Why is there a tendency for high mileage well maintained RV8s to be seen as less attractive for buyers?

Whilst the views of classic car enthusiasts tend to vary as to what they feel is a desirable example of the model they find particularly attractive, like an MGBGTV8 or an RV8, the condition of the car is key consideration in terms of mainly the bodywork, engine, gearbox and internal trim. If we set aside the particularly sensitive topic of originality and upgrades, one aspect of the car's history that can have an influence on the view of condition is the mileage of the car. Some cars are seen advertised with low mileages like MGBGTV8s with 50,000 or 60,000 miles but most have over 100,000 miles which for a 50 year old classic car that is an average over its life of only 2,000 miles a year. Where an MGBGTV8 has had a major restoration work carried out the advertiser will often refer to the mileage since that substantial work was carried out to bodywork, engine and more. In many ways that car tends to be seen as a "revived" model. With RV8s now around 30 years old, a similar annual mileage of around 2,000 miles a year would see RV8s today with around 60,000 miles, but with RV8s there is an added factor - some 79% of production went to Japan and in the last 15 years or so substantial numbers of RV8s have been flowing back to the UK as reimports with also some going to Australia and New Zealand. Many of the RV8 reimports return with low mileages typically ranging from 20,000 to 35,000 miles (between around only 700 and 1,200 miles a year) and that has had a conditioning effect on the market so the expectation has grown that RV8s advertised for sale in the UK will have low mileages. That expectation has tended to become well established together with a noticeable tendency for less interest in RV8s with 80,000 to 90,000 miles and more - that's an average of only 2,700 to 3,000 miles a year. . In many ways an RV8 with a higher mileage of 100,000 miles or more that has been well serviced and cared for can be a good buy and often good value where the pricing and demand has been low leaving scope for negotiation by a buyer when closing a purchase. Clearly with all MGV8s offered for sale it's vital to make a detailed inspection of both the car and also its service and maintenance records, together with available documents on any restoration work, to get a clear idea of the condition of the car. In many ways a regularly used and well serviced MGV8 with a medium to high mileage will be a reliable car whereas a low mileage MGV8 which has had extended periods in lay-ups and little road use can suffer. Often where a buyer buys a low mileage car they may even be faced with a substantial outlay in recommissioning the car. So don't turn away from a high mileage well maintained RV8 - it could be very good value for a buyer! Example of an RV8 with what may be seen as a "high mileage" - with 93,500 miles Private sale - reimported RV8 in Woodcote Green Woodcote Green 0757 with 93,500 miles, reimported from Japan in 2001 and owned by me since 2009. Has since averaged about 3,000 miles per year and never SORNed, engine oil changed every year including the differential every 3 years. Serviced by Clive Wheatley twice and returned to UK Spec including the removal of the aircon, spot lights fitted and the driver's seat lowered. It was fitted with a carbon fibre windscreen surround, new windscreen glass, new hood, 4 adjustable Spax shock absorbers, new water pump and a new alternator recently. Front springs and track-rods were renewed and replacement neoprene bump stops or spring-assists. Fuelling problem was sorted by fitting a new fuel rail and 8 new injectors. Large bore twin cat single box stainless steel exhaust with twin 2 inch rear box pipes. MOT to November 2024. Just been re-sprayed Woodcote Green (same colour) in July 2023), and the agreed insurance value with Hagerty is £16,000. Asking price is reduced to £12,995. Visit our RV8s for sale webpage