Viper Owner Wannabee Looking for Advice

[Batboy]

Hey All! I'm a newbie. I'm looking to purchase a Gen I or II SRT/10 (or possibly GTS if I get serious) within the next couple months. I have been monitoring Ebay every day for the past 6 months to get a feel of what Vipers are going for. I'm interested in any problems or issues I should look out for. I've heard about the head gaskets leaking, rust around the door seals, and have read the buying guide here on the site. Is there anything else I should look out for? Any other advice would be much appreciated. This will be my first exotic and I can't wait.

 

[hemibeep]

best advice is to have someone from the club go with you, or arrange to check the car out for you. Also, if the car is in an area to have a good viper tech look over that would work. Just ask for help....and someone probably will
Good luck

 

[Randy]

First off, lets correct the terms: SRT/10 was the name given to the newest car, the gen III car, which was first available in 2003. I assume you meant "RT/10" for the Gen I and Gen II cars that you could remove the top. The RT/10 is a a more serious car than the GTS, also (that is just to bait the GTS guys & gals).

There are probably way too many things to know about the various years of cars. Maurice Liang, one of the VCA founders, wrote a book called the Vipers Buyers Guide which goes over most of these issues in some detail, along with pictures, etc. A google search shows its available many places, including amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0760318352/002-6877543-5765605?v=glance).

 

[Randy]

Looks like the forum software is erroneously including the close parenthesis and period as part of the link, so here's the Amazon link without the extra characters:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0760318352/002-6877543-5765605?v=glance

 

[Casey]

Ebay will save you a Couple/Few thousand, but make sure you do your research, have the car checked out Top to Bottom!

Look at the Classifieds here, you will KNOW the car has been Taken Care of properly, the history, mods, etc.

Lots of differnces in YEARS, models, etc.

Search the site and you will get TONS of info!

Good Luck!!

 

[Batboy]

Thanks for the tips. I did mean Rt/10. It's Friday. My brain is mush. I have read that doc several times. I never realized how much the years differed. In fact after reading that doc and looking at the production numbers, I'm leaning towards a '96 something. I was looking at a '93-'95, but if I can swing it (wife permitting) I'll grab a '96. That's the plan anyway. I suspect prices will go up as the weather warms up. Ahhh heck, it's only money right?

 

[01sapphireGTS]

Buy the model you want, but take a good look at the GTS. I think it will be the best investment in the long term ( but not to someone looking to buy a convertable, right ? ). I have seen several early GTS's have problems with their RED paint bubbling etc... Watch for re-paints, that is a common issue because these cars get wrecked !

I will reinforce what everyone else has said. Have a VCA Member in that town look at it for/with you. It could save you thousands & a lot of headaches in the long run...

HAVE FUN !

 

[Ron Hickey]

Check your PM!

 

[Batboy]

Thanks Ron. I'm still figuring things out. Doh!

I've thought about a GTS Todd. I agree, I think the GTS' will be a better investment. Money is the issue right now. Although I have seen several GTS' with relatively high mileage go pretty cheap, I'm thinking an RT/10 would be a better starter car. I was reading some of the other posts and one of them had an idea I liked. Buy an RT/10 now with low miles and baby it. Then find a salvaged GTS or such and mod the heck out of it. That sounds pretty fun. But, I haven't made any firm decisions yet. I may be at the mercy of the market. We'll see what happens.

 

[IEATVETS]

An RT/10 a starter car?? Never heard that one before. Both cars are great, no matter what route you go. But if money is an issue now and you say you want to "mod the heck out of it", modding isn't cheap either depending on what you do. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Randy]

I've thought about a GTS Todd. I agree, I think the GTS' will be a better investment.

GTS a better investment than an RT? It'd be the same investment, not any better or worse.

