Looking to purchase a 2004 and located one at a Dodge Dealership that according to the saleman, was a "Replacement Vehicle" buy back from Dodge. He said that the vehicle was purchased new and that the car exhibited "engine vibration". Dodge bought the car back (lemon law) and then replaced the whole engine. According to the salesman, Dodge was the one who replaced the engine. The car only has 3k miles on the odometer and is spotless. The car has two years left on the manufacturer's warranty. Excellent price (due to the circumstances). My question, is it worth purchasing a car that was bought back and had the engine replaced? What am I getting myself into? I figure I'm saving about ~$5k from comparably vehicles that I've considered (2004's with the same mileage). I appreciate the input!
I need some expert advice!
- Thread starter 2kvette
- Start date
If it has a new engine in it the engine was most likely rebuilt at Arrow Engineering. Assuming that is the cse which it always is the case you can't go wrong with an Arrow engine. I have one in my car and they always come back BETTER than new. Arrow engine are assembled by engineers not UAW workers. BUY the car and have fun.
RavenFan_94
Viper Owner
Agreed with SCL's post. As long as the problem was internal to the engine, you are going to happy.
Y2K5SRT
Enthusiast
I would also add that while the resale could be slightly diminished based on the history, it sounds like that "hit" is already being taken up front. Buy it! 
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Buy it. I'm in so Cal too. Which dealer by the way? Some are better than others.
MoparMan
Enthusiast
Sounds like the Viper in this auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4533105096&category=6209
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4533105096&category=6209
Y2K5SRT
Enthusiast
Oh yeah, and I am 90% sure that the 2004's (and 2003's) have a 7/70 powertrain warranty. They discontinued that for 2005 and they only have 3/36. With a 7/70 what is not to like?
eagles
Enthusiast
I bought my'03 under similar conditions and I am very happy. Mine however had a tiny oil leak which I found after I bought it.
It was fixed under warranty, someone forgot to put teflon tape on the oil sending unit. It is the best way to get a few more hp and tq for nothing. I also actually saved a couple of bucks because of the arrow rebuild. Buy it!
eagles
It was fixed under warranty, someone forgot to put teflon tape on the oil sending unit. It is the best way to get a few more hp and tq for nothing. I also actually saved a couple of bucks because of the arrow rebuild. Buy it!
eagles
Wow! You guys are on the ball! It actually IS the car in Peoria but I wasn't aware that it was on ebay. When I checked out the site on ebay, it stated a BMW dealership but the guy I contacted was from Sam Leman Dodge. He did state that the car has the 7/70 power train warranty. He also said that the in-service date was 12/03 however the ebay add stated 08/03??? However, the VIN's match. It's obvious that there's a wealth of knowledge concerning the Viper on this forum. I've been "trolling" this site for the past year and I really appreciate the input and look forward in being an "active" member soon!
RavenFan_94
Viper Owner
Welcome to the club. You made a great choice!
