ZR1 low miles how possible
 

I just came across this page.
https://bringatrailer.com/auctions/r...h=corvette+zr1

How is it possible that so many ZR1 have run so little.

So, for example, 8 milen....they must have just stood around the whole time.
Or have the speedometers been manipulated?

With such a low speedometer reading, can one buy such ZR1s blindly and without hesitation?

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

In 1990 these were sold as a corvette supercar and promoted as the king of the hill. A few sat in folks collections with little miles and never driven and admired. Can the mileage be changed? Yes with the right equipment however, the overall condition of the car inside and outside will point out real quick to a exceptional low mile car vs. one that was driven regularly. GC

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Ok thanks for the info.

The consideration is just for me to buy a ZR1 in Germany or to buy a ZR1 with very low miles via such an auction.
As a layman I would think that with such a low mileage ZR1 even a layman like me can't go wrong.

The problem is of course that I don't know much about it and I'm from Germany.

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Hi, a couple of observations.

First off just a clarification, because your post did leave off the "k" after "8", so I don't know if you saw in the listing that the car had 8331 miles, to be exact. That works out to 250-300 miles per year, which could be quite believable for someone who owned it as a weekend toy - does not necessarily equate to "just stood around the whole time".

The other point, and this is more relevant to your needs, is don't equate "super low miles" to "exceptional condition". Especially if you want to transition such a car to active use, you'll probably have to spend some money to fix things that go bad from insufficient use.

Last June I purchased a 1991 ZR-1 with 12,800 miles. It's overall in great condition but I have had to spend ~$3,500 over the purchase price to get it into a reliable driver condition. Some of these items may have already been taken care of for a car that was already routinely driven, plus I'd have paid less (maybe) for the car. No regrets, but some learnings for the next time around.

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

May I ask what was included in these 3.500? Injectors, I assume. What else?

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Tires ~ $1,600 (Knew I had to replace them purely due to age, went with cheaper Nittos originally, didn't like those, replaced (got full credit) and went with Michelins)
Injectors ~ $900 (FIC from Jerry's, plus gaskets, o'rings, a few bolts, etc. No surprise here but I was hoping to get away with not replacing them; alas)
Rebuild Bose amps ~ $430 (These were a surprise but happy with result)
1x FX3 actuator ~ $200 (Also a surprise)
Reverse light switch ~ $50 (I knew this was out when I bought it)
Subtotal ~ $3,180
Rounded up to $3,500 to include various misc. items including transmission and differential fluids, and other random minor stuff. Oil, coolant, and air filter had been changed by the PO just prior to sale.

Nothing out of the normal here but a regularly used car might have had up-to-date tires, replaced injectors, a working stereo, etc.

In the grand scheme of things, no complaints at all. Just awareness for the next guy.

Edit: oh by the way, these costs were with me doing all the work, which I enjoy. If you pay a mechanic to do this you'd be out quite a bit more.

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

I think I remember you were looking at my 91 blk/blk as well......Mine has 56,000 miles and over 500 HP with powder coated engine....

Long story short buyer is flying in from Tampa on Saturday to buy it......Car needs NOTHING mechanically.....Put gas in and drive....Not even getting my asking price of 22,500....Matter of fact its lower than 22...Have another corvette lined up....This ZR1 always served me well....Hope I'm making the right choice...👍👍

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Not me?

I joined this forum after I had bought my car, from a dealer in Michigan. Originally got interested in C4 ZR-1s after following BaT, lol.

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Thanks, you're list is fairly similar to mine (91 w/18.5kmls). 4 Michelin tires, control head + CDM, fluids, drive belt w/pulley, plugs, filters, wipers, etc. Things sum up quickly, even when you fix things yourself...
I'm not sure about my injectors as they were replaced by GM in 2010 with only 1000mls driven since then. Maybe GM used upgraded 93+ injectors, maybe the were not exposed to ethanol too long, maybe they are just broken - I will find out.

But again thanks. Your post helps my awareness of things potentially to come.

Re: ZR1 low miles how possible
 

Plenty of cars out there with no miles on them, there's an original owner 90 out there with 27 miles that recently popped up.