Buying used Viper then 600 miles home. Advice?

[Ulysses]

The first couple of days I had mine, I kept hitting the brake pedal instead of the clutch. Those offset pedals were tough to get to used to. A few hard decelerations later when I meant to shift cured that though. When you are on the road, leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead of you. It will help keep stuff from hitting your facia if the car ahead happens to kick something up. Also helps you see objects in the road sooner. Have fun, and watch that torque, it's a killer.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I drove mine 932 miles when I picked it up in Detroit. I would concur with JonB's assessment, but have never bothered with gloves. I wore big tennis shoes on big feet with no problems. The biggest thing to watch out for is gawkers. One trucker almost creamed the car behind me (which happened to be my wife and son) as he craned in for a closer look at the Viper. People WILL slow down when you come up behind them so that they can get a closer look. Be prepared. Plan on parking away from other cars when you stop - there is no such thing as door guards on a Viper.

#1 Rule when driving the Viper for the first time: DO NOT GO FULL THROTTLE ON ANY TURNS. Even a long sweeper on the Interstate can bite you if you aren't ready for it. The car is a blast to open up on a straight and the occasional entrance ramp to the freeway. Just be sure you aren't flooring it when you make the turn. The torque on these monsters can break the rear end loose pretty easily. I would be willing to bet it is the #1 cause of wrecks in these cars. Go to some driving schools when you get the chance and you will nail down the turns almost as well as you will master the straights.

Enjoy the car, enjoy the power, enjoy the attention, and enjoy the drive. Stop every once in a while to stretch the legs and admire your new car in different settings. Bring a camera to remember the moment. Try to get some sleep that first night on the road - it won't be easy. Oh, and just TRY to wipe that stupid grin off your face for more than fifteen seconds at a time - it will be your biggest challenge!

You must be registered for see images

Chris

 

[Steve-Indy]

Would NOT count on "21 gal" fuel tank...must admit that we DON'T have a 96 GTS...but manual in 97 GTS says "approx. 19 gal" and manual in 01 GTS says "18.5 gal."...agree MOST gauges do read low. If you don't have a battery jumper pack, consider an inexpensive one when you make decision on car.. I also carry a tire plug kit and a can of the inflator stuff (cannot take this on an plane)...Vipers are NOT fun cars with a flat in the middle of nowhere.

You're gonna LOVE that car...have a GREAT trip home!!

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">When I drove my '96 GTS 700 miles home from Vermont (non stop), I had two surprises.

First, how quickly left lane bandits yielded the right of way when I pulled up behind them and two, how stiff my right knee got without cruise control.

Besides not flooring it on curves, remember to check the oil before and during the trip. </FONT f>

 

[Roland L-Ocala FL]

I drove ours back from Cincinnati to Hastings, MI, about 325 miles the same day we bought it. I have to admit, I was veerry careful with it, did not even think about going over the speed limit, didn't try anything foolish at all. My wife followed me home in her car, and Chris is right, on the on ramps to the interstate, even while not trying, the car really wanted to go around those curves so fast, my wife's car headlights would fade back and then I would let her catch up, it amazed me, the car is on rails. You will get gawkers, when I stopped at the gas station in Cincinnati, I got swamped with people coming over to take a look at the car and all. (So this is what it is like to own a Viper, I can live with that!) Remember, most Viper accidents happen within the first couple of days of ownership, some don't even make the trip home from the dealer, so take it easy and just enjoy the ride. Like Chris said, just try to get some sleep (ha), and try to wipe that permanent grin off of your face (impossible!)

 

[garolittle]

Take a camera!!!! Trust me. There is nothing like having a photograph of yourself standing beside your Viper on Day 1 of ownership. It will be a day you never forget. Also, beware of cute girls at the Sonic who ask you to take them for a ride (their jealous boyfriends usually don't react too well). Congratulations!!!

 

[Roger Morgan]

Boy do I love this car
I found my car in Seattle while there for a weekend, next weekend I went back via Southwest Air. Picked up the car and drove to LA. About 1200 miles and when I arrived I kinda wished I had more miles to go. People were hanging out of cars taking pictures and any stop for anything caused a group to gather. I found that the long drive actually helped me get used to the car and I never seemed to get tired. I felt like I was a neon sign going down the road and even the Highway Patrol followed me in a airplane.
Blue with white stripes ----COOL
Enjoy it, be safe, go to a driving school as soon as you can.
Roger Morgan

 

[Sniper]

I bought my 94 w/hardtop and polished wheels from Phoenix, Arizona and I'm from St. Joseph, MO. It was a 24 hour drive down and 30 hours back because I trailered it home behind my Explorer. Drove nonstop down there, rested, and drove nonstop back home. Slept for 2 days after I got home.

 

[HogWhisperer]

Good advice from all. I DEFINITELY agree with Chris. If you do decide to mash the gas, make dang sure you have the wheels pointed straight unless you want to have an 'off road' experience. Also, one more thing..... WIPE THAT GRIN OFF YOUR FACE!

Have fun and welcome to the Viper Nation!

 

[Steve-Indy]

I stand CORRECTED, JonB. I assumed that it was a GTS as it is blue/white. I am sure that he'll have a ball driving it home!!!