More new buyer questions

Z06reformed · Mar 25, 2006

Hey guys.Well as my name implies,I am in the market for another car and this time I would like a Viper(I think)!I had a 2002 ZO6 and just sold it in hopes of finding another jewell.Similar to the guy below my post I am looking for some firsthand advice.I am in the 40-45K range,which it looks like I have many choices,but in particular what would you as owners recommend to stay away from and problems with certain years to avoid all together?I would think that any problems would be in the first years of manufacture.I have seen several questions about head gaskets and waterpumps etc,are these inherent in all models or what?I have extensive knowledge of the Corvettes and could advise on a particular year to start looking at and now ask the same from you.I appreciate your replies and am looking forward to this journey and hopefully the learning curve that comes with any new endeavor.

00prowler · Mar 25, 2006

Are you looking for a gen 1 or gen 2 ??? Coupe or RT/10??? Once we know that we can narrow down what you need...Let us know...AL...00PROWLER...

Nuck · Mar 25, 2006

No bad years or "best" years but the newer you go the more features the car. The earliest models didn't have AC, no actual side windows, no ABS and less powerful engines.
http://ivr.viperclub.org/features.php
First thing is, GTS coupe vs R/T 10. That will narrow down the year a bit, as will how badly you want ABS. These are not daily driver cars like your Z was so be prepared for a drop in comfort and an increase in cabin noise even if you buy an 02.
Search "head gasket" and "water pump" for many detailed responses. You can also go on a site to pull up recalls
http://www.automotive.com/1999/12/dodge/viper/recalls/index.html but remember that the recalls, like the head gaskets were dealt with on most cars long ago unless you are looking at lower mileage cars than your price range suggests. Good hunting.

BADVENOM · Mar 25, 2006

BASED ON THE MONEY YOU WANT TO SPEND YOU CAN GET A LOW MILE GEN 1 RT/10 OR A HIGH MILE GEN 2..EITHER RT OR GTS UP TO MAYBE A 2000..

Clown Shoe · Mar 25, 2006

Adam when are you changing your avatar?

D.K. · Mar 25, 2006

I was in the same situation as you. My advice is to bump up your price range to 55K and under and you WILL find your jewell. IF you do your homework, are somewhat patient, know what the hell your doing by reading tons of past posts here, and finally a little luck. When you do find the right one, and you can "feel" it, don't hem & haw. Sac up, put your stones on the line and buy it! You won't regret it. :usa:

BADVENOM · Mar 25, 2006

Adam when are you changing your avatar?

As soon as I get a good pic of her to do so big boy!

RedEnuf93 · Mar 25, 2006

Are you going to drive the car every day?
Only on Weekends?
Where do you live?

Why?

If you are looking for a "every day driver" get a GTS.
If you are living in a state that has an abundance of sunshine, get a RT/10, OR if you drive mostly on good weather weekends...

Gen1 or 2. If you are a car guy who likes pure driving experience, that will not forgive you your mistakes and is a beast to drive, GEN 1. It is an absolute HOOT to drive! :headbang:

If more refined habits are your taste, get a GEN 2. They are more refined, have better table manners and may have options like windows or even a rear glass and an area for luggage!! :2tu:

BDZ1984 · Mar 25, 2006

my 96 GTS is going up for sale if your interested

Z06reformed · Mar 25, 2006

Thanks for the immediate responses.
First of all,I am in Kentucky.It will be just a toy,no daily driver needed.I would like to have roll up windows since it does get cool around October to April and I do like to drive my cars as much as I can even in rain.I am leaning toward a GTS but not dead set on that.
My history is several Corvettes(including the ZO6,which has been by far the best yet)I still have a Trans Am that I ordered new and installed a procharger etc.,I did a complete ground up on a 69 Camaro with race/touring in mind and a couple other Japanese cars in between.
I wont go back to a foreign car.I know I have the Generals history,but I just want something exciting and new.Make sense?I started looking at the new Corvettes but I would rather buy something stable pricewise.Then in a year or two I could step up to the newer Viper or even a ZO6 if they come down.
I just dont want problems right out of the gate and ruin the experience if I can.I am a power ****** and complete refinement is not a top priority.

Nuck · Mar 26, 2006

RT10. With a hard top they aren't a whole lot different car than a GTS. I prefer the GTS look a bit, but not with the top off. Click on RedEnuf93's picture gallery for some shots of a sharp looking RT10. He has one pic beside a GTS where you would have a tough time saying his RT wasn't the nicer looking of the two. There is a small amount of cockpit noise difference but on the warm days you will be glad for that extra fresh air. Generally speaking, you get more R/T10 for your $. Any Viper will certainly depreciate more slowly than a Z06. I recommend you go as low mileage as possible, even if the car is a bit older. I think a 98 you buy with 10,000 miles will retain more of it's value than an 01 that you buy with 25,000 miles, once you put a couple more seasons of driving on the clock. Again, that assumes you can live without the ABS.

RedEnuf93 · Mar 26, 2006

IF you go for a RT/10, make sure you'll buy one with hardtop. Wount cost you a dime more, but makes the car easier to sell later.
You'll be able to enjoy both cold temperatures and rainy weather. Just remember that RT/10's have a tendency of leaking a bit.
I have driven my car in 20's temperatures with T-shirt on. Just remember that the Michelin's are as good as hockey pucks in those temperatures.

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