WTB: 2nd Generation RT/10 or GTS

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
You may have seen this on the other site but I've decided to expand my search for my dream car

I have searched country wide on Craigslist, eBay and Autotrader but I've seen a decent amount of owners actually buy from owners on this forum so I wanted to have this WTB ad for anyone that may want to sell and/or know someone who wants to sell. I understand the budget may be limiting, but I believe the right car is out there.

I am only interested in the following:

Years: 1996 - 1999 only
Model: RT/10 or GTS
Exterior Color: Black, Blue/White
Interior Color: Black
Mileage: No preference
Mods: Stock or modified but will need to pass CA smog
Budget: Would like to keep it around $35K

Thank you all as I search for my dream!
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
I drove a GTS and it changed my mind haha. I'm still leaning towards the RT/10, but if I find a clean GTS, I'll go after it.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
You may have seen this on the other site but I've decided to expand my search for my dream car

I have searched country wide on Craigslist, eBay and Autotrader but I've seen a decent amount of owners actually buy from owners on this forum so I wanted to have this WTB ad for anyone that may want to sell and/or know someone who wants to sell. I understand the budget may be limiting, but I believe the right car is out there.

I am only interested in the following:

Years: 1996 - 1999 only
Model: RT/10 or GTS
Exterior Color: Black, Blue/White
Interior Color: Black
Mileage: No preference
Mods: Stock or modified but will need to pass CA smog
Budget: Would like to keep it around $35K

Thank you all as I search for my dream!
You will pay more for the Gts .A NICE LOW MILEAGE one is prob near 40 Inturn you really need to check out the inexpensive ones as they (parts )can be REALLY EXPENSIVE (Aint no 350 CHEVY )if needed .Keep in mind some of them are going on 20 years old and MANY were tracked
 

mtmclaughlin

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 6, 2013
Posts
79
Reaction score
0
You're opening your horizons a bit now which should make it easier for you to find something. Careful about letting your budget creep up. Don't let emotion toy with logic. If you figured out that $30,000 was the highest you'd pay for a Viper, don't cave and jump up to $40,000 because it'll hurt when it comes time to write the check (or finance the thing).

I'm sure people on this forum have contacted you with offers by now, or at least helped you find something nice. Just go get one. If you get an RT/10 now, and decide you want a GTS later, you can always sell the RT/10 and then buy the GTS. Or you can even take the really fun route, save your money, and own one of each. Simultaneously. :D

Spring is upon us. Go get your car and enjoy it!
 

mtmclaughlin

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 6, 2013
Posts
79
Reaction score
0
I'm curious though, now that the GTS came into the discussion. What would a 1996 or 1997 GTS be worth in ratty, high-mileage (but 100% functional) condition? Something to be used exclusively at the track.
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
I'm curious though, now that the GTS came into the discussion. What would a 1996 or 1997 GTS be worth in ratty, high-mileage (but 100% functional) condition? Something to be used exclusively at the track.
The problem while iy may be fuctional today if there is an issue it can be costly to fix in most part due to the cost of replacement parts ILL give you an example say you need a simple rebuild .Gaskets and bearings on a Gen 2 are over 1200 I dropped a lifter on my modded GEN 2( nothing major to the block happened )and the rebuild was 5k (my tuner did it for cost ) If you get a whopped on GEN 2 for say mid 20s and it needs a clutch motor rebuild you will spend 10k easily (depending )and now your in for 35 on a beat car .It may be more prudent to spend a little more to get a nice car
 

1BADGTS

Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 18, 2008
Posts
3,881
Reaction score
0
PS as i said previously 15 years ago MANY GEN 2 were heavily modded and raced .God forbid you get one that had a blower that detonated ect and it needs full internals , sleeve work (new block ) very costly .Unless someone mikes the motor before purchase(heads off ) it can be tough . Even a compression test is ify I have seen engines pass compress test and have blow by galore in the top of the powerband
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
Thank you for the support guys.

I will find what I want even if it is going to take time. I'm in not rush to buy and I am patient enough to wait for the one you just see and fall in love with.

In the end, I think the ideal Viper in my price range will probably be something in the higher mileage (30-40K), primarily stock other than headers/exhaust and well taken care of and documented by the previous owner.

After driving the GTS and seeing it in person, it is just a beautiful car. I'd love to find a RT/10 and drive one to compare. I know they are basically the same car, but I think having the option to go ******* on a sunny day in California, driving down the coast would be a priceless experience.
 

GTSHolgi

Viper Owner
Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Posts
299
Reaction score
0
Location
Germany - Rheinland
In my case, it was the opposite. I was looking for a GTS and ended up with the Roadster. I testdrove both. But to be honest, after I drove the RT/10 on a nice summer evening without the top for the first time, I was absolutely convinced that this is IT!. The open air feeling is something you will not be able to experience in the GTS and I absolutely do not want to miss that. I still like t the GTS a lot and in the ideal world I would have both.
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
In my case, it was the opposite. I was looking for a GTS and ended up with the Roadster. I testdrove both. But to be honest, after I drove the RT/10 on a nice summer evening without the top for the first time, I was absolutely convinced that this is IT!. The open air feeling is something you will not be able to experience in the GTS and I absolutely do not want to miss that. I still like t the GTS a lot and in the ideal world I would have both.

