About to pull the trigger on an 08-09, I have a few questions though.

[mark896]

Hi guys,

Been a lurker on here for awhile. I want a 4th gen (first Viper) and would eventually use as a daily driver. I've had a few Dodge vehicles and find them to be very reliable when taken care of, hoping the Viper will be the same way.

Is it true the air conditioning is so-so in these cars? I know I heard the a/c on the 3rd gens sucked, but was wondering if the 4th gens got fixed in that department. I'm moving to southern Alabama in June and I don't need many creature comforts, but a/c is a must. Also, I'd be traveling (probably pretty far across the states) to get the one I want; what questions should I ask over the phone in advance? The closest thing to owning a Viper that I've had is a Z06, so I know a LITTLE about what I'm getting into.

I don't care about the ride, or the maintenance costs (as far as upkeep), but I do want the car to last. I was initially looking into a GT-R, but they are a little pricy in my opinion and the maintenance costs are astronomical, even for an exotic.

Anyways, any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Mark

 

[Lespauldude]

Hi Mark,

The A/C in my 09 Vert can chill a 6-pack in about 5 minutes. It can get rediculously cold in that cockpit with the A/C on, even in 95 degree heat.


Scott

 

[BlknBlu]

The issue is not the AC unit but the exhaust heating the cabin. IT has been reduced inthe GEN 4 cars by removing the crossover pipe.

Bruce

 

[viperdrummer]

AC not a problem but I could not recommend a Viper as a DD. Rough ride, and gets too much attention often the wrong kind. Plus, it is as shame to have such a nice car get nicked etc in daily travel. All my cars have clear bras and my CTS-V is the DD and is a lot more nicked up than my sports cars.

Either way good luck

 

[TheMilkman]

Using the Viper as a DD isn't too bad. Just get used to walking far to places as you will want to park Far far away from everyone else.

I put 25K on my Viper over 3 years and enjoyed every moment. It was fun being known at work as the guy with the Viper.

Even bad traffic isn't all that bad if you just coast in neutral a lot, The Viper will roll forever with a little push.

Get a Gen 4 and drive it like you stole every chance you get.

 

[redtanrt10]

Is it true the air conditioning is so-so in these cars? I know I heard the a/c on the 3rd gens sucked, but was wondering if the 4th gens got fixed in that department. I'm moving to southern Alabama in June and I don't need many creature comforts, but a/c is a must. Also, I'd be traveling (probably pretty far across the states) to get the one I want; what questions should I ask over the phone in advance? The closest thing to owning a Viper that I've had is a Z06, so I know a LITTLE about what I'm getting into.
Mark

Mark, the A/C evolved greatly from Gen II (02) to Gen III (03). Not world class but it will be fine. As others have noted the crossover exhaust pipe has been eliminated (on Gen IV's) to among other things reduce cabin heat. As for questions to ask sellers, take a look in the forum for the purchase guide info. My advice is to try to find a lower mileage car as it should have better cosmetics. Try to find one that still has some of the original 3/36 warantee left, if there's any unknow issues you have warantee and also you will be able to buy a chrysler warantee extension before the original expires. I'd suggest finding a 1 owner, weekend only babied viper with service records still in warantee. Get a car fax on any you consider and helps to have a dealer friend who can check the car in the dodge database. Also, touch base with Woodhouse and Tomball dodge, they get nice trades. good luck! Mike

 

[JonB]

The Gen 4 AC is the best Viper AC so far. As stated, the earlier models were not so good.

DD issues: If you are a BIG GUY, 225+, you may not find the G4 Viper comfortable as a DD. Tight Quarters. And it is a rolling-car-show, hard to disguise. Constant circle of lookey-loos parked or driving, can be annoying or even hazardous if boxed-in by blind-spot gawkers. ACR Especially.


GOOD LUCK!

 

[mark896]

Thanks for all replies, guys. I realize it will be awkward as a DD, and if I decide that it's a bad idea, I'll get a ******. I fly for the Army so it will always be parked at an enclosed airfield at work, if I need to go to walmart or something like that I'll use her car or, get a ******. Good to know the AC issue got worked with the GEN IV's.

I'm looking for an 08-09, low mileage, 1-2 owner clean, stock car. I will not track or even race it, just wanna cruise in a mean car.

 

[texas_venom]

I drove my 04 as a daily driver for almost 2 years. Loved it. I had a Corsa exhaust put in so no more cabin heat and the AC was just fine. I lvoed the car as a daily driver. Honestly it didnt matter how bad of a day I had as soon as I went out and started up the engine it ALWAYS put a smile on my face. Remember its a car. Drive it, enjoy it, and dont let it sit in the garage and rot away.