2000 GTS - Price Question

[WestminsterSlim]

Hi all,

Looking to pick up my first Viper and there is one that has drawn my attention.

It is a 2000 GTS with 15,500 on the clock going for 34k. The price seems about 5k below market value, so naturally I am a little weary. I have called the dealer and they are currently sending me pictures of the tires to look for abnormal tire wear and also engine bay shots, as none were provided in the listing.

The CARFAX is clean and they claim it is 100% stock, which the pictures seem to back up.

I am by no means new to high performance cars, but I am new to Vipers. Would the low price send up a warning sign for you guys or could it simply be attributed to the fact the 2000 is a less desirable model year? Any help would be appreciated. The car is out of state, so I won't be able to get up close to look it over just yet.

Link to the posting: http://www.audisanjuan.com/used/Dodge/2000-Dodge-Viper-San-Juan-TX-9b44a09f0a0e0adf6d5aa30c49021ca6.htm

Thanks all, and glad to be a part of the site.


EDIT: If this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move it. Wasn't sure where it should go.

 

[ontariomystic]

Wrong wheels for a 2000. Should have the 18" wheels. Also has an exhaust upgrade so not 100% stock.

 

[denniskgb]

That is correct regarding the wheels and exhaust…also look at the driver side seat, the bolster looks pretty beat up almost broken and you can still see the butt crack permanently engraved in the driver side seat cushion……there had been 100lbs of meat in the 20lbs bag? the price is in line of an rt-10 not a gts model. Also consider the fact that the 2000 model is a step child for the Gen2, the end of forged motor and no abs brakes, that were introduced in 2001….

 

[WestminsterSlim]

Yeah I noticed the bolster almost immediately. Didn't know enough yet to spot the wheels.

And I do realize the 2000 is kinda the unloved middle child. But I don't plan to ever go forced induction, and oddly, with State Farm, the 2000 is $4 a month cheaper than the '01-'02 despite the lack of ABS.

The price is my big concern, especially not being able to see it in person. I can't believe a dealership would just leave 5K on the table for no good reason.

Appreciate all the input / advice so far

 

[denniskgb]

For sure have this inspected, you might uncover a ton of hidden big dollar stuff that you would get stuck paying to fix out of your pocket

 

[Burt G]

Appears to be missing the Viper emblems on the fender & front fascia, possible repaint or someone removed for stealth appeal...My .02

 

[Bird325]

Those wheels look like the early Gen II wheels to me.

 

[WestminsterSlim]

Well to say this dealer has been a little shady would be putting it nicely. Was like pulling teeth to see pictures of the tires, and the engine bay pictures just seem to have slipped their minds. Seems to be enough warning signs here to walk away. One of those "if it seems to good to be true' situations as it were.

Thanks all for the replies. Genuinely appreciate it.

 

[denniskgb]

Your best bet is to find a car for sale by a member. Be patient you will find what your are looking for.

 

[Slamstadam]

Just went down this path myself. In Colorado, purchased in TX, new to Vipers. Find what ever you can around town with various mileage to test drive. You'll see what appropriate wear and tear looks like as well as some examples that have been less cared for. All examples will show some wear, and picking on the seat leather or the bolsters will lead to long search, they all wear in these spots.

When buying from a non-dodge dealer there will be tons of stuff that they do not know about, or will claim they don't know about. They will be severely limited on what they are willing and able to fix for you. That being said, the dealers in general seemed more realistic about price than the enthusiasts private party sellers who feel like they are selling a golden child. NADA is a little low, Private party generally a little high, but guaranteed the dealer never paid collector prices for his every day business transaction. He paid at or below NADA. So that will tell you where a reasonable retail price should be.

Feel free to PM me anytime as you look for your car.

 

[WestminsterSlim]

Really appreciate that Slam, will do