97 GTS

[B5S4]

Hello Viper board, I am looking to buy a 97gts and I found one in texas. Does anybody know any reputable shops that have knowledge on vipers to inspect it? I ran a carfax report saying the car was a total loss in 2002 but the NMVITS report says the car is accident free. Has anyone heard of carfax misreporting an accident to this extent? Any other common questions anyone can think of asking the seller would be appreciated!

 

[BoondocSaint]

Carfax definitely can have title discrepancies depending on the lengths someone is willing to go through to wash a title, or how accurate the reporting was in the first place. See if you can pull up an accident report to verify. Something that happened that long ago may be archived depending on the state the accident occurred. Can't help you on the Viper tech in that area, but a frame shop would be recommended if you are reasonably certain it's been cracked up in the past.

 

[ninetyninegts]

Hello Viper board, I am looking to buy a 97gts and I found one in texas. Does anybody know any reputable shops that have knowledge on vipers to inspect it? I ran a carfax report saying the car was a total loss in 2002 but the NMVITS report says the car is accident free. Has anyone heard of carfax misreporting an accident to this extent? Any other common questions anyone can think of asking the seller would be appreciated!

Texas is a large state, what part of Texas is the car in.

 

[yzf1999]

Picture??

 

[B5S4]

It’s in Houston, I don’t believe it’s a title wash (or I could just be uneducated) because the car was originally sold in Ohio, then moved to Missouri in 1999 and then to Texas in the same year. Carfax says “total loss” in 2002 but it’s been the same original owner up until 2025 it seems. It has the TNT serrent kit on it, any information on that would be appreciated, Ive been searching on google about it. Owners asking $65k for it which is in my price range for a 96-02 GTS, unless anybody knows another without title drama!

 

[yzf1999]

If the Carfax says it’s total loss then that reflects the value of the car…regardless a fixed totaled 97 GTS is worth north of 50k.

 

[B5S4]

I decided to pass on it, I’m searching daily for a GTS so if anyone has leads let me know. Looking to spend $60-70k clean title, factory stripe car, miles doesn’t matter. I appreciate the responses on this thread so far!

 

[Venamous54]

I literally just dealt with Carfax for over a month on this exact issue for my 2023 RAM .They reported it as a total loss. Turns out my VIN was put on a stolen vehicle. Finally got it rectified but damn what a stressful hassle that was.

 

[SecureOpossum]

Given your user name, I’m guessing you’re an Audi fan? My first real performance car was a B5 S4, and the family dailies are both VWs. A Viper is a great step into serious performance, and I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for!

 

[GTS Dean]

A total loss car in Houston with no accident history could very well have been flood damaged.

 

[serafins]

You might have to wait until fall but you’ll be able to find a clean title car 30k-50k miles or so for your price range. These cars have been going on a 10% off sale in the fall for the past 2 years it seems.