Standard Newbie Questions

[Frank 03SRT]

I can only answer a few:
1. 1500 per year for Gen II. They (Dodge) say 2500 for the Chapter III.
2. Don't know.
3/4. Steve Ferguson (look for posts earlier) seems to think there will be some sort of preferred system for VCA members and previous owners, but told us to "stay tuned" for updates.
5. It might take previous ownership plus VCA plus deposit to be successful for a 03.

But, I'm not an expert -- just noticed nobody was answering your post, so tried to help out.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Please don't misunderstand, Dodge isn't going to stop anyone from owning a Viper....

They're just trying to make sure that those that have been loyal to our V-10's get a less stressful and more timely opportunity.

 

[Janni]

I guess I would be a little suspect when a dealer accepts deposits on a car that does not exist yet with an allocation system yet to be determined.... Its real easy to take your money and say you're first on the list when you don't know if you are going to get one..... While I am sure some of the larger Viper dealers will get some allocation, there's no way I would leave my money for over a year at a dealer that "might" get one - oh, and did you write a contract for $X over cost? Otherwise, your deposit is meaningless...... We've talked to our dealer and told him we are interested in a specific car, and maybe a 2003 - I am sure we'll get the first opportunity to buy one - and no, no money has changed hands.

Skeptical Janni

 

[Steve Ferguson]

As the former National President of the VCA, I have actively tried to make purchasing the Chapter # Viper as easy as possible for our membership. There are many at Dodge who would like to reward owners for their loyalty. Our New National President Tony Estes, is also trying his hardest to deliver to the VCA. Sorry if it leaves some out in the cold, but our mission is to provide for the membership.

Dealers are doing what they know. Don't blame them. In many instances, the dealers you are referring too call us to find out how things will happen (ask Pemberton who he called last Monday?). Truth be told, all that is on the table is a "suggestion". The VCA will hear about it before the public will get wind. But the dealers will know the official position before anyone.

You can put a deposit down, but any dealer that tells you you are number ? has absolutely no clue as to what is about to happen.

Sorry to the outsiders, but doesn't everyone agree that loyalty should have its privileges?

 

[JonB]

2003BRU:

If you truly want a better shot at buying a NEW 2003 Viper, you should give some serious thought to abandoning the purchase of that Z-06 and become a "vested" Viper Owner and VCA member NOW.
Buy a USED Viper for Z-06 money. Be there in Detroit for a first-ever "Mass Drive-Away" which could happen in '02.

Dodge indeed has a proud history of rewarding Viper-owner loyalty, WITHIN the dealer system of course. You cannot compare corvete allocation and availability with 35,000+ annual units, to Viper allocation and availability, approx 5% of Corvette annual production. UNDER FIVE PERCENT vs Vette numbers !

Another perspetive: Chevy built more corvetes in the first 6 months of 2000 than Dodge has built Vipers in NINE YEARS !

If you want a dream car, you gotta "pay your dues" so to speak.

If you choose, WELCOME ABOARD !

JonB

 

[Phil Lee 94 red RT]

Hey Newbie,
You might try Maxwell on 183 or Becker Motor Co. down south of Austin. Good luck!