Advice: Looking for a Gen III/IV, question about higher mileage

[srt4evah]

Gents, I've decided now, in my 40th year, I will just bite the bullet and get myself a Viper finally. I'm specifically looking for a 2006+ coupe, looking to pay $35-55k depending on the year and mileage. If I get a 2006 I'd likely want to do the h/c/e and throw on some KW coilovers, 2008+ I'd only want a catback.

My main question I have is what sort of issues might I want to be on the lookout for with a higher mileage Viper, say in the 30-60k mile range? I did search here and I found a thread on the engines, seems they should be stout for a good long while, 100k+ miles, but what of other components? Suspension bushings, axles, electrical gremlins, squeaks/rattles (minor issue, but would like to know anyway) etc., what should I expect and look out for?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'll probably be ready to buy within 2-3 months, not rushing it since I know it will take time to find just the right deal.

 

[gb66gth]

I bought my '08 new. I just turned 35K miles this weekend. So far, the only thing was the oil cooler was seeping and was replaced under warranty.
I have had no other issues. In fact, I still run the original factory clutch. Runs fast and strong. (knock on wood)

 

[TexasTorred]

Good advice above. At 22K miles on my '03 Gen III, a good 'list' to note/check PRIOR to purchasing:

Prepare yourself on both Door Regulators on a Gen III. (A matter of time and $350/each). Also, as mentioned, oil cooler lines seeping and power steering lines (check for leakage). Lastly, I 'think' it was on the '04 or maybe it was Gen IV, the crank damper bolt can/could come lose. Overall, after 5 years of ownership from 4K to now 22K, VERY reliable / durable vehicle....I drive mine once/week, hopefully some other owners who drive theirs less frequently, can give you some other 'heads-up.' advice. Best of luck. YOU WILL NOT REGRET your purchase. Nothing better than a hand-built, V10 Viper!!! Go get it Sir (or Ma'am)!

 

[MoparMap]

I just rolled over 92,500 on my 04 on the way to work this morning. Bought it with 43,000. Only issues I have had were the fairly typical oil cooler lines, just had the power steering fitting go a few weeks ago, engine mounts were nearly split in half, and I suspected the coilovers were a bit leaky on one or two due to a bouncy ride (wanted to upgrade anyway). As far as I know, it's still the factory clutch. Runs awesome and still puts down near 500 at the wheels with the minor upgrades it has. It has its fair share of squeaks and rattles, but I've tried to mitigate that some with a little felt behind trim pieces. Electrically it has been pretty rock solid, though I have been battling a funny idle lately where it doesn't like to come right back to idle when putting it in neutral from speed. I suspect the cold might have something to do with it. The rest of the suspension and drivetrain appears pretty solid. Joints are all still tight and bushings don't look too bad. These are built like tanks and designed to put up with track abuse, so they don't require nearly the same kind of upkeep as more high strung exotics.

 

[Kirkinsb]

MoparMap, That makes me happy to see you have hit 92K without any huge problems. All the things you mentioned, I already corrected on my 25K mile Viper. It is my daily driver. So I have lots of good miles to look forward to. Mine is nearly exactly like yours. Dyno, color, and all. I went with BC coilovers...and cannot complain. Lowered it and ride is good. All four of my OEM shocks were leaking like crazy. At the time I could not justify $3500-$5000 for KW or other high-end coil-overs. My Viper puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

 

[MoparMap]

MoparMap, That makes me happy to see you have hit 92K without any huge problems. All the things you mentioned, I already corrected on my 25K mile Viper. It is my daily driver. So I have lots of good miles to look forward to. Mine is nearly exactly like yours. Dyno, color, and all. I went with BC coilovers...and cannot complain. Lowered it and ride is good. All four of my OEM shocks were leaking like crazy. At the time I could not justify $3500-$5000 for KW or other high-end coil-overs. My Viper puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

That's pretty cool you have nearly the same setup. I ended up with MCS singles for my coilover setup and have been really happy. Large tuning window for a very reasonable cost compared to many other adjustable setups out there. I haven't had any problems with the window regulators either, though I suspect the passenger side has some issue that I should likely address one of these days. It operates fine, but has a pretty nasty click/crack sound when you roll the window all the way up. Windows are also tinted and it looks like maybe a cable guide tube has been rubbing on it, so I really need to take the door panel off one of these days.

 

[srt4evah]

Thanks for the feedback guys, seems like I need not worry much about the mileage on a Viper as long as it has been well looked after with good records, and passes a mechanical inspection.