Those in the Know. Buyers check list help

[Andrew/USPWR]

Those of you who own, or have owned, Gen III Vipers, what are the things you would recommends a person looking to buy one look for, or at. I’ve heard of roofs leaking and leaving several inch of water on the floor boards, and engines being replace.
And how important are miles? Is a 2003 with low miles better than a 2004 with higher miles?

Things I’m looking at now:
Mileage,
Curb rash on wheels,
Nose scraped,
Canvas top in good condition,
Scratches and dents,
Tires,
Engine clean and stock looking,
Doors line up, and close well,

What else would those of you who’ve owned them look for?

Thanks for your input,

 

[GR8_ASP]

also warranty. If you plan on modding check the archives for changes that may make rod, damper, etc required.

 

[Vipermann]

For what it's worth, 2005s call for 0W-40 oil ... earlier SRTs use 5W-30, I think ... since the engine did not change, I think that means DC learned something, and changed the oil spec ... Viper miles tend to be 'hard', so the lower the better ...

 

[knuk]

No leaking top issue here, nor do I know of any other 03 owners in our club that have that problem - or any problems for that matter.
You may want to check and see if it is one of the 200 - 03's that required the intake valve replacement - make sure it was done!
Very happy with my 03

 

[RavenFan_94]

With the exception of the obvious (panel alignment, fluid leaks) there are very few issues for a lower production car. Just take your time and find the right example. If you are looking at an 03, be sure to get the trunk carpeting and be sure that the recall was done. A blinking headlamp is no fun.

The SRT is a great car, enjoy.

 

[Midwest Muscle]

As a general rule, the low mileage cars are always more appealing than high mileage cars. Vipers are traditionally low mileage, so a high mileage one stands out as just wrong IMO.

Mike M

 

[plumcrazy]

thats all the easy and obvious stuff if ya ask me. i worry more about the warranty work thats been done, any work outside of the dealer thats been done, inspect the paint closely to see if any flaws or if its hiding some work thats been done. any recalls on it. really get under it and check the frame and all hardware under it.

then move to the engine looking for any leaks. then a compression check on all cylinders. maybe send the oil out to be analyzed for kicks.

pull up some carpet in different places to look for any water stains and work that might have been done to it. check all the seal around windows for leaks.

look at any bolts on the frame,brakes,engine for paint that might have been scraped off while work was being done, if its a newer car and not worked on the bolts should always look untouched. there is ALWAYS evidence of a car thats been worked on somewhere.

make sure to see the car a few times in different light. you always find more stuff that way.

keep asking the current owner different questions about the car and then recheck it to see if they were telling the truth.

look at his other cars, if they were clean and look like they were cared for too. if the guy is taking care of his daily driver, he most likely is caring for his viper as well.

always assume the worst and look for problems. dont look at the good parts of the car and fall in love with it. try to find reasons NOT to buy it. if it passes...BUY IT

 

[SylvanSRT]

we have heard the arguements for a low milage car. Here are a few FOR a higher mileage car.

Its been driven enough that if there were any flaws or defects that they have more likely come to the surface and have been fixed.

Unlike cars that are garage or trailer queens that get more buffing and waxing than road time.

If a low mileage car has changed hands several times with very low miles i'd be quite curious to know why some one would keep such a great car for so little time( gen 3 cars are only in its fourth model yr of production).

look at condition, warranty history, and by all means have a viper tech you trust to look at the car BEFORE you buy it(preferably not the one who has worked on it regularly or done the warranty service or maintainance unless you trust them a lot)

these are cars are not technologcial wonders with lots of gizmos and gadgets to go wrong. most of the issues with them boil down to mechanical issues of one sort or another.

BTW my SRT-10 was picked up(by me) on jan 14, '03 and now has approx. 20,000 miles on the car. i have had some problems with the car but nothing that has made me want to sell it. Find a reputable dealer with a good viper tech that will, this will make your ownership experience much more enjoyable. I feel very lucky to have Dick Scott Dodge in my area and Rod the service manager along with their great viper tech to service and maintain my car. I still love my SRT-10 over 3 years later.

 

[Andrew/USPWR]

Thanks for all the advise. I'm taking notes.
I'm trying not to be too impatient, but with this gaping hole in my garage and nothing to wax, detail or cruise, I'm going a little crazy!

 

[plumcrazy]

just remember to buy with your head and NOT your heart.