 93 have 25spline shaft instead of the 91-92 18 spline ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk