Why do people ask how many miles are on my 63-year-old car?

[ZOO]

Originally Posted by johnco

why does everyone want to know gas mileage on a 50+yr old classic car? does it really matter when a car is that old? not like you're going to drive it everywhere everyday.
why do they all want to know how fast does it go? as fast as I want to go in a 50+yr old classic car.

People ask these questions because they want to engage with you and don't know what else to ask. They tell stories for the same reason. It is called community building -- and we used to be really good at it.

Getting angry or frustrated by these questions suggests a problem on your end, not theirs. If you don't want to answer the questions, don't put yourself in a position to have to.

[Por_sha911]

^^^
Or, in other words, "Lighten up Francis"

[Tervuren]

Originally Posted by ckissick

I guess they want to hear that I have a million miles on it, then.

As for low miles, there is a 1991 Tristar (VW double cab) for sale on the Samba. It has only 30 miles (not 30K, just 30) on it and is like new, obviously. They want $82K for it. Of course, it's very rare. But what are you supposed to do with it? Drive it? A nice Tristar with regular miles on it might go for $40K. So if you drive the low miles one much, it quickly loses its value, like any other new car. So why buy it?

To answer your question here - its a chance to own one in near perfect shape aside from parts that dry rot. The value of getting an old car like that is quite high to a few buyers who want it.

If they drive it, and never plan to sell it, the future value is not relevant as they wanted to get an old "new" car.

[widebody911]

As for low miles, there is a 1991 Tristar (VW double cab) for sale on the Samba. It has only 30 miles (not 30K, just 30) on it and is like new, obviously. They want $82K for it.

Yeah, I don't "get" those cases where the intrinsic value of a car is in its ultra low miles. It's like an automotive hymen; great to brag about, I guess, but you can't really use it.

Every now and then a car will emerge from a barn or warehouse with stupid low miles on it and they want a fortune for it, but in most cases, it's not a old "new" car at all - the years of disuse are almost as bad if not worse than years of use. Certain parts will dry out and rot even if you don't use them. You're better off finding a car that's been sensibly driven and well maintained.

[911SauCy]

It's always great when the request is tossed out to do a "power brake" "brake stand" etc.... In the 911.

Instantly identifies those who have no idea what the car is... Always entertaining.

[johnco]

Originally Posted by ZOOMiata

People ask these questions because they want to engage with you and don't know what else to ask. They tell stories for the same reason. It is called community building -- and we used to be really good at it.

Getting angry or frustrated by these questions suggests a problem on your end, not theirs. If you don't want to answer the questions, don't put yourself in a position to have to.

don't get angry or frustrated. it makes me laugh, I just think the gas mileage and speed questions are silly. I drive a rat rod and can't go anywhere without a dozen people walking up asking questions. it's part of owning old/unique cars
I even let complete strangers take my car for a ride if they seem interested in it enough. made some good friends that way