This. I ended up buying a 2000 Miata for my daily driver while I did work on my GTO. I was not very keen with the low HP and the "****** preference" association with the car but in the end, this was probably the most fun car that I ever drove. It was also my first convertible and I NEVER had the top up unless it ended up raining. I feel as though the RT/10 is going to give me that same enjoyment of cruising around without the top on. I think I have to drive one before I make the decision between the two though.
 

steve e

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 23, 1995
Posts
988
Reaction score
59
Save up some more money, if you buy a high mile rat for 30 or 40k you will wind up spending way more money fixing it than if you bought a good one from the start. Buy the best one you can afford, save alittle more if you need to. Just my 2 cents as a Mechanic.:usa:
 

crashcourse

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 4, 2014
Posts
10
Reaction score
0
I used a site called Autotempest that searches all kinds of sites and consolidates it for you. I looked for 30 days until I stumbled upon a 1997 GTS for $38,000 out the door. It is bone stock and has 5,600 original miles with no accidents. So, they are out there for sure. Just need to find a dealer who doesn't know the crazy demand these things are seeing right now.
 

Caesar!

Viper Owner
Joined
Sep 22, 2012
Posts
82
Reaction score
0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Wow!!! Then you stole that car...I paid like 20 grand more...wayyyy more than what you paid for...and I bought it with 20thousand miles.....Mines a Cdn Car...Bought from original owner..No accidents...And everything was meticulously maintained. ..
congrats buddy.
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
Still been looking

This would have been a great car but I was too late and it sold:
http://www.celebritycars.com/detail-1999-dodge-viper-2dr_rt_slash_10_convertible-used-11416023.html

I ended up talking to the owner of this car but we weren't able to reach a price at the moment. The Supercharger is also going to be hard to get to pass smog.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper...38d27f21b&item=221411537435&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

Price is right, but the flat black, with nitrous screams abused.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper...38d2e1e31&item=221411941937&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

This looks to be the cleanest one. His asking price seems fair for the mileage, but after seeing the blue one, I'd rather shell out an extra couple thousand to get a Viper with mods that I'd already do.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4416477584.html

Price is right but the interior color kills it
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...=[DODGE[VIPER[]][]]&listingId=350376414&Log=0

Would have bought this if it wasn't a 2000+ and if it hadn't had an accident.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...=[DODGE[VIPER[]][]]&listingId=369656728&Log=0

Local and clean, but again it is a 2000+
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/4384459740.html
 

BlackOutBoxing

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Posts
189
Reaction score
0
Hardhitter that first car from celerbrity car was mine. That wouldn't have been a good car if it was ur first viper. it had 620 to the wheels and 640torque. I sold it to my friend who has an exotic car driving tour place in vegas. they put it up for sale in 3 days because they thought people would get hurt in it. If u had some vipers before that that had been modified that's a different story. Vipers can bite! That was my 13th viper and it still kept me on my toes!
 

BlackOutBoxing

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Posts
189
Reaction score
0
and it was on ebay for 20 days the 1st time. Then they re listed it again. Plus I posted it was for sale on here too way before it sold.
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
Hardhitter that first car from celerbrity car was mine. That wouldn't have been a good car if it was ur first viper. it had 620 to the wheels and 640torque. I sold it to my friend who has an exotic car driving tour place in vegas. they put it up for sale in 3 days because they thought people would get hurt in it. If u had some vipers before that that had been modified that's a different story. Vipers can bite! That was my 13th viper and it still kept me on my toes!

It was a beautiful car! I know what you're talking about in regards to the Viper biting people. Everyone I have talked to have always said how dangerous a Viper can be. I just actually drove my neighbors GTS and it was very comfortable even when getting on it. I know that the common saying is that the Viper will make you feel as though you are in control and then out of no where, it turns on you. Regardless the Viper is going to be just a cruiser.

Do you by chance know how much they were asking for the car? What did you end up picking up?
 

BlackOutBoxing

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Posts
189
Reaction score
0
they were asking 47 and I saw it as low as 36 buy it now. don't know what it went for
 
Last edited:

Dan Cragin

Legacy/Supporting Vendor
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Posts
1,270
Reaction score
37
Location
LA, CA
I would be happy to help you find 1996-1999 Viper. I have several clients with very nice, fully serviced, documented cars like that. Most are selling as they want a newer model. 310-597-6295.
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
I would be happy to help you find 1996-1999 Viper. I have several clients with very nice, fully serviced, documented cars like that. Most are selling as they want a newer model. 310-597-6295.

Hi Dan,

Should I give you a call tomorrow or are you available during the weekdays only?
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
Right now, Im keeping an eye on a car on eBay, but still actively looking!
 
OP
OP
H

HardHitter

Enthusiast
Joined
May 15, 2011
Posts
57
Reaction score
0
I'm sure you can find it yourself on eBay. Not many Vipers with that range. I have a feeling it's going to go for around $45k which is overpriced IMO
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
153,139
Posts
1,681,565
Members
17,640
Latest member
SDViper
Top