Buying a used Viper
While doing research on used vipers, I assembled a general list of questions I wanted to get answered, some of which were dealer-specific (at the bottom). It does not have year-specific questions, for example, for the 98 whether it has the upgraded fan. It does have a few RT/10 specific questions though. Hopefully this can be of help to others.
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, minor modifications (K&N filters, smooth tubes), or more?
2. Exterior and Interior Color? (stripes?)
3. Nature of CD player (single in-dash, trunk player, etc.)?
4. Soft-top, hardtop, or both?
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Tonneau cover?
8. Car cover?
9. Existing Factory warranty / extended warranty (or provide additional)?
Condition:
1. General Condition (any nicks, chips, scratches, window cracks, etc.?)?
2. Involved in an accident, damaged, repainted, etc.?
3. Condition under front bumper / spoiler?
4. Condition of top(s)? (Soft-top sagging? Exterior condition?)
5. How maintained? (One owner? How long have you had it?) Service / maintenance records?
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked/worn?)
7. Tires condition? Brand/Size (Reasonable tread?)
8. Floor mats condition?
9. Smoker / non-smoker?
10. Nitrous used?
11. Used for track events (strip, track, and autocross)?
12. Condition of the rocker panels (top and underside)
13. Condition of inside the door rocker area
14. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
15. Bottomed out?
16. 998 / 999 recall work done (if applicable)
Buying from a dealer
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)
Differences between GenI and GenII: there are two other big ones (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. (remember to check for 998 / 999 recall modifications being done, and done CORRECTLY!)
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
That said, I can tell you that both are a blast to drive.
You can't go wrong with any Viper. Period.
