Help! I'm a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a '97 RT/10?

[newguy2]

Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

I am a novice and have no knowledge or experience with vipers. I'm thinking of buying a '97 RT/10. Are there any problems associated with that particular year and model? All warnings and info would be very much appreciated. I thank you very much; and look forward, sooner or later, to being an owner.

 

[Daffy Duck Viper]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

Recall 998 for 1996-1999 1/2 Vipers - Steering Rack Mounts and Differential Mounts
http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=81358&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1&vc=1

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[Gerald Levin]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

Since you are new, don't let the recall scare you if it has not been done. It is done free of charge by a Dodge dealer but it is critical that you research who does the work as there are "viper tech posers" out there that should not be allowed to work on cars and there are also very qualified, skilled, experienced viper techs that know what they are doing. Hence, find someone that has done this service routinely and you should be fine. Someone on this board will direct you to a qualified tech in your area.

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

There are always problems with all cars...quirks, etc. It is my personal opinion that there is NOTHING associated with ANY year Viper that would keep me from buying (short of damage, abuse, etc.). Details are important as (again, personally) I would be more inclined to overlook certain "issues" on a BLUE 97 RT/10 (stock paint) than I might be for a red one. Sometimes I want a blue roadster so bad.....

 

[monnieh]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

Were is the car located? Maybe a member would be willing to check it out with you.

Buying a used Viper is unlike buying any other car. It's more work but after you have one it is well worth the hassle!

BTW: I owned a 97 Red RT/10 before I bought my ACR.

 

[newguy2]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

Thanks for the offer, but the car is not near you. It seems that the specs are so different from year to year, and there might be different problems or quirks from year to year. Being a previous owner of a '97 RT/10 is that true?

Thanks for taking the time to reply!!

 

[monnieh]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT/10?

Each year model does have it's own quirks. If you can get a good clean low milage 97 RT/10 you would have a rare ride.

If money is not a problem I would go with the newest model you could afford. The new the model the more refined the engineering.

There is a whole laundry list of things you need to check before buying a used Viper. If you want to discuss email me and I can give you my #.

 

[ggc]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

The newer the Viper the better, but Vipers are very reliable. That does not mean they do not have a few quirks, but they are an awesome car. If you have driven one you know that already.

Take a look at the features page under Viper Registry at the top of the page. That will give you a year by year description of feature changes. Also I think in the last week someone on this forum posted a nice list of things to check.

A few things to think about.

Look carefully for any repairs. As a quick check, someone on this forum may be able to help you out. Check CarFax, but that is not fool proof. Have a good Viper tech check the car over for repairs and problems. Any serious frame or body repair, even if done properly, significantly affects the value of the car.

Is there an extended warranty and if so is it still transferrable. They can only be transferred once.

Are there any modifications. Many vipers will have K&N Filters and smooth tubes (non-ridged hoses from the Air Cleaner box to the manifold rails) Also a Cat back exhaust is common, sometimes headers. You should know of any further modifications which have been made and can decide if that is an advantage or disadvantage for you.

Oil change and service records are nice to have. Spend some time with the Viper tech who serviced the car if you can.

Read the article in R&T about a year or so ago. It is pretty good, but values have dropped since then. That's good for you.

on a 97 you get the lumpy cam and forged pistons and the 450hp Viper engine. I am not sure if 98 has the lumpy cam. I think the forged pistons were used thru 99. Read the Features page to be sure. The Viper engine particularly the Gen 2 are very reliable. Some problems on Gen 1 with head gaskets.

On a 97 and up Rt you get things like electric windows and locks. You will not get ABS, for that you would have to go to a 2001 I believe. Viper brakes are somewhat of a weak point, particularly if you want to track the car. ABS is an advantage for many drivers. Also you will get 17" wheels on a 97. 18" have advantages, such as they are needed if you want to upgrade to some brake systems. Tires are also cheaper. For 18" you have to go to a 99.

Mileage: Most Vipers are low mileage (less than 20), but you should not necessarily cross of the list Vipers with higher mileage. That should be reflected in the price, but I do not believe there is any reason to be afraid of a higher mileage Viper. There are some on this forum and I have not seen any concerns.

I hope this is helpful. You will not regret buying the Viper. Good luck.

 

[newguy2]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

Thanks for your reply.

If I'm not mistaken, you have to grow up before you can have a mid life crisis. Carry on Peter Pan !!!!!

 

[Daffy Duck Viper]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

Also I think in the last week someone on this forum posted a nice list of things to check.

From the king of lists: slaughterj

Buying a 1st Viper Tips
1. Establish your financial range.
2. Determine what is affordable in that financial range.
3. Do the above by searching ebay, autotrader.com, cars.com, and especially the viper club sites, like viperclub.org, .com, and viperalley.
4. Contact your insurance company to get your insurance rates to confirm that the purchase will be affordable.
5. Determine any other limitations you might have, such as mileage, mods, and color.
6. When you find a car you are interested in, you will need to check the car out, and to do this, do the following:
a. first with a carfax report, a check of dealership records on the car, and whatever information the seller can provide you (including on maintenance).
b. then get the examined, either by yourself if it is near (and be sure to familiarize yourself with what needs to be looked at), or if it is at a distance, politely post (on all the viper forums) a general request for a viper owner in the area to check the car out for you.
7. Bargain on the price, and make sure ALL arrangements are clear before traveling to get the car, and if not previously personally inspected, make sure it is clear that the deal is contingent upon your final inspection.
8. Buy the car and make sure you call your insurance company before you go anywhere and get it covered!

Other notes:
- Have it checked by a Viper Tech if possible
- Get an extended warranty if possible (find out in advance)

Daffy Duck Viper additions to this list:
Chuck Tator is the man to contact if you have trouble getting an extended warranty.

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[Daffy Duck Viper]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

Another list by slaughterj....

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, tonneau?
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Car cover?
8. Existing warranty (or provide additional)?

Condition:
1. General Condition (any nicks, 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?)
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked?)
7. Tire condition? (Reasonable tread?)
8. Floor mats condition?
9. Smoker / non-smoker?
10. Nitrous used?
11. Used for track events?
12. Condition of the rocker panels (underneath)
13. Condition of inside door rocker area
14. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
15. Bottomed out?

From a dealer
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)

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[newguy2]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

Thanks. Who is the best, most real world, pricing guide for used vipers?

 

[ViperJoe]

Re: Help! I\'m a novice - Are there any peculiar problems in buying a \'97 RT

You're at it....