Mileage on a C3
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 29
From: Texas
Mileage on a C3
When you have replaced most every moving, important part in a C3 over the years, what does mileage mean. Mileage on motor one thing, mileage on tranny another, mileage on differential another, mileage on rear wheel bearing assemblies another, mileage on brake system - total, another.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,375
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Larry,
You make a good point.
I guess mileage only matters on cars that DO still have their original parts. Then the mileage is indicator of what MIGHT be going on in all those parts and assemblies you mention.
Regards,
Alan
You make a good point.
I guess mileage only matters on cars that DO still have their original parts. Then the mileage is indicator of what MIGHT be going on in all those parts and assemblies you mention.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
An old car with low mileage is still an old car. My 43 year old car with 62k miles has had just about everything mechanical rebuilt or replaced. It might as well have had 300k miles on it. Anybody who thinks they can daily or even weekend drive an old car without doing the same is just kidding themselves.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Legally speaking, correct odometer readings are supposed to accurately reflect how many miles the VIN has seen.
That said, after completely overhauling or outright replacing the engine, trans, diff and suspension the first time around, I installed a new speedo head with ~3 mi. showing in my shark, but that was for the 165 MPH gauge. So, I obviously accept the concept of a car being "reborn". Anyway, it's only fraud if you knowingly fail to disclose an odo's inaccuracy.
That said, after completely overhauling or outright replacing the engine, trans, diff and suspension the first time around, I installed a new speedo head with ~3 mi. showing in my shark, but that was for the 165 MPH gauge. So, I obviously accept the concept of a car being "reborn". Anyway, it's only fraud if you knowingly fail to disclose an odo's inaccuracy.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Livonia MI
Unless you're going for a museum piece, or an all original car, mileage isn't really that important. Storage conditions are important. Rust is important. Conditon is important. Mileage, not so much. In the end, an Arizona car with 80,000 miles could be significantly better than a Minnesota car with 24,000 miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Its one of those things that's meaning less unless you could actually prove it. Unfortunately in most states the title has a place where the odometer reading will be recorded with a little check box that states original mileage or not.
My wife asked me if I was going to roll back my odometer. I'm doing a body off restoration on my 72, so far I have replaced every line, rebuilt every component on the chasis, engine and drivetrain. And now I am working on the body. The car will be as new when completed. But No, I will not mess with the odometer. Its pointless. I will make a note of the mileage when I finally get it on the road and go from there.
My wife asked me if I was going to roll back my odometer. I'm doing a body off restoration on my 72, so far I have replaced every line, rebuilt every component on the chasis, engine and drivetrain. And now I am working on the body. The car will be as new when completed. But No, I will not mess with the odometer. Its pointless. I will make a note of the mileage when I finally get it on the road and go from there.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
Another point of view... Lower miles = more value is pounded into our brains. There will always be someone a little less knowledgeable who will value mileage a little higher than others, and subsequently pay more for the same car ( even though totally rebuilt ) with lower mileage. rich rookies with money have to be considered as part of the buying group out there.
If selling, I would state that I think the mileage is correct, but I can't prove it. especially with the ease of rolling back those old odometers or even replacement. place that statement in the sale contract.
If selling, I would state that I think the mileage is correct, but I can't prove it. especially with the ease of rolling back those old odometers or even replacement. place that statement in the sale contract.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
I don't think originality or mileage mean anything on a 41 year old car.