Viper Purchasing ?'s

OK guys, I am a die hard Ford guy but have always liked Vipers. Owned a LOT of Mustangs over the years and currently own a modified 2010 GT500. Thinking I want a change from the same old mustang thing. I now have the funds and OK from the wife to sell the GT500 and pick up a Viper. I am looking at the 03-05's. They are within my price range and I really like the style of the gen 3&4's. Kind of tough talking to Viper guys at shows or cruises because there are so few of you.

What do I need to know about purchasing a used Viper? Anything I should look for? Any little changes between those years? Tips for Viper shopping?

Thanks

Welcome and good luck with your search for Viper number one. I will warn you... You will be hooked or should I say bit... Loads of fun. Most likely a local member (or two or three or...) will be more than willing to chat snake with you.... We are around just not always out And not to leave out, a fair number of dealers and vendors here are more than helpful as well.

Welcome!

Lots of good info here on the forums and I'm sure there are some good threads out there for things to look at when purchasing.

A few of the basics as a starting point
- Get the car inspected so it can go up on a lift and check the things you can't see from the top of the car.
- Those years came with run-flat tires from the factory, which no one likes. If you find a car that still has them you'll want to upgrade to a Michelin PS2 or SS.
- Look for good service history and check the vin for anything that may have been reported (although some cars can get into wrecks and nothing will make it to those reports)


What area are you in? Might be able to get you in touch with a VCA member nearby to ask more specific questions.

Good luck!

Advice... regardless of the past toys/experience you've had, you must have a healthy respect for the torque these cars possess. They're just not like other cars but they are addicting!

03 and 04 are convertibles only .In 05 there were coupes. Yes , if it still has run flats , figure in cost of new tires.
Gen 3 is 500hp , gen 4 is 600hp.

Elohim1 said:

03 and 04 are convertibles only .In 05 there were coupes. Yes , if it still has run flats , figure in cost of new tires.
Gen 3 is 500hp , gen 4 is 600hp.

Click to expand...

2006 was the start of the coupes.

I live in CT. It would be great to try to find a local guy to at least talk to. I am trying to do a lot of research right now. I want to buy exactly what I want in it. No purchases I might regret later.

The torque is why I am choosing the Viper. It is so addicting. My car now has 680hp and 653tq to the rear wheels. I have 500tq to the rear starting at least 2300rpm till the redline. My buddy bought a Ferrari 360 recently, awesome car but zero torque. Thought about a vette also, but like a guy at work said "nothing turns heads like a viper". I was also never a Vette guy. I know I would regret it later.

I am starting the strip down of my car soon to sell it off. Easier to do so stock instead of modified.

Elohim1 said:

03 and 04 are convertibles only .In 05 there were coupes. Yes , if it still has run flats , figure in cost of new tires.
Gen 3 is 500hp , gen 4 is 600hp.

Click to expand...

Final, SAE revised ratings for the 8.3 is 510 hp, 535 lb ft (ratings for all cars were revised in 05-06, I think). 03-05 are 'vert only, 06 also coupe. Over 3 years now with my 03, and still lovin' it!

The 03-06 (Gen III) are a great choice for modding. Essentially the same car between those model years. Only significant (visual) difference was the 2003 models had black calipers vs red in 2004 and forward. Oh, and obviously the coupe being offered in 2006. Window regulator issues seem to crop up occasionally. Power steering line sometimes too if I'm not mistaken. If buying an 04, have the crankbolt checked for tightness. Not many other issues to note. Very reliable, solid built cars.

What part of CT? A bunch of us are going to Westport tomorrow...

Where are you in the state? I live in Central Ct just south of Hartford.

BTW, you will never look back after moving to a Viper. Great choice for those who like a mix of musclecar and exotic. Never fails to get thumbs up, questions, or comments whenever your out.

Sarge, I live in East Hampton, right in the middle of the state.

SlateEd, ***** I can't make it down there tomorrow. I have plans with the family already.

ssjcreeper, good to hear about the mods being easy. I will not be leaving it stock.

I'm in Cromwell. Let me know if you want to look at an 05'. I'm no more than 20 min. From you. I can share what I've learned about the cars with you.

Thanks Sarge. I will definitely hit you up. That's nice and close to me.

Also, are there any recalls that I should know about? I have read some post about the regulators. I like wrenching on cars (to a point) so it seems like they are pretty stout so far from what I have seen.

I'm in the same boat as you, HAve had mustangs, have worked for Ford for 20 years now and picked up my 06 Vert last year, NO comparison, mustang is a mustang is a mustang to most people unless you know what to look for but when a Viper comes up on your ASS you know it and get the hell out of the way!!!..............which is nice......................I went with the 06 because of price between the 06 and 08 and all the mod problems you have with the 08, 2 to 4 shift, to me it seems the 06 was the last of the right foot steering cars. not saying I wouldn't have taken an 08 if the right one presented itself but, I picked mine up with 2200 miles and one owner, my only issue with the car was to make sure it didnot have "DRYROT" from sitting as much as it did, but owner actually had it in a heated garage too which was nice.

Pony23 - sorry we'll miss you tomorrow. drop me a PM or post up in the NY/CT forum if you want to do some more CT research.

