Would you buy an older car with low miles or a newer car with high miles?

Question

We are looking at Corvettes:

1997 with 18,000 miles $23k

or

2005 with 30,000 miles $35k

Both have all the features we want, so it is really a question of which would be the most logical choice. Thanks for your opinion (and why).

Answer 1

higher miles.  

Answer 2

Assuming the odometer hasn't been rigged, easy choice, the older one.

Answer 3

Older, because the new makes aren't the same, like they don't feel the same when driving it. Also it is cheaper, lower mileage etc. That's why I suggest the older make.

Answer 4

Older car with less miles for less money........... You would have an extra 275.00 a month in your pocket..........  more money in your pocket = more fun and more places you'll get to take your ride

Answer 5

The 2005. 30,000 is higher miles but still fairly low mileage. Also it is only about 4 years old and maybe under warranty. It seems very odd that a 97 has only 18 thousand miles. I would check the values only kbb.com and see which is the better buy though.

Answer 6

I would go for the 05 , engines  now days are good 200,000k , the 97 seems a bit suspicious only doing 1600 a year. The milage may be tempting on the older model but

it will still have some wear and tear and it is dated now ,11 years in car terms it a lot.

I know you are having to pay another 12,000 but the car will look more modern and you wont feel like you want to trade it in, in a couple of years  because it looks like an old Bessy

Answer 7

I would go for the 97 Corvette...only 18k miles for a car that's 10 years old, that sounds like a very good buy, but you should have a mechanic check it out first to make sure the car is good, and to make sure that the speedometer has not been tampered with.  Good luck...

Answer 8

neither....ok 05

Answer 9

buy whatever you want! My opinon is the 05 though. But it also depends how well the car is managing. Like Will the older car break down faster?? Or does it have a good engine?? As you can tell I am not really good with cars. But I need to get more points so.. this helps!

Answer 10

buy the 2005.

seriously. it will last longer. 30k miles is nothing

just make sure it runs cool and all the fluids are cool n stuff u kno

but for realzies get the 2005

Answer 11

I will answer a question with a question.

How mechanically inclined are you?

  Understand that age plays as much of a factor as mileage.  A car will naturally deteriorate with age.  ie: seals dry out, water damage, hidden rust, sludge buildups etc...

What you need to ask for on the older vette is the maintenance log to verify that all proper work was done, and find out if it was store inside or out.

Bottom line is if you have no mechanical skills get the newer vette as it will require less in the way of maintenance in the short term.

But ultimately I would say drive them both and get the one that sings to ya when you drive it.

Answer 12

I roll in a bitchin 81 Camaro, so your stuff is pretty new school for me :P. The thing to keep in mind is, from 1985-2007 GM was in a slump. They were producing cars in mass, just to produce them. I would go for a 'Vette from the 60s or 70s much like this one

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Chevr...

You can find them in really good condition for about as much as you are willing to spend on a new one, but they will be much better quality...

Otherwise go for the 97. It looks better!!!! lol

Answer 13

2005

Answer 14

I would buy the 97 because it has fewer miles. One thing about cars is that you have to keep them up and eventually they conk out, but if you can invest in a good one without a lot of miles, I think you would be able to take care of it better and longer.

Answer 15

I have bought older cars with ultra low miles. They will give you more problems than a newer one will. If a car sits to much, anything that has rubber type seals in it will dry rot. Once you purchase the car and start driving it, you will have possible issues with the tranny, brakes, power steering and ect. For the difference in price you could do these repairs as they arise on the 97 and still be ahead money wise. I would still get the 05 if the extra money is not the issue.

Answer 16

Depends on which body stile you want> They both seem over priced> for todays market>