Vintage

Do you guys notice how many Vintage Speedys are out there for sale with very low mileage. Why are so many people selling after only a few thousand miles. Are people disappointed in the car? Don't get me wrong, I am looking for a Speedster and like the Vintage, but why does it seem everyone is jumping ship? Too much maintenance? Engine problems? Leaky roof problems? What is it? Buyer's remorse? Just curious.

David,

I think it is a normal event in Replicar ownership. Considering Vintage builds about 4 cars a week it stands to reason that some will show up as low milage Speedsters. Reasons, several I can think of; a guy bought one for his wife or girlfriend and they didn't like the shifting and blow dry hair, someone bought one on a whim because they always liked the shape but never drove it for whatever reason,another toy came along they liked better, moving and don't want to pay for trucking it across country and I'm sure there are dozen other reasons, real or imagined.

Don't let that stop from buying a nice low milage Vintage to get your feet wet. Actually it is probably the smartest thing to do!

You wouldn't really get your feet wet, just your shirt sleeve.
Hoss
wet badge of courage recipient

Bruce hit it on the nose. Vintage builds over 200 cars a year, that puts a lot of cars on the market.
-=theron

WOW! That's a lot. Did not realize it was so many. 4 per week. Really? WOW!

David, I think most of the builders have a low percentage of 1st time buyers that decide the Speedster Replica is not what they had envisoned. These are basic sports cars, even in the top price range of builders. So, there are people that bail on their first purchase after they realize these cars require upkeep, TLC, and are not a new Miata... Vintage builds more cars, and so it stands to reason that you will see a few more for sale. The other used Vintage market consist of a few owners that have decided they want to upgrade to another builder.

For the few VS cars that you see for sale, there are hundreds that have been owned for years, and are being driven as much as any other brand.

I had a Vintage for 3+ years. It was a great buy, and a solid Speedster. It is owned now by another member that drives it and enjoys it as much as I did. That car has at least 35,000 miles on it by now.........

Just a little info to think about. If you are wanting to get into a good Speedster today for a decent price, then Vintage makes for a good choice.

Mine was owned by a pilot that just didn't have much time off to drive it or anything else! So I guess that goes in the 'whim' category!

Parroting a thought expressed elsewhere, a person buys a brand new replicar at say, $24,000.00. What else sells for this price? The guy drives it and realizes it is a bit spartan.

He reevaluates his 'love of sports cars' and:

1. Gets something a little less 'special' but with a few more refinements by today's automotive standards.

2. Realizes he always wanted a Corvette

3. Wife says, "My turn" and they get a PT Cruiser.

If You replicate a car that was built in the mid 50's, and pay about 20 Large, or less, that is what you are driving..they were not always the most comfortable, fastest, or convenient....you had to love driving them....
For a "fist full of dollars" more you can upgrade as shown on this site.. spoiled bastards...

I agree with Jim's statement. Despite the lame attempt at comedy in my previous post, I enjoyed my VS experience. I found it used near where I lived at the time. I had some issues with the car at first, but that may have been due to the neglect or indifference of the previous owner. After I got it sorted, I enjoyed it very much for two seasons, racking up several thousand miles in the process.

The car was described to me by the original owner as a "raw sports car" and he was not wrong. Despite its limitations, it was a great deal of fun for a relatively low price. I didn't regret owning it nor did I regret selling it as part of a plan for something new and really different.
Hoss

Mine has 31000 miles on it and is a real joy to me. I bought it used and like others here I had a few small items to sort out (muffler, battery, brakes) nothing major but now I have a car that really pleases me. Also remember that Vintage is a very responsible builder and will generally go out of their way to help. Don't worry just find a used one that you like and go for it.
Troy

My first was a used Vinatage when I really wanted a new JPS (back when he was in downtown Orange, CA.). I found a used Vintage that was equipped much how I would have ordered new. As others have said, it is the best value until you want to wade deeper into the P replica world.