new member, need advice on purchase

[Brad04Mamba]

I think the choice of a '99 is the right one for you, your right about the wheels. The soft top will fit in the trunk, but not much else. If you are getting a hard top it must stay on or be stored when you arrive at your destination or at home. The choice between a RT or GTS is a personal one, I had a RT for about a year before I realized I just wasn't cut out for a roadster, and I live in sunny CA. I find the GTS is more practical and I definetly drive it more.

 

[JonB]

The wheels on Vipers all interchange. ie, If you find a 98 you like, or a price you like, you can swap rims. Sell old 17" ...buy new 18". Save $$ on the car!

Tires are more expensive, w/ fewer options on the 1999+ 18" rims.

Unless you want red, it might just boil down to color ! (Red was avail in every year RT, and all but 1 year of GTS.)

Sounds like a GTS is for you: The hardtop is a "seasonal" top that takes 30+ minutes to install / remove each time ! (The NWE aftermarket hard top takes 30 seconds!) No hard top fits in the trunk.

 

[scottgf]

RT/10 vs GTS..
Its a no-brainer to me.
The RT/10 is the hands down winner.
Sure the top is a pain in the butt to deal with, (Soft top takes about 5 minutes to unfold and install) but the good times driving a roadster on a sunny day makes up for all that.
Most people dont driver their Vipers all the time, usually its a weekend, good weather deal, (even GTS owners)so dont sweat the roadster thing, if you want a ******* ride get the RT/10.
The main thing is that you have the option to remove the top if you want, no such luxury with the GTS.
Either way you go, all Vipers are AWESOME so buy one and enjoy!!
Cheers,
Scott

 

[BigsViper]

Before you make the BIG decision, Check this out...
With credit due to Marv....

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The Top Ten is off the main site, but I've got them:
Top Ten Reasons why the Coupe is the COOLEST!

10 If I wanted a sunburn, I'd have bought a Harley Kingman Hitz

9 You don't look like Don King after driving it! Mike Owens

8 Driving a roadster in the rain is great.. if you're a duck. Rob Hook

7 Rear window glass, the desert sun, and the tub in the back are the perfect combination for baking a "tire sized" cake. David Blankenbaker

6 I like having ***** white translucent skin. Sun is bad for you Andy Levitt

5 The "double bubble" has got to have some kind of Freudian significance. Russ Beckett

4 I don't have to dislodge bugs from my forehead. Martin Ahlers

3 You don't have to have hair to look cool driving it. Brian Gwynn

2 Stripes make me look thinner. Andy Levitt

And the number 1 Reason why the Coupe is the COOLEST...
1 ABOUT 18-MPH! Richard Schencker


Top Ten Reasons why the Roadster RULES!


10 So the guy in the C5 you just blew past can hear you laughing! Ryan Bender

9 C'mon, how many chics can you fit in a GTS?Rob Hook

8 Better ventilation. WHAT? I SAID BETTER VENTILATION! Richard Schencker

7 If I wanted practical, I'd buy a Honda. Rob Hook

6 If you wanted perfect hair you would be driving a Cadillac. Dan Elam

5 Far easier to hit signs with beer bottles. Yep, I'm in Alabama. Richard Schencker

4 Car automatically "vacuums" itself at 100MPH Mark Mazon

3 My tan will be darker in VEGAS! Ryan Bender

2 Allows far more room for a big head. Richard Schencker

And the number 1 Reason why the Roadster RULES...
1 I had chili for lunch. VENTILATION Rob Hook