1996 GTS 1 Owner Car with no history?

[keverow]

Hey all, I'm seriously considering making a run at this car. It's advertised as a 1 owner car, clean car fax and in great condition. The pictures look good and the dealer, Elite Motors, seems to have a good reputation. The red flag is that I would expect a 1 owner car to come with manuals, service records etc and I'm told none of that came from the car. Are my expectation off?

While I'm reading and learning, I've found that long-time owners can pick out things in pictures that the untrained eye cannot. Do you guys see anything that should be concerning?

Lastly, as the car had the same owner for 18 years, does anyone know the car or better yet the original owner? Also posting in regional section.

Thanks,

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/613307061/overview/#1

 

[Matt Houston]

Hey all, I'm seriously considering making a run at this car. It's advertised as a 1 owner car, clean car fax and in great condition. The pictures look good and the dealer, Elite Motors, seems to have a good reputation. The red flag is that I would expect a 1 owner car to come with manuals, service records etc and I'm told none of that came from the car. Are my expectation off?

While I'm reading and learning, I've found that long-time owners can pick out things in pictures that the untrained eye cannot. Do you guys see anything that should be concerning?

Lastly, as the car had the same owner for 18 years, does anyone know the car or better yet the original owner? Also posting in regional section.

The car looks pretty darn nice and original! Nothing stands out as far as I can see.


Thanks,



http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/613307061/overview/#1

The car looks pretty darn nice and original! Nothing stands out as far as I can see.

 

[Allan]

Looks like it has been preserved in a time capsule.


Would not stay that way if I were to buy it.......
........Because I wouldn't be able to resist driving it.

 

[steve e]

How many miles on the car, I am the original owner of my Viper and I have every book and paper that came with it, like I am sure every other owner of a Viper has, so that is odd.

 

[Mopar488]

Even though it is probably a futile effort, I would ask the dealer for the previous owner's contact info or ask the dealer to have the previous owner to contact you. Seems odd no manuals, paperwork, window sticker, etc. Good luck.

 

[Vreracing]

These are not delicate cars that need to be preserved in time capsules. I had mine for 14 years. I drove it like it was stolen. I left it out in the Texas Panhandle hot sun. I drove it through thunderstorms. I drove it through water crossings. I went through wind storms. It never let me down. It had 60K miles on it when I sold it two years ago. I still get looks of condemnation from people when they find out I sold it.

There are presently cars that will out run it now. It's still one of the nicest looking cars out there. If it looks nice and you like it, I would buy it. Things can break on cars without warning. If something is really in bad shape you should be able to figure it out when you drive it. Almost all of the things that break can be repaired. If you're going to drive it as a daily driver that would be a different matter. Having a good local mechanic that is willing to work on it is a real plus.

 

[Sybil TF]

Price needs to come down. Tires look original, needs fluids flushed probably for peace of mind and a power steering pulley/bracket upgrade...

 

[keverow]

Here's another like car about an hour away. So if anyone can provide a recommendation for an independent mechanic to inspect the car I would be grateful. I'm buying the car remotely and will need to rely on the opinion of a Viper specialist.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/615153294/overview/