 

[PhoenixGTS]

Seriously, if you have not at least ridden in a Gen I or II Viper before, get a ride before you commit, and hopefully a drive. I had heard they were harsh cars that were not appropriate for daily drivers, and now that I have had my 98 GTS for 8+ months I have to agree. Unless you have other vehicles to drive regularly and intend on treating a Viper as a hobby vehicle, the Viper is not for everyone. For example, if I had to give an older relative or a boss a ride somewhere, I would honestly feel akward doing it in the Viper.

 

[got one]

Yes, I to recomend you by a VCA sold Viper or approved Viper. Ebay...you might get a good deal...or you might get a Viper that has been made to LOOK like your getting a good deal.

 

[Randy]

I had heard they were harsh cars that were not appropriate for daily drivers, and now that I have had my 98 GTS for 8+ months I have to agree.

And, for some, its fine as an everyday car. I've had an RT/10 for 7 years with 90,000 miles on the odo's and a number of cross-country trips, and it is indeed an everyday car for me. Granted, I may drive another vehicle if its raining (because I do try to keep it clean) or I need to haul something that won't fit in the car, or I need 4wd for snow in the mountains or something, but, otherwise, I'm driving the Viper.

However, I also came from a background of motorcycling, of which a Viper is a natural continuation. If you came from the experience of luxury cars or RVs, a Viper will likely not fit into your preferences as well.

 

[PhoenixGTS]

I also came from a background of motorcycling, of which a Viper is a natural continuation.

It is definitely more comfy than a bike. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather this winter I have had to drive in the rain more than I would like to. A Viper is a totally different car if you have something else to drive on "the bad days" (it sounds like you do). But picture this, you have or one of your family members have the flu or similar and you have to drive to a doctor's appointment or hospital. Taking a Viper with aftermarket exhaust in that kind of extreme situation would **** major. Driving a Viper proves that you love cars and gives you instant street credibility from auto enthusiasts of all stripes, but it is a harsh car.

 

[ROCKET62]

Good luck with your purchase - you're in for quite a treat - as long as you know what you're getting. As others have stated, do your homework and be as thorough as you can. For me - it was an easy decision - as I always had dreamed of owning the original, bare bones, side exhaust Gen 1 Viper. No flame intended for the '96 RT/10 guys, but that Gen 1.5 is one year I just don't understand? Yes, you get the additional HP and better suspension - but didn't it have the problematic head gaskets and you don't get power windows - which even as a Die-Hard Gen 1 guy - I have to admit would be so nice to have.

Also, if you want a Viper with certain mods - it will be less expensive to buy a Viper with those mods already on it.

 

[Batboy]

Yes, this Viper will NOT be a daily driver. Granted it won't be a trailer queen either. I have 3 other cars and a bike, so I have plenty of driving options. Not to mention that the weather here in DC is not that great, so that narrows down the number of days I can drive right there. No, this baby will be a collectible. I fully intend to pass it down to my son.

I have no plans to mod a Viper right now. But I would love to do it in the future. Just a thought.

 

[Dv8tor]

Thanks Ron. I'm still figuring things out. Doh!

I've thought about a GTS Todd. I agree, I think the GTS' will be a better investment. Money is the issue right now. Although I have seen several GTS' with relatively high mileage go pretty cheap, I'm thinking an RT/10 would be a better starter car. I was reading some of the other posts and one of them had an idea I liked. Buy an RT/10 now with low miles and baby it. Then find a salvaged GTS or such and mod the heck out of it. That sounds pretty fun. But, I haven't made any firm decisions yet. I may be at the mercy of the market. We'll see what happens.

Man, you're all over the place. Looking at an RT/10 Gen I to thinking about buying 2 Vipers??? But you say "money is the issue right now"???? LOL, J/K. All in all, it's a good thing when your problem is what Viper should you buy Good luck.

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Buying a cheap car could easily cost you 10k to get it sorted out. Especially if you are considering keeping it long term. Best way to buy a car is to find someone here that is selling one. Even then... ask about service, run a car fax, have a good look at the car.