Check the rims for any curb rash and the oil cooler lines are they are known to leak. The gen 3 have had some oil pressure issues if you track the car but other wise a great car!

As another mustang guy, welcome to your search for another snake car. I just moved from an '11 GT500 to a '14 and have had 11 mustangs, so you're in good company.

I've had gen2, 3, and now a gen4. For gen3 I prefer the 03 for modding and it's internals, otherwise I'd say go '05, it is built in a couple yrs of proven line assembly, etc, and if you get to an '06 you might be paying enough to wonder about jumping to an '08 gen4. I'd think you'd want to potentially mod it so youre looking at the right gen of viper for that, you're used to a lot of power and the viper is geared tall, so it'll feel a little lazy compared to the modded GT500 on power, so I'd see you doing a few tweaks like I did to my gen3.

Things to look for IMO-
Check all tires for equal wear, I've seen an unusually new tire on a corner which is a problem in handling and could even indicate they nailed a curb or something.
Check for any signs of seal leakage from the struts, which is not uncommon on gen3s.
Once you're ready to buy a particular car and can drive it, do a wheel spin take off, check for overly dramatic shake in the shifter, which can indicate a broken or worn trans mount or engine mounts - vipers can go thru mounts in 10,000 mis if driven the way they were meant to be. There are great replacements but good to know if you have to pay for this upfront.
If you have one in the area of the car, it'd be well worth it to pay for a viper tech inspection.
Play with the windows, the regulators are another weak point and pricey, the windows should operate perfectly, if they don't then it'll cost you later.

Good luck with shopping, it's part of the fun. If you find an 08 gen4 in the upper stretch of your price range, it might be worth considering, for the extra 95 HP and the awesome rear end / diff improvement as well as a few smaller items.

Dave.

Viper Driving 101,
When entering the car, put your butt in first, then yourfeet. Always have your keys in yourhand not in your pocket. Buckle the seatbelt before closing the door.First gear will shred your tires, and cause you to be sideways in the road. Secondgear will shred your tires, and cause you to be sideways in the road. Thirdgear will shred your tires, and cause you to be sideways in the road.
At traffic lights all F-150’s will rev their engines, mostHonda’s will also.
Happy Vipering

GT500 is now sold and so are all of the parts from it. Let the search begin for my first Viper. Gen 3 here I come!!!!!!

I have en 2's and a TT gen 3.

Im with you im a HUGE fan of the gen 3 (mine is an 04)

Honestly being so close like me, I'd give Chuck Tator a call, NO ONE will know more about Viper them him and hes so close, you will want to get to know him for service/parts anyway

BTW im a big ford fan as well.

many stangs, 2013 GT500 myself

Congrats, I love my 2005.
A few things to consider.

The 03-04 cars had the crank sensor on the flywheel where as the 05-06 cars it was in the side of the block and triggered by the crank.

Why does this matter? The trigger for the 03-04 car was on the flywheel, if you are like me I modify things and the only flywheel that will work on a 03-04 car is a stocker (limits clutch choices).

The 03-04 did not have knock sensors where as the 05-06 did (can help with tuning).

The 05-06 cars had a few very minor oiling changes in the engine (very minor improvements). If you ask me the 05-06 cars are the better car to modify.

They also added carpet to the trunk in 2005 (I think) and that was a nice touch.

You really cant go wrong with either one but I prefer the 05-06.

C-Note said:

They also added carpet to the trunk in 2005 (I think) and that was a nice touch.

Click to expand...

2004's have a carpeted trunk.

pony23 said:

GT500 is now sold and so are all of the parts from it. Let the search begin for my first Viper. Gen 3 here I come!!!!!!

Click to expand...

You should consider mine if looking for a Gen 3. Might have some money left over in your pocket for mods or other toys...

Thanks for the tips on the crank sensor and knock sensors. That alone might push me to the 05-06's. I love modifying my rides.

pony23 said:

Thanks for the tips on the crank sensor and knock sensors. That alone might push me to the 05-06's. I love modifying my rides.

Click to expand...

Mine is listed in the classifieds here and has my number listed in the add.... let me know if you are interested.

C-Note said:

Congrats, I love my 2005.
A few things to consider.

The 03-04 cars had the crank sensor on the flywheel where as the 05-06 cars it was in the side of the block and triggered by the crank.

Why does this matter? The trigger for the 03-04 car was on the flywheel, if you are like me I modify things and the only flywheel that will work on a 03-04 car is a stocker (limits clutch choices).

The 03-04 did not have knock sensors where as the 05-06 did (can help with tuning).

The 05-06 cars had a few very minor oiling changes in the engine (very minor improvements). If you ask me the 05-06 cars are the better car to modify.

They also added carpet to the trunk in 2005 (I think) and that was a nice touch.

You really cant go wrong with either one but I prefer the 05-06.

Click to expand...

I have a 04 with a aftermarket aluminum flywheel. They are out there.

Going to go look at a few this week.

-Where do the power steering lines start to leak, at the pump?
-Will check for run flats.
-Do all struts have seal problems? front and rear?Can I see that from outside the car?