Looking to get into a Gen I and need some advice

Hello All, Short time reader, first time poster. Anyway, sold my 03 cobra last week and have been hot for a Viper ever since. I found a 94, with 19,000, Body is in nice shape, maybe 2 or 3 marks. However the interior, looks like it has 50,000 on it. I got him down to 30,000, which doesn't seem to bad. Just not sure looking for some advice. I would really like a Gen II, but they seem to be out of my price range.

Lots of good deals out there. Make sure you drive both a GenI and a GenII before you make your decision. You may find a desire to spend the extra bucks. I wouldn't buy any car whose condition didn't seem to match the stated mileage.

It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. I have seen some crazy deals lately and some Gen II cars go for 38K or so. Just takes time, patience, and cash

good luck!

Since you are looking at a '94, I assume you are looking for a RT/10 (convertible, if you will)? Look, if at all possible, at a Gen 2 ('97 and newer). At the very least find a '96 RT/10 which has Gen2 suspension, OBD ll computer, but has a GEN 1 engine. If looking at any Gen 1 ('96 RT/10 and older), check to see if the head gaskets have been changed; a must.
I know some have said they have a million miles on a Gen 1 without having leaking head gaskets, but the general wisdom is "...not if they leak, but when".

Plus, '96 and newer has air conditioning standard, I think optional in '95, and I think, not available prior to '95.


Here is a site to look at Viper Specs, for various years:
http://www.vipercentral.com/buy/specs/specs98.htm

Also, there are several cars for sale on the classified section of this Forum.

Later,

However the interior, looks like it has 50,000 on it.

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The stock "fuzzy" paint on the dash can make the best Viper look bad. There are many posts regarding a simple paint job to the dash that can make it look better than new.

As someone already stated - the head gaskets may be an issue to consider.

Your comfortable price range will dictate whether you can afford the Gen 2 and/or if you want the original Viper with the smooth hood, side exhaust, and no real windows. AC was an option from 93 on.

Good luck with the decision.

hey ballhog

be carefull there are a lot of cars claiming to be in great shape and all original which have had plenty of paintwork and are not what they claim to be...if you really want a nice gen 1 you will spend around 35k or more. if you really want a gen 2 wait and save some more money and buy one...i've found in my experience, if you don't buy what you want you will still want it after you buy the other...but if you are looking for an exceptional gen 1 pm me i have one and you are welcome to come see it anytime!!!

First off, take your time. I know your excited and want a Viper bad, i've been there but make sure its what you want!
As far as interior is concerned, you can always dye door panels, knee bolsters, and center consoles. My Viper came with cognac which i don't like, i swapped to perfect looking black interior for a little less then $1,000(took some time and searched all over but i did it). I used SEM DYE on door panels, and knee bolsters and they look AWESOME, you would have never know they were cognac before.

Also it all comes down to what you want. Do your reaserch on the differences between the years. Gen II's have power windows, AC, a little more HP, some with 17" wheels and some with 18" wheels.

I chose the 99 because its a Gen II, power windows, Ac, forged pistons, 18" wheels, basically everything a 02 has besides ABS. I found that a 99 was the best year for me and had everything i wanted in a VIPER.
Good Luck on your search.

Whats your price range?

First figure out exactly what kind of viper you want,,, year, color exterior and interior (94,95 had tan interior instead of grey)

These cars are seasonal better deals during the winter months as well. Put some money down finance the rest and u can probably get into a Gen2 (drive both gen 1 and 2) thats what I had to do because you are not allowed to import Gen1 vipers into Canada,,so I had no choice.

Run the vin, service records, check the gaps,etc

Research for pricing
ebaymotors.com
autotrader.com
cars.com
Are the best sites for pricing

First WELCOME!
Second......take your time, many folks took a year to find their Viper. Your's is out there, it will come to you in time.

Here's a list of things to look for or if you are looking long distance, questions to ask:

1. What dealer was the Viper originally or last purchased from?
2. What is the current mileage?
3. Is it still under factory warranty? (what was the "in service" date?) Extended warranty?
4. Is the original window sticker available?
5. Do you have any of the original sales documentation?
6. What type of maintenance and / or repairs have been done to the car? (Records?)
7. Who performed / performs the repairs / maintenance?
8. When was the last service performed and what did it entail?
9. Does it have the stock radio?
10. Is there ANY curb rash on ANY of the wheels?
11. Has the car been driven in the rain? (cleanliness of the underside and wheel wells)
12. Are there equal gaps at the bottom sides of the hood, where the hood sides meet the top of the rocker panel? (just behind the front wheels) Pictures?
13. Are there equal gaps at the front "leading edge" sides of the hood where it meets the front bumper? (outermost front edge, towards the rear of the headlights) Pictures?
14. Are there ANY scrapes to the front spoiler? (under the car, black lip spoiler)
15. Are there ANY scrapes to the front fascia? (body colored front end, underneath)
16. Under the front of the car, have the leading or front portion of the front frame rails been scraped / bottomed out?
17. Are there any scratches, dents, scrapes to the inside door jambs (black painted areas)?
18. Are there any scrapes, dings, chips, etc to the rocker panel sides OR their undersides?
19. Does the A/C blow cold?
20. Do all switches and accessories operate properly?
21. Are there any fine cracks or surface spider-webbing cracks in / on the hood?
22. Will the hood stay up on its own?
23. Are the side bolsters of the seats (drivers in particular) showing any wear?
24. Do the doors close cleanly and flush and open without "dropping down" / sagging when opening? (sign of weak hinges)
25. Is the Viper garage kept?
26. Why are you selling?
27. What is your age?
28. What major city are you near?



