Doin my research

OK, I'm planning way ahead, but I want this to be right. In 8 months, when I get back from my deployment overseas I AM going to buy a VR4. I prefer the 1st gen look. I've got a whole slew of things going on in my head that I want to do to my vr4, performance/visual mods. I've been kinda monitoring prices on 2 web sites.....Ebay, and autotrader. Autotrader seems to me that everything or almost everything there is on a "stealership" lot and is extremely overpriced. For example, 1995 vr4(non-spyder) 120k miles, no mods....somethin like $18,000. :eek7: No way... Then there's ebay, the average auction is somethin like 1995 vr4(non-spyder) 120k miles, no mods....between 7k-10k ehh, ok, I can agree with that....I guess. So, in whoevers opinion here who reads this, what do you think is a fair price for a 1st gen, vr4, any color, anywhere in the US. Also, in the opinion of those of you who read this, how many miles would you consider to be too high on a vr4 to not buy it. My 99 sl has 140k and it still runs great, but a vr4 may be diff?

I would say it all comes down to who owned and how they drove and maintained it. I am getting ready to buy one just as you are and have noted similar prices but lower mileage is my goal, my plan is this. When I finally find the one that just fits perfect, I am going to search for a random independent mechanic in the area where the car is and have the car taken there for a full once over, more than likely try for a mitsubishi dealership as they will know what to look for. I will pay for this inspection either way but I am then going to have the info faxed to me so I can talk it over with the mechanic who inspected it. This way when I do fly in to take delivery or have it shipped to me I will know what condition it is in. Personally for 94 and earlier models I am not going to buy more than 150,000 unless it inspects as perfect and I have proof both 60,000mile tune ups have been done. 94 and up I am shooting for less than 100,000 miles.

you really have to get a feel for the owner and see how it was maintained. I got my VR4 4 months ago - 2 days after i owned it, everythign went to shit. the 60k was never done and im lucky that when the timing belt skipped it didnt fry my valves. I got lucky though, around here, 1st gen VR4's go for 10-13k. I got mine for $5,250 + $650 in repaires. also, watch out for those damn tanny's. I need mine rebuilt pretty soon and that'll run me a grand. but overall, i think i'm still in the good. and i baby the heck out of my VR4. good luck over seas! good luck car shopping!

Read the FAQ. It is impossible for us to give you a price, because it all depends on mileage, condition, and location. Use www.kbb.com to get an idea of what the rated value is. But it really comes down to what you are willing to pay for it.
Personally, when I bought my vr4, I only used autotrader, not ebay. Because on ebay you don't necessarily get to test drive it. Also I wanted lower than 60k, but others have picked up used cars with 2x that much. So it is all relative, and these questions will get multiple varied responses, all due to different personal preferences, etc.

Also, don't limit yourself to only those 2 websites, plenty of vr4s go on sale here or on 3si.

KBB says anywhere from $9-11,000 for a 95' VR4. Seems worth it to me.

I appreciate all of your responses, they're kinda what I thought would happen, and it's true, it pretty much all boils down to time, place, and money. Until then, I've gotta keep researching/inspecting and when the time comes to make a decision put all my sources together , buy one, and hope for the best. Thanks everyone
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