1997 GTS --Feedback

[c.hall]

Hi,

Looking to purchase a 1997 GTS 488 8L with 32,000 miles from a private owner. He is the 4th owner, a salvage title/rebuilt. He's owned 1 year 2 months, previous owner 1 year 3 months. Asking 29,000.00. Owner states "totaled for rear panel collision", Looking to offer 23-24,000.00. Needs tires 1 front, 1 rear, not a racer, but driver car. original paint red changed to Corvet blue with white strips. Need to get it on the rack for differential/frame damage,will test drive tomorrow. Some original decal and parts missing.

Any feedback on 97 Vipers or price? New at "to be" Viper ownership. Got to start somewhere. I have searched this site and e-bay. You guys are the experts.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[big-n-italian]

besides the the car being a salvage, the fact that there have been (4) owners in just (10) years makes me a little nervous. any more info on the car? maybe we know about it? who were the previous owners? where is it located? ?????

 

[johnk]

#1 Ask your insurance company if they will insure a salvage title.

Good luck..

 

[viperdude118]

If you get the car, replace all the tires, not just 1 front and 1 rear.

 

[Brian GTS]

If money is the issue, I would give it some more time and save a few bucks to get yourself something non salvage and with less owners. Thats what I had to do when I bought my first Viper. I wouldn't touch it.

 

[c.hall]

Insurance company will cover. The car is in Columbus, Ohio. orginally from Florida, then Alabama-Missippi, then Ohio. One of the title transfers was back to insurance company, so technically 3, but still too many.

Current owner named Nick in Gahanna near Columbus, Ohio.He bought the car with 28,608 miles.Owned 1 yr 3 months.
Previous owner owned a body shop in Alabama/Mississippi,He bought the car with 19,000 miles. Owned 1 yr 9 months.
Orginal owner lived in Florida/Alabama had the car 5 yrs 9 months 19,000 miles.

(I can get tires at wholesale price)

Chris

 

[ViperJames]

IF you can get a GTS Viper for $23k-$24k Salvage or not, if it was fixed correctly and the paint came out beautiful, it is a GREAT deal. That puts someone who could only afford an older Vette into the realm of a Viper. Thats my 2cents

 

[ViperJames]

Furthermore, i don't care how nice of a car you buy, unless it is from a psyco crazy owner like myself who is a little over the top with maintenance, you are going to be almost guaranteed to be putting unknown $#$$ into it. I put thousands into my car and was a nice care bought from a dealer.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Agreed. If you can get it for $25K or less, go for it.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

If I could find a salvage GTS for $25k, I'd consider buying it as a DD. The RT/10 for the sunny weekends and the hardtop that I could drive whenever and wherever (well, almost... ) and not worry about it because of the salvage title. Anyone else know of any PROPERLY REPAIRED salvage GTS's for this money?

 

[Ricketts]

If it's put together right, Mid to low 20's for a GTS is a deal. Like others said great car to buy to DD or TT.

 

[c.hall]

Hi,

Got a look today and drive. Not what I thought it would be, body work not to standard and other problems. Seller is counting all the maintance work and misc. as the total price. He bought sight unseen and did not know much about what he was getting. Maybe alittle wiser now, but still looking for the profit.

Think I'll keep looking for that right one. If you have a lead, I'm open to reading.

Thanks for all your help.