Looking at a 2009 ACR

SA HEAT

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Posts
217
Reaction score
16
Location
Bulverde, Texas
Hello, I'm considering an upgrade from my '97 b/w GTS to a 2009 ACR and need to make a decision fairly quickly.

The ACR has ~9,700 miles on it and looks and drives great. It's a one owner and has a clean Carfax. Is there anything I should be looking for as a "gotcha" on this car? I've tried to do some research, but really only see complaints about the paint and (maybe) the window regulator. Any help from you ACR owners would be appreciated.

Also, my insurance agent is closed for the day....how expensive are ACRs to insure compared to other performance cars? I've been surprised how cheap my GTS has been to insure though, of course, it isn't worth as much. Thanks!
 

Steve-Indy

VCA Venom Member
Venom Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
8,522
Reaction score
164
Location
Zionsville,IN. USA
A Gen IV ACR is a great car in my book...hard to beat if it is a straight car. Expect to see weeping oil cooler line connectors, abnormal wear on inside parking brake pads, and a few other equally minor things. Be sure to test windows and subtract $$$$ for creaking windows due to the well publicized smart glass regulator problems.

Will you be keeping or trading or selling your 97? I MAY know a potentially interested party.
Feel free to call me.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
SA HEAT

SA HEAT

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Posts
217
Reaction score
16
Location
Bulverde, Texas
A Gen IV ACR is a great car in my book...hard to beat if it is a straight car. Expect to see weeping oil cooler line connectors, abnormal wear on inside parking brake pads, and a few other equally minor things. Be sure to test windows and subtract $$$$ for creaking windows due to the well publicized smart glass regulator problems.

Will you be keeping or trading or selling your 97? I MAY know a potentially interested party.
Feel free to call me.
317-402-9013

Thank you, Steve. I'll be selling the '97 and think I have it sold.

I'll check the windows. I'm also going to try to get it on a lift to check the underside thoroughly. My greatest fear is that it's been hit or slid sideways into a curb and then fixed w/o involving insurance.
 

viperprowler1

Viper Owner
Joined
May 19, 2001
Posts
387
Reaction score
0
Location
SW FL
Just sent you a PM. Mike
Hello, I'm considering an upgrade from my '97 b/w GTS to a 2009 ACR and need to make a decision fairly quickly.

The ACR has ~9,700 miles on it and looks and drives great. It's a one owner and has a clean Carfax. Is there anything I should be looking for as a "gotcha" on this car? I've tried to do some research, but really only see complaints about the paint and (maybe) the window regulator. Any help from you ACR owners would be appreciated.

Also, my insurance agent is closed for the day....how expensive are ACRs to insure compared to other performance cars? I've been surprised how cheap my GTS has been to insure though, of course, it isn't worth as much. Thanks!
 

Steve-Indy

VCA Venom Member
Venom Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
8,522
Reaction score
164
Location
Zionsville,IN. USA
Mostly at the fittings...though I have seen one 08 where the line itself was weeping. Same thing 03-06, 08-10.

Viper Specialty has a real fix !!
 

TRACKDAY

Viper Owner
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Posts
163
Reaction score
1
Location
Woodbridge, VA
As an owner of a 2009 ACR, I can say the vehicle is truly awesome in every aspect.

Putting the car on a lift and inspecting the undercarage is a good idea. If you plan on tracking the car, be sure to inspect the KW adjustable suspension to ensure they're in good working order.

Also ensure the track extension / splitter comes with the car.

I also agree with what Steve-Indy mentioned regarding the oil cooler lines weeping. It's a common problem for most Gen IV's and easily fixed with the after market upgrades from Viper Specialty. I just purchased a set myself and they should arrive in mid July.

Good luck and hope you pull the trigger on it :drive:
 
OP
OP
SA HEAT

SA HEAT

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Posts
217
Reaction score
16
Location
Bulverde, Texas
As an owner of a 2009 ACR, I can say the vehicle is truly awesome in every aspect.

Putting the car on a lift and inspecting the undercarage is a good idea. If you plan on tracking the car, be sure to inspect the KW adjustable suspension to ensure they're in good working order.

Also ensure the track extension / splitter comes with the car.

I also agree with what Steve-Indy mentioned regarding the oil cooler lines weeping. It's a common problem for most Gen IV's and easily fixed with the after market upgrades from Viper Specialty. I just purchased a set myself and they should arrive in mid July.

Good luck and hope you pull the trigger on it :drive:

Thank you....haven't seen it on a lift yet, but just spent over an hour and a half picking it apart and as under it as I could get with my head, a mirror and flashlight. No underside scrapes, repairs, dings, leaks, bent parts or anything obvious. It looks like small gravel gets picked up by the rear tires and dispensed into the gaps of the rear diffuser and bottom lips of the rear fender, but I'm guessing that's something you live with.
 

TRACKDAY

Viper Owner
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Posts
163
Reaction score
1
Location
Woodbridge, VA
Thank you....haven't seen it on a lift yet, but just spent over an hour and a half picking it apart and as under it as I could get with my head, a mirror and flashlight. No underside scrapes, repairs, dings, leaks, bent parts or anything obvious. It looks like small gravel gets picked up by the rear tires and dispensed into the gaps of the rear diffuser and bottom lips of the rear fender, but I'm guessing that's something you live with.

You're correct about the gravel pickup due to the super sticky Michelin PSC tires. Every so often, I'll get underneath the rear of the car and clean out the accumulated gravel stuck in the diffuser panel.

It only takes about 10 minutes and is very easy.

As far as insurance goes, if I remember correctly; I pay around $1,350 / year. That's a reasonable price in my opinion considering the type of car it is.
 
OP
OP
SA HEAT

SA HEAT

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Posts
217
Reaction score
16
Location
Bulverde, Texas
You're correct about the gravel pickup due to the super sticky Michelin PSC tires. Every so often, I'll get underneath the rear of the car and clean out the accumulated gravel stuck in the diffuser panel.

It only takes about 10 minutes and is very easy.

As far as insurance goes, if I remember correctly; I pay around $1,350 / year. That's a reasonable price in my opinion considering the type of car it is.

Thanks again!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
153,139
Posts
1,681,567
Members
17,641
Latest member
chadlick32
Top