bringing a Viper in to Cali from another state what to look for?

[diegoted]

I am in the market for a Viper. Most of the cars available are from other states not California. What do I need to look for so I will not have problems with registration in California?
Also I see a number of Vipers with salvage titles, what are the downfalls of buying a car with the Salvage title aside from resale? How much off of blue book should a salvage title Viper go for if all else is equal?

thx
Ted

 

[Brad04Mamba]

A used car must have 7500 miles to be brought into California. I can't remember what year they all became 50 state legal. I know from 2000 on up they are, so they should all have the carb sticker. They will have to pass smog, so if someone did some mods that aren't CA compliant it might not pass smog.

 

[Viper98912]

Some insurance companies don't insure salvage title cars and some lenders don't loan on them

 

[Zee]

I bought my viper out of state and into Cali

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/os.htm

 

[CajunMojo]

If buying a salvage title viper, get it up on a rack and have a look at the frame. Have a professional look at the car. If everything checks out, and the price is right, it can save a bit of cash. I've seen several Gen IIs sell in the low 20s, a few Gen Is I saw sell under 20. When I bought mine I couldn't finance it because the title wasn't currently registered anywhere (was still on a NJ salvage title being held by the finance company for the rebuilder). As far as that goes, many banks won't lend on something over 5 years old. If you plan on financing, it might be easier to look into another car. I'm sure any dealer that has a Viper listed can arrange financing, though it may not be a great rate.

Anyway, after I paid for it I had to bring it down myself and apply for a rebuilt title. Mileage shows as "exempt" even though all of the mileage was updated with title changes etc. This could hurt resale, but I didn't buy the car with any intention of ever selling it. If you already have reselling in mind, consider one that hasn't been wrecked. I had no issues insuring it with State Farm.

I'd be leery of a car that's been flooded, especially something from close to the coast from a hurricane, etc. Saltwater and electronics don't mix well.

So far, no regrets with mine. I don't have an answers as far as California is concerned though, sorry.

 

[v10viperbox]

Anything modified on the engine is suspect, CARB will flag you for a intake without a EO number so TT and supercharger and head/cam mods with a controller will make it unregistered due to CARB smog rules.

 

[Endeka]

There are a ton in Cali on cars.com/autotrader. You'll want to hit those because you have a market advantage being in Cali. Anyone who wants one of those to go out of state needs to pay double taxes or thousands in shipping fees. I saw an unmolested Gen IV from 2010 (with the upgraded gears) with ACR wheels sell for $65,000 with 11,000 miles on it in Cali a week ago. That's a SCREAMING deal.

 

[Camfab]

You only pay taxes in your home state. I'm guessing this guy is looking for a starter lower price car. As a general rule of thumb, your better off paying more for a nice car, rather than trying to buy a budget car and spending cash to fix it. These cars aren't Honda Civics, the parts are typically very expensive, especially body and trim pieces. Unless your a body shop owner, your probably making a big financial mistake buying a salvaged car, the exception would be, purchasing a cosmeticely damaged car and building it for track use.

Make sure you have the car checked out by one of the Viper experts in your area. Do a search their is one located in your area.

 

[01_VENM]

Car needs to have EPA sticker inside engine bay and or side door that states conforms with California emission.

-Car and Vin# needs to be verify by a DMV specialist or a CHP officer
-Smog check
-Pay your tax and title fees

 

[SR]

diegoted,

I purchased a 2001 Gen 2 from Texas with 900 miles on it and had it shipped to California in 2011. The car had no modifications.
All you need is:

- Smog testing
- Then go to DMV for an inspection and finally pay sales tax and finish registration.

Very simple process. Or you can buy my 2008 Roadster listed in classified and save on shipping!!!! Good luck.