Looking at a 2001 RT/10

jem427 · Jul 4, 2011

Hi all,

I'm looking to get my first Viper. I have found a Black 2001 RT/10 located at Regal Motors in Stafford VA. From the Carfax it has had 5 previous owners, and running the VIN there is no outstanding recall work (still need to get to my local Dodge dealership to see any service history). I am going to contact the dealer shortly and wanted to get as much info as possible. From searching on the forums here I have the following questions, any additional questions would be greatly appreciated.

1. What is the age of the tires?
2. Is the bracket and pulley for the power steering pump plastic?
3. How old is the battery?
4. Does the hood show heat stress marks on it?
5. What is the condition of the spots where the top is put on?
6. Do they have any of the service history available?

The last two are just from looking at some of the local Vipers that have been for sale over the last 2 years while doing some research. Also does anyone know the that particular Viper, I'd like to have a Viper tech take a look at it then? Thanks guys for your input.

Jim

DeceptioN · Jul 4, 2011

Ask if the paint is the original or if it has been repainted.

If the paint is the original, ask for the condition of the front bumper.

The last 1 is the 1 I wish I would of looked into. If the front bumper is rock chipped pretty bad, it means the car has been tracked a bit. The dealership told me it never once saw the track, and I foudn out the previous owner had it for 5k miles and mainly used it for the track. This mistake alone is going to cost me around $8k to fix the car's past and make it like I want it.

Timnineside · Jul 4, 2011

I think you are going to find it very difficult to ask these questions and get a strait answer. Dealers/car salesmen are mianly liars, and going to tell you whatever it takes to sell a car. I suggest looking at the car in person, doing you homework prior, have someone from here check the car out, or by it from some legit dealer like Tomball etc.

Everyone's perception on a used car is different. Those guys use sales tactics like (oh yeah paint is a 9 out of 10) which could mean anything! 9 out of 10 IMO should be like new, maybe a few chips on the from at most, and some scratches under the bumper cover. 9 out of 10 to a dealer could be a cracked hood and bumper cover you just never know!

Good luck with whatever you buy!

-Tim

SoCal Rebell · Jul 4, 2011

DeceptioN said:
Ask if the paint is the original or if it has been repainted. If the paint is the original, ask for the condition of the front bumper.

I am fairly sure that the Viper did not come in black in 2001.

toohot4u · Jul 4, 2011

jem427 said:
Hi all,

I'm looking to get my first Viper. I have found a Black 2001 RT/10 located at Regal Motors in Stafford VA. From the Carfax it has had 5 previous owners, and running the VIN there is no outstanding recall work (still need to get to my local Dodge dealership to see any service history). I am going to contact the dealer shortly and wanted to get as much info as possible. From searching on the forums here I have the following questions, any additional questions would be greatly appreciated.

1. What is the age of the tires?
2. Is the bracket and pulley for the power steering pump plastic?
3. How old is the battery?
4. Does the hood show heat stress marks on it?
5. What is the condition of the spots where the top is put on?
6. Do they have any of the service history available?

The last two are just from looking at some of the local Vipers that have been for sale over the last 2 years while doing some research. Also does anyone know the that particular Viper, I'd like to have a Viper tech take a look at it then? Thanks guys for your input.

Jim

How many miles are on the car? I am also looking at 01/02 vipers and you have raised some questions I never really thought about

01sapphirebob · Jul 4, 2011

SoCal Rebell said:
I am fairly sure that the Viper did not come in black in 2001.

This is correct. '99 and '00 are the only model years for the GEN II's in black. If the are telling you it's black it's been repainted or they can't tell that it's sapphire blue.

jem427 · Jul 4, 2011

Thanks guys for the input. The Viper that I was looking at had 42k on it - also looking at an '01 Sapphire Blue with 13k on it. I'm a little hesitant to buy a car that has been resprayed, as it can cover up larger issues. I do understand that it can just be a personal preference on color, but the possibility still exists. When you are going through the service history, is there anything specific that I should look for other than just on schedule routine maintance?

Jim

toohot4u · Jul 4, 2011

jem427 said:
Thanks guys for the input. The Viper that I was looking at had 42k on it - also looking at an '01 Sapphire Blue with 13k on it. I'm a little hesitant to buy a car that has been resprayed, as it can cover up larger issues. I do understand that it can just be a personal preference on color, but the possibility still exists. When you are going through the service history, is there anything specific that I should look for other than just on schedule routine maintance?

