Current value on very low mileage 1996 GTS Coupe

[Viper #53]

My '96 GTS has 12,000 miles, but I still drive it. Still has the original tires on it. I really don't worry about devaluing the car.

To me, the original GTS is the best American car design from the 1990s and still looks good today. I really like my '92 RT/10, but the GTS is still King.

[daveg]

My '96 GTS has 12,000 miles, but I still drive it. Still has the original tires on it.

So how many people have told you about how bad it is running on old tires? Gotten that lecture yet?
Heard it many times. My 96 GTS still has the originals on it..

Don't drive like a moron / do stupid stuff and be conscientious of the fact you have old tires on the car and your fine.. Only problem is you cant drive the car to its full potential.

[ACRSNK]

My '96 GTS has 12,000 miles, but I still drive it. Still has the original tires on it. I really don't worry about devaluing the car.

To me, the original GTS is the best American car design from the 1990s and still looks good today. I really like my '92 RT/10, but the GTS is still King.

What a killer combo that is...a 92 RT/10 and a 96 GTS. That is awesome!

[Sybil TF]

So how many people have told you about how bad it is running on old tires? Gotten that lecture yet?
Heard it many times. My 96 GTS still has the originals on it..

To the disappointment of some, I recently bought new tires

[daveg]

To the disappointment of some, I recently bought new tires

So I just purchased a set of original forged 97 wheels with good tires off of Krate (thanks again) and I will be taking my mint 96 rims and original tires and putting them up on a tire rack that I made in my garage...
killing 2 birds with one stone, new forged rims and originals preserved!

[Thawk97]

So I just purchased a set of original forged 97 wheels with good tires off of Krate (thanks again) and I will be taking my mint 96 rims and original tires and putting them up on a tire rack that I made in my garage...
killing 2 birds with one stone, new forged rims and originals preserved!

This is exactly what I want to do

[ACRSNK]

So I just purchased a set of original forged 97 wheels with good tires off of Krate (thanks again) and I will be taking my mint 96 rims and original tires and putting them up on a tire rack that I made in my garage...
killing 2 birds with one stone, new forged rims and originals preserved!

Good thinking right there!

[VoodooRob]

New tires do not de-value an original GTS in anyway, shape or form. Tires have a life span, saving them to say you have the originals is good talk around the water cooler, but at the end of the day does nothing to add to the value of the vehicle. It's like saving the original oil and oil filter, no point in it. If the car is a zero mile, never been driven or sat in time capsule then I buy the original tire argument. After that, it's a wearable item.

[daveg]

New tires do not de-value an original GTS in anyway, shape or form. Tires have a life span, saving them to say you have the originals is good talk around the water cooler, but at the end of the day does nothing to add to the value of the vehicle. It's like saving the original oil and oil filter, no point in it. If the car is a zero mile, never been driven or sat in time capsule then I buy the original tire argument. After that, it's a wearable item.

We will see, time will tell. Worst case is I now have forged rims and not cast and maintaining the original look. Sounds like a win win to me!

[Viper #53]

DaveG: I purchased '97 forged wheels and drive it with new PilotSports. I swap the wheels/tires out for some shows and replace them afterwards.

So how many people have told you about how bad it is running on old tires? Gotten that lecture yet?
Heard it many times. My 96 GTS still has the originals on it..

Don't drive like a moron / do stupid stuff and be conscientious of the fact you have old tires on the car and your fine.. Only problem is you cant drive the car to its full potential.

[Viper #53]

Although changing tires will in no way decrease the value of the car, I've kept them since they are in pristine condition (aesthetically) and are original to the car. It's a personal opinion, that's all.

[VoodooRob]

Although changing tires will in no way decrease the value of the car, I've kept them since they are in pristine condition (aesthetically) and are original to the car. It's a personal opinion, that's all.

I have some original lug nuts I could send to you only used twice, yours might be scratched from changing rims back and forth. This wear and tear on your car will lose many points at concourse judging, your friends will not talk to you, wife packed and left with the poolboy, dog won't even lay by you....I kid, I kid. Its your car and money, enjoy it how you want! I just can't wrap my head around keeping original, hockey puck hard tires. For show or not, near 20 year old tires are an accident waiting to happen. Plus they ride like dogsheet.

[ACRSNK]

New tires do not de-value an original GTS in anyway, shape or form. Tires have a life span, saving them to say you have the originals is good talk around the water cooler, but at the end of the day does nothing to add to the value of the vehicle. It's like saving the original oil and oil filter, no point in it. If the car is a zero mile, never been driven or sat in time capsule then I buy the original tire argument. After that, it's a wearable item.

I disagree with your statement about tires. It has been my experience that having the original wheels/tires, especially when they discontinue the tires for that model does add value to the car. Without the original tires the car will never be 100% original.