Buying a used Viper


Used Viper Questions:
General:
1.Year?
2. Price?
3. Mileage?
4. Clean title?
5. VIN #?
6. Existing lien?
7. In service date?

Equipment:
1. Stock / original, or minor / moderate modifications (K&N filters, smooth tubes)
(headers, hi-flow cats, cat-back system, or more?)Rear wing?
2. Exterior and Interior Color? (Body stripes - painted or vinyl) Interior mods?
3. Nature of radio / CD player (stock, single in-dash, trunk player, etc.)?
4. Soft-top, hardtop, or both? Condition of each
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Tonneau cover? Side windows? (Gen1)
8. Car cover?
9. Existing Factory warranty / extended warranty (or provide after-market warranty)?

Condition:
1. General overall condition (any nicks, chips, scratches, window cracks, etc.)?
2. Involved in an accident(s), damaged, repainted, (telltale signs) etc.?
3. Condition under front bumper / front lip spoiler?
4. Condition of top(s)? (Soft-top sagging? Exterior condition?) Scratches on sport bar? Sport Bar cap missing?
5. How maintained? Records? (One owner? How many and how long) Documentation / Paperwork? DOCUMENTATION AND HISTORY of maintenance and sale(s) / owner(s)
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked/worn?)
7. Tire condition? Brand/Size (Reasonable tread?)
8. Wheels (condition, nicks, curb rash?) Stock wheels for the particular year or aftermarket
9. Carpet / Floor mats condition?
10. Smoker / non-smoker?
11. Nitrous or other power adder used?
12. Used for track events (strip, track, Viper Days and autocross)?
13. Condition of the rocker panels (top and underside, chips, yellowing, sandblasted)
14. Condition of inside the door / rocker area
15. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
16. Bottomed out?
17. 998 / 999 recall work done (if applicable) and done CORRECTLY. Documented?
18. Head gaskets (Gen1) Documentation?
19. Hood alignment (symmetrical?) Any hairline cracks? Hinges keep hood up?
20. Doors close well (no drooping / sagging-bad hinges)

Buying from a dealer
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)
3. Delivery
4. Available warranty (extended)

Differences between GenI and GenII:
there are other differences (besides the exhaust) that stand out:

1. The engine
The majority of reference to “GenI and GenII” refers to engine changes, as there are several differences between the two engines, not the least of which is horsepower. GenI was rated at 400hp, later GenI (96) were rated at 415, and the GenII is rated at 450 (ACR & GT2 rated at 460 due to smooth tubes and filters).

2. The hood
The GenI cars have "smoothie" hoods with no NACA duct between the headlights and no vents above the wheel wells. The cars look different from the front with these changes.

3. Suspension
Changed to GenII suspension in 96. Both the GTS and RT have the same GenII components.

4. Exhaust
Went to rear exit exhaust in 1996

5. Other changes
Power windows, airbags, steering wheel, method of opening the doors, differential housing, CD player, speedometer, wheels, all changed from GenI to GenII
ABS added in 2001
Forged pistons deleted in 2000
Lumpy cam deleted in 2000


GOOD LUCK!

I can say from my personal experience that if you buy a car like the one you mentioned, that is beat up on the inside, then you will be spending lots of money. Personally when i bought my car, i wanted something that needed work becuase i personally enjoyed taking it from "okay" to beautiful. But if it is a money thing, you are better off borrowing or spending a little more than you are thinking for a really nice one, which will save you much much more money in the short long run. GOOD LUCK! Keep us posted with your progress

30-35K will get you a clean GEN1.
Dont waste time on old spittoons...

PM me if you want to talk. I dont sell you anything, I'm just trying to help anyone looking for a GEN1 Viper.
I've owned a GEN 1 for 5 years and helped my buddy to find a clean, stock 1993 9000mile GEN1 for 32.000. And with more time, there are even better deals out there.

Just buy mine and be done with it!

Take Lauri up on his offer. I have talked to him numerous times on the phone and is very helpful. (great plug huh Lauri?)

Wow, Thanks for the responses. You guys have given me some good tips and ideas. Looks like I really need to take a little more time and check out some Gen II's.
6 years ago I rented a Red GTS in Vegas, that Red 98 GTS still bring smiles to my face when I think about it. Boy, did I drive it like I rented it.

For sure this snake is going to be Red, tilting towards RT/10 today.

Also DEFINATELY buy the Vipers Guide soft cover book.
You will learn you some Viper history stuff etc too!

PM me if you have questions. I researched Gen1's for a long time and own a 1994. I also got a lot of great info. from The Wizard I can share.

I second ViperJoe, get the Viper Buyers Guide by Maurice Liang (our NorCal VCA president). It covers each years in's and out's, production figures, and what to look for when searching for a car. It also has a lot of nice Viper history, trivia and other interesting info.

You can pick it up for ~ $17 on Amazon.com.

Cal

my gen 1 is for sale, its not the cheapest around but it is beautiful. here is the link with a lot of pictures. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-DODGE-VIPER-W-AUTOFORM-HARDTOP-AND-WINDOWS_W0QQitemZ280025373234QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6209QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

IEATVETS , I called you the other day, I was the guy from Detroit, love that Red with Black interior.

The Viper Buying Guide is on its way.

IEATVETS , I called you the other day, I was the guy from Detroit, love that Red with Black interior.

The Viper Buying Guide is on its way.

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That was you? Well it was good talking to you Joe. I am driving it up to northern Wis. next Thursday to attend a few car shows in late Sept. and early Oct. before I put her to bed for the winter. Let me know if you need any more info.