99 GTS Buying Question

[VenumInBlood]

Hey all! I pulled a carfax on a 99 GTS that I am considering buying and have a question. I know it's normal for people to buy these and have them be garage queens, but this particular car has 30k miles, of which only 300 were put on in the past 11 years, all of which were the 3rd owner (previous 2 owners put on the remaining 30k). Would that scare you as a potential buyer? Between these 11 years there is no service data other than replacing a valve cover about a month after they purchased it. From there it's just vehicle registrations every year.

 

[Steve-Indy]

What you describe is a common finding on Carfaxes for Vipers. Many owners do their own service, and sadly, many do little service at all since they drive them infrequently.

The important thing here is a thorough inspection by an experienced Viper tech who KNOWS this particular model. There are many, many Viper specific areas to access...not the least of which is the presence or absence of the 999Recall on the steering rack..
and, if done, was it done correctly since many were not.

I usually suggest that one holds on to an extra $6,000 to $10,000 over and above the final purchase price in order to source new tires, complete a full fluid service, new hoses, etc., etc....all of which (and more) may be necessary to make a car of this age reliably road worthy.

Good hunting.

 

[VenumInBlood]

Thanks for the respone. I figured there would be some delayed maintenance involved, but hopefully it's not an additional $10k. I should know more tomorrow when I go look at it and I am already browsing for a solid Viper mechanic in my local area to help with a PPI. I didn't know about a steering rack recall so I will give the local Dodge dealership a call and see if they show it as being completed.

 

[VenumInBlood]

Well a quick Google search brought me to the Mopar recall site. This particular car was affected and repairs show as compete.

ETA: It showed 998, not 999 on the recall number. Same issue? It discussed adding the frame gussets which describe the steering rack problem.

 

[Steve-Indy]

The 998 Recall effected ALL 96's ,(including the R,/T 10's), 97's, and 98's. It included a reinforcing bracket to the differential along with the steering rack work.

The 999 Recall effected 1999 and 2000 Vipers. It is certainly possible that there were overlaps at the change of model years.

As always, I would recommend that you ask a friendly Chrysler dealer to run the VIN for you as a cross check...realizing that they cannot give you info on prior owners. The dealer/manufacturer computer records are somewhat less than comprehensive in my opinion. Local service records do not usually get into the Chrysler database.

Finally, while I use the recall site frequently, there have been numerous errors reported of various forums.

All of the 998 or 999 Recall work will be obvious once you get under the car on your inspection.

 

[littlecaars]

I had that recall done on my 2000 GTS by Tators Garage in upstate New York. I see you are in Virginia but it is still worth the trip. I trailered it from Pennsylvania. He can also help you out with any questions you may have before you purchase.