P.S. I also stock up on original oil filters as well

[VoodooRob]

I disagree with your statement about tires. It has been my experience that having the original wheels/tires, especially when they discontinue the tires for that model does add value to the car. Without the original tires the car will never be 100% original.

P.S. I also stock up on original oil filters as well

Zero mile, as new as it get's 96 Viper GTS, I get it and buy the argument. Otherwise it's pure madness avoiding driving the car because the original tires have as much traction as a 3 legged cat on ice. It doesn't affect me either way, not my car nor my money, just talking about Vipers.

[VoodooRob]

I disagree with your statement about tires. It has been my experience that having the original wheels/tires, especially when they discontinue the tires for that model does add value to the car. Without the original tires the car will never be 100% original.

P.S. I also stock up on original oil filters as well

Remember were talking Viper GTS here not Ferrari 265 GTB, Bugatti Atlantic, Shelby Cobra, etc. You have an experience where someone paid more $ for a used GTS that had the original tires or deducted money off a sale that the original tires were not included to indicate devalue? Or basing this off a show car class? Again , just making conversation it's a long winter.

[daveg]

Remember were talking Viper GTS here not Ferrari 265 GTB, Bugatti Atlantic, Shelby Cobra, etc. You have an experience where someone paid more $ for a used GTS that had the original tires or deducted money off a sale that the original tires were not included to indicate devalue? Or basing this off a show car class? Again , just making conversation it's a long winter.

Rob, I have a low mileage 66 mustang sitting in my garage with the original tires still on it, should I have them changed out and toss them in the trash?

[VoodooRob]

Rob, I have a low mileage 66 mustang sitting in my garage with the original tires still on it, should I have them changed out and toss them in the trash?

No not at all, if the car just rolls in and out of a trailer for shows. If you plan on driving it on the road anywhere near my family, me, or anyone for that matter, yes change them pieces of chit! How is driving around on 50 year old tires safe for you and your passengers and everyone around you? Those things could split and shread at any moment tearing up the very car your trying to save. Your choice, your car, your ass when you get in an accident.

[daveg]

No not at all, if the car just rolls in and out of a trailer for shows. If you plan on driving it on the road anywhere near my family, me, or anyone for that matter, yes change them pieces of chit! How is driving around on 50 year old tires safe for you and your passengers and everyone around you? Those things could split and shread at any moment tearing up the very car your trying to save. Your choice, your car, your ass when you get in an accident.

Nope, drive it on occasion, even on the highway (no faster than 60) OK, you convinced me to change them... You didn't answer my question, should I throw the originals away?

[VoodooRob]

I wouldn't keep 'em but it's not my car. If you show it for some kind of judging I now can see keeping them, otherwise there's a playground that can use some ground up tires to keep the kiddies safe.

[daveg]

there's a playground that can use some ground up tires to keep the kiddies safe.

LOL.. That's excellent, I love your sense of humor......

So I disagree. I have a big garage with a tire rack up toward the roof that I can put them on away from everyone / thing...
With you throwing original 66 tires away I am not sure if you are the majority or the minority.

I have a simple solution. Why don't I buy another set of 66 rims and put new tires on them and throw the originals on my tire rack next to my original 96 rims and tires, What's that costing me, a set of rims and I am getting a potential upside..

I never said the originals will make my car worth more.. I just got a set of 97 (forged mind you) with good tires cheep and why not!!!

Like you, just making conversation it's a long winter.

[Bill Pemberton]

daveg,

Just get in touch with Coker Tire, as they manufacture fresh rubber to look like the original ( for your Mustang), and it is actually a selling point to many collectors. They understand the value of having
safe rubber on a collectible, but they do like to have the look of the 60s. Check out their website, as it is a commonly used alternative, and I would frankly pitch the old tires as others suggested.

[daveg]

daveg,

Just get in touch with Coker Tire, as they manufacture fresh rubber to look like the original ( for your Mustang), and it is actually a selling point to many collectors. They understand the value of having
safe rubber on a collectible, but they do like to have the look of the 60s. Check out their website, as it is a commonly used alternative, and I would frankly pitch the old tires as others suggested.

Thanks for the tip Bill, I am familiar with Coker and have browsed there site before. I was just making a point and using the 66 Stang tires as an example (although it is true I have a very low mileage Stang, 2 for that matter with original tires).
How may people have upgraded their tires on their Viper, lots... I am doing the same thing as many Viper owners have done (for me, its going forged) but the only difference between me and others is I am keeping my originals.. Simple as that
PS, learned a cool saying from a show called "What's my car worth" that I personally believe in and its called LEO (Leave everything original) A car will only be that way once..