10k: Why So Cheap? 1992 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4, Low Miles
Last week we discussed the Nissan 300ZX TT market and asked why the NSX, Supra & Porsche 993 have appreciated in the last two decades, but the 300ZX has languished in sub 2-year-old Kia territory. The big car missing from our discussion was the Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4, another high-tech, high-power and high-complexity Japanese sports car from the 90s boom. Today’s example is sold from the original owner, features a shockingly low 30k miles on the odometer and is dirt cheap. Find this 1992 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4 for sale in Orange County, CA for $10,000 via craigslist. Tip from Brian P.
We don’t like giving out the inexplicably awesome Unsold Adams award…but the photos in this ad are just worthless. Great way to highlight the dead grass in the lawn and avoid showing what looks like a minty clean 30k mile 3000 GT VR-4.
What is this a picture of? The airbag cover? Excellent, airbag cover looks intact. What about focusing/exposing on the gauges so we can see the 30k miles. Our best hypothesis for the less than 1500 miles per year is that this car was used by a professional photographer who didn’t get many gigs. We just hope the owner has kept up on oil changes and maintenance as the finicky 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 producing 300 horsepower and mated to all four wheels can be expensive to repair.
Another portrait orientation picture focused on a piece of dirty pavement and dead grass. However, there is an important DT lesson to be gleaned from this car. If this is the original owner, if it is in great shape with only 30k miles…then the poorly put together ad should only increase your want for this minty clean modern classic because you aren’t going to find many more with so few miles for cheap. See another poor ad, good car combo? tips@dailyturismo.com
I have heard from a lot of sources that the transmission is a weak link in these cars. The low trading prices for these have always spooked me. I put them in the same category as the Porsche 928 or Lotus Esprit. Examples can check all the right blocks: beautiful, low miles, fast and be for sale at way under book. They are, however, aging cars and problems will inevitably arise that can get you upside-down in a big hurry. When you decide to move on, they are nearly impossible to unload.
Transmission is only problematic in higher powered cars, and what usually goes first is the output shaft. The gearset in these cars is surprisingly stout for a Japanese "tuner" car, as they are manufactured by Getrag. The cars are a PITA to work on, though, and are fat, heavy pigs. They are enormous on the outside, surprisingly small inside, and don't handle well without throwing tons of $$ at them.
Wow. this is my car. FIRST OF ALL… i needed the cash FAST at the time. I later realized it was way too cheap so i raised the price. Let me excuse myself for not having pictures up to your guy's expectations. but anyways I am in fact the original owner, oil changed EVERY 3K miles, ALWAYS maintained kept in a garage under a car cover and check this out.. i still have the original window sticker. dont believe me? fine email me and i will GLADLY send you a picture 🙂
By the way it actually has less then 30K. It has around 28. Like i said don't believe me i will be more than happy enough to send proof. It actually is roomy, who uses the backseat anyways? I haven't ever "thrown tons of $$" them before. Only about a grand to redo the leather inside.
Email : jackie_dear[at]hotmail.com for more questions guys. Thanks.