GTS Ownership

[robisaacs]

For those who are not mechanically inclined and own a Gen II (01 or 02) viper, what is your monthly or yearly cost of ownership. Just trying to figure out what should be budgeted for maintenance and repairs.

 

[dave6666]

You could have expected stuff, and unexpected stuff.

Expected...

Engine oil - probably $80 at the Quickie Lube
Tranny oil - $70 + labor
Brake fluid flush - $75
Differential fluid - $50 + labor
Power steering fluid flush - $20 + labor
Clutch fluid flush - $5 + labor
Spark plugs - $15 + labor
Plug wires - $30-$150 + labor
Coolant flush and fill - $75
Air filters - Clean or replace, $? or $75

These are all done based on either time or miles. You will have to know what has already been done, how many miles you plan on driving annually, and what you consider to be important.

Also, brakes and clutch are normal wear components, but less expected. The clutch slave can also go out. You will need a battery every so often, and will wear rear tires.

$300 to $500 per year should get you by, but depending on like I said, previous work that has been done, how well you want the car maintained etc. $500 should also leave a little leftover for the clutch and brake jobs that can get really pricey at a dealer.

All the above is why I'm mechanically inclined and do it my$elf.......

 

[Detlef]

Assuming nothing major goes wrong:

1) Mobil-1 oil = $50
2) Mopar oil filter = $10
3) Labor = yourself as the oil/filter change is very easy, otherwise $109/hour at the dealership
4) Battery tender for winter storage = $50, a one time cost

Other maintenance is not yearly

Looks, like dave6666 beat me to it. What he said

 

[Ratical2]

It is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables; mileage, condition of the car, intended useage, etc.

Some cars haven't had there first oil change. I have changed mine three times in the little over a year in half I have owned it. That is 30 quarts of Mobil 1.

Since you don't plan on doing the work yourself, you will have to take it to the dealer or is there a reputable shop in your area? That affects the cost a great deal.
Since I do most of my own work I don't know what it would cost to farm it out, but the following are things you will most likely have to address when you buy the car

1 new set of tires.
2 Change all fluids and all filters
3. Replace brake pads (depending on mileage)
4. optional but advisable, change the ps pump bracket and pulley

Notice that these are cost associated with normal wear and tear. How do you factor in the unforseeable repairs?

I have had to replace all four O2 sensors in my car at $75 a piece.
I had an oil leak that cost $200 in parts to fix. This would have been a $1200 job at the dealer....

Of course this doesn't cover what happens if the mod bug grabs you. Thinks can get pricey quickly.

With all that said, the Viper is the only car I have owned that you get more than what you paid for... The experiance of ownership is like none other. You have Supercar performance at less than half the cost.

Dave and Detlef beat me to the punch....I guess I type too slow.

 

[dave6666]

Other maintenance is not yearly

Looks, like dave6666 beat me to it. What he said

Sorry..........

Yeah, but you need to watch that "non-yearly" stuff.

I probably spent $1500 on my '01 just to freshen like EVERYTHING. And that did not include tires. I bought them too.

And I do ALL my own work, add $ accordingly for the non-DIY.