Jim

Good Luck !!!!!

ViperGTS · Jul 5, 2011

5 owners? Would be too much for me ...

Mutts02GTS · Jul 5, 2011

Jem, there is an 01 all yellow RT/10 here in Fairfield, Ca. I can send you the link if you are interested, I think they are asking around $41,900.00 for it but with this economy anything is negotiable. Mutt

ViperTony · Jul 5, 2011

jem427 said:
Thanks guys for the input. The Viper that I was looking at had 42k on it - also looking at an '01 Sapphire Blue with 13k on it. I'm a little hesitant to buy a car that has been resprayed, as it can cover up larger issues. I do understand that it can just be a personal preference on color, but the possibility still exists. When you are going through the service history, is there anything specific that I should look for other than just on schedule routine maintance?

Jim

Check to see if the water pump was replaced. Some 2001's have a water pump issues whereby the impeller separates from the pump spindle causing coolant to stop flowing, barfing coolant and pegged water temp readings. There have been a number of posts on this site about this issue. I have it happen to me 2 years ago.

rthorley · Jul 5, 2011

My car is for sale if your looking for an RT/10
http://classifieds.viperclub.org/sh...2f10-clean-title-low-miles-amazing-car&cat=29

jem427 · Jul 5, 2011

Thanks for the links to the Vipers. I'm not a fan of dueling yellow cars though, no one wins. I think I have it narrowed down to 2 cars (or was it 3, wait no 4, nope back to 2....AHH!!!), just need to get a tech to take a look at them.

Just some info on the Vette before you guys start firing away

... Dad bought it new in '68 (its a '69), painted it red, white and blue for USA's bicentennial, which is what I knew it as. Then in '08 we did a full frame off restoration on it for its 40th birthday, and restored it to its original color. 2 winters in Rochester, NY will destroy a frame, I have pictures! So while he enjoys that, I'm looking for the RT/10 to join in the fun!

Jim

SoCal Rebell · Jul 6, 2011

jem427 said:
Thanks for the links to the Vipers. I'm not a fan of dueling yellow cars though, no one wins. I think I have it narrowed down to 2 cars (or was it 3, wait no 4, nope back to 2....AHH!!!), just need to get a tech to take a look at them.

Just some info on the Vette before you guys start firing away ... Dad bought it new in '68 (its a '69), painted it red, white and blue for USA's bicentennial, which is what I knew it as. Then in '08 we did a full frame off restoration on it for its 40th birthday, and restored it to its original color. 2 winters in Rochester, NY will destroy a frame, I have pictures! So while he enjoys that, I'm looking for the RT/10 to join in the fun!

Jim

Hey don't you know the rules n00b, no tupperware pics only Vipers :nono:

That being said here's a pic of my Monaco Orange 1969 427/435 L71, NCRS Top Flight, full body off resto. Let me tell you how it went for me, the Vette was the love of my life, I spent 3 years restoring it......then I cheated on her. I bought a 2000 Viper R/T10 and she never forgave me. I walked out to the garage, open it and try to decide which car am I going to drive today. Other then cars shows the classic Vette was relogated to guarding the garage. An RT/10 is the most fun you can have with your pants on, sorry Vette

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ZYellow01RT · Jul 6, 2011

My eyes, my EYES....!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

:aargh:

ZYellow01RT · Jul 6, 2011

Mutts02GTS said:
Jem, there is an 01 all yellow RT/10 here in Fairfield, Ca. I can send you the link if you are interested, I think they are asking around $41,900.00 for it but with this economy anything is negotiable. Mutt

How many miles?

SoCal Rebell · Jul 6, 2011

Andrew Zee said:
How many miles?

I had 8,000 miles on mine, but who really knows in a car that old, no computers and I put a new speedo in during the resto. A big block '69 427 3 x 2 is the closest to a retro Viper aside fron the AC Cobra. 435 hp and 460 tq.

DodgeViper01 · Jul 6, 2011

2001 only saw Red, Yellow, and Sapphire Blue for color choices.

jem427 · Jul 6, 2011

lol, I was wondering how long that would take.

Very nice "tupperware". His is a 427 also, though only the lowly 390hp. Anyways, I'm thinking of passing on that particular Viper. Still on the lookout, I'll keep you guys posted.

Jim

Mutts02GTS · Jul 7, 2011

Andrew Zee said:
How many miles?

36,000 miles

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