Looking for advice on '98 - '99 GTS.

[Marcus Frost]

Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

Greetings everyone,

I might be looking into a '98 or '99 GTS relatively soon. I've been looking at prices and they seem to vary from $50,000 for ones with higher milage/less desirable color combos, to around $65,000 for ACRs, highly modified ones, etc. What would be a fair price for a 98-99 GTS with ~1000 - ~12,000 miles, black or silver (can have stripes) with black interior, and relatively stock?

Talking to some of my friends who are local VCA members (a great group of guys who are a lot of fun to hang around with), I am told that 98-99s have no significant differences. Would like to hear this confirmed as well by people on this board. I have read that 99 was the last year for forged pistons in Vipers? I have also heard, of course, about the "creampuff" 00+s, although there seems to be some debate behind that.

Finally, I would like to know how bad insurance is for a Viper. I am quite a bit under 25, however I have no accidents/tickets on my record. If anyone can share comparisons on insurance for their Vipers as compared to a C5, or some other $40k sports car like my Supra, it would give me a good notion on what I should be looking for.

Any advice, comments, etc. are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-m

 

[Mike Brunton]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

Whoever told you there were no significant differences between 1998 and 1999 is dead wrong.

In 1999, they added power mirrors, and also I believe they added a remote trunk release. They also had a different shifter, chrome trim rings, and 18" wheels and new tires.

There were a LOT more changes from 1998 to 1999 than from just about any other year (except maybe 2001 when ABS came out)

 

[TAPROOT]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

My insurance is cheap..State Farm full to the hilt with a 250 ded
$97mo.I am 30..

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Brunton:
Whoever told you there were no significant differences between 1998 and 1999 is dead wrong.

In 1999, they added power mirrors, and also I believe they added a remote trunk release. They also had a different shifter, chrome trim rings, and 18" wheels and new tires.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oooh power mirrors and chrome trim rings, now those are SIGNIFICANT differences.

 

[Mike Brunton]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

Chuck,

You are from IL, as is the original poster, so I can only assume you were one of the folks who gave the guy bad information, and you don't like me saying you are wrong. You also singled out the two most minor things I mentioned in my post - way to make yourself look correct, there buddy... but you're still wrong.

My point is that there were SEVERAL changes from 1998 to 1999. There were comfort changes (power mirrors, remote hatch release), appearance changes (larger wheels, chrome trim, different shifter), and performance changes (new, larger rims and totally new tires). If you don't think they are "significant", then what DO you consider significant in the history of the GTS Viper? As I said in my post, in the lineage of the GTS, perhaps the next most significant changes were the ABS of 2001, or maybe the cast pistons of the 2000 Vipers. There certainly WERE significant changes from 1998 to 1999... to say otherwise is dim-witted, misinformed and, quite frankly, wrong.

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

Mike,

Settle down there Snickle Fritz. My boy Marcus asked about SIGNIFICANT changes. To me, that would be mechanical changes like engine, suspension, brakes, etc. Since I'm friends with Marcus I have the benefit of knowing that's what he means too. No changes like that from 98 to 99 that I'm aware of. Yes, 18" inch wheels ARE a notable difference. He is well aware of this difference. Other changes are minor in comparison. Oh I forgot, the early 98's had the cheesy fan module. Easily corrected for about $150. So if chrome trim rings and a Mr. Microphone-style shifter are significant changes in your world, so be it.

 

[Vreracing]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

I have USAA insurance and have had no major claims or accidents for the last 25 years. I pay about $95 or so a month for insurance.

I agree that engine and transmission changes would be significant. If it goes from 17" to 18" wheels that may have a little difference in ride quality. I think the 17" may be a little softer ride. I haven't driven both so I really don't know.

 

[Gerald]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

I've GOT to sell my 98 GTS for those '99's with SIGNIFICANT upgrades.. I'm loosing sleep over those trim rings and (upgraded) shifterr....

Gerald

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gerald:
I've GOT to sell my 98 GTS for those '99's with SIGNIFICANT upgrades.. I'm loosing sleep over those trim rings and (upgraded) shifter....

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey Gerald to sell your 98 would be "dim-witted, misinformed and, quite frankly, wrong". On plus side you could take the 99+ shifter off and practice karaoke in the shower.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

Great, OC (other Chuck) must be bored and is stiring the ***.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Brunton:
In 1999, they added power mirrors, and also I believe they added a remote trunk release.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So could we say that 99 was the beginning of the "creampuff years?"

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Re: Looking for advice on \'98 - \'99 GTS.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 98 RT/10:
Great, OC (other Chuck) must be bored and is stirring the ***.

So could we say that 99 was the beginning of the "creampuff years?"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Me stirring the ***?? Must be the *** that is being called black by you, Pa Kettle. Your comment is going to get the Puff Daddy's all uppity.