Car and Driver Piles on the C7 vs Viper Bandwagon

[v10enomous]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/boom-t...s-supply/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1458_26227098

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Good article and wish things were the same for the new Viper.

 

[ACRucrazy]

Anyone who spends anytime over on the Corvette forum will see all is not cotton candy and unicorns in Corvette land. There are more than a handful of customers who are having issues with their cars before and after delivery.

-Getting on plane to fly out for plant pickup, only to receive a call as hes boarding saying they cant find his car and to NOT get on the plane
-missing door sills
-missing center caps
-pry marks/paint marks on hatch
-check engine lights
-dealers getting cars before preordered cars
-quality control holds
-etc etc

 

[ACRucrazy]

Hello everyone.

I have a sad story. My C7 has started to fall apart after just one day. I'm trying to be low drama and light humor here, but I'm quite upset on the inside. I was trying to break her in gentle and she still broke.

So.. Know that there were already fitment and paint issues that the dealer agreed to take care of in writing. so add to that the after delivery issues:

1. The A/c stopped working. #after 1 day!
2. The break pedal came loose! #after 1 day!
3.The rear end has started tracking funny. Think hydroplaning, but in dry low-speed corners #after 1 day
4. so I limp back to the dealership, and the first thing they tell me is they found a different window sticker for that car (VIN) with a different price on it (***?)
5. Which might explain some of the other confusion like the upgraded wheels on the window sticker I have really are not the wheels on the car after all. (*** x2) (not that you can tell the difference on GM's website to really know since the dang pictures are so tiny.)

So, to those that have great cars, congrats. To those taking delivery soon, check off and test every button, dial, switch and line item on the window sticker. Look for paint bubbles and/or runs on the corners and identify panel gaps that don't line up correctly.

My opinion is the C7 needs to go back to quality control for a few more months.

Sure a few first run minor tweaks might pop-up, we all know that.. but this was too much. I asked for my money back. (did I mention the freakin' break pedal CAME LOOSE!!!)

GM will be onsite first thing Monday to evaluate. Will they refund me and take the car off to a lab someplace to dissect it?

 

[chorps]

Maybe that C7 was supposed to got Motor Trend alongside the screwed up Viper.

 

[Rare Snake]

134 more Corvettes than Vipers are built every day? I'm ok with those numbers. lol

 

[DrumrBoy]

Are new gen Corvettes always like that? Serious question, really....I've never pre-ordered one....always waited for the Z06 and by that time they've been pretty bulletproof. Wonder if this is normal release issues or not (a bad thing either way but if not normal, than stay away from the C7's for a few months ;-)

 

[Coloviper]

Maybe SRT should get back some postive press and offer this poor gentleman a hell of a good deal on a new GEN V SRT. We lost a LE owner to a older Vette product, only seems fair to gain a new C7 owner to a new Viper product. QA/QC is so important and following through to what you commit to, even if you commit low is just as important.

I think you will see a lot more of these vette posts as it is a completely new car. That is always risky for any manufacturer. On the flip side that could be what is hurting GEN V sales as well. ALOT of people refuse to buy the first year model of a new car. I know current 6 Viper owners that are buying a new GEN V but a 14' simply because of this fact. All special order cars as well as all GTS. I think you will see some sales pick up for 2014.

 

[v10enomous]

yep

134 more Corvettes than Vipers are built every day? I'm ok with those numbers. lol

 

[jsd512]

SRT/Gilles lost focus on what the Viper is. They blew it and they know it. Will they fix it?

 

[v10enomous]

SRT is not spending nearly as much in advertising with these magazines as Government Motors. In reality the Viper is kicking asses and taking names.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Are new gen Corvettes always like that? Serious question, really....I've never pre-ordered one....always waited for the Z06 and by that time they've been pretty bulletproof. Wonder if this is normal release issues or not (a bad thing either way but if not normal, than stay away from the C7's for a few months ;-)

The new gen problems are very unusual and as you say previous models have been mostly bulletproof. The quality and reliability especially for recent models have been great, until now from what I see.

 

[ViperSmith]

There have been a few QA issues with the Viper too, I think you'll just see a lot more since the C7 is mass produced. All that matters is how Chevy handles it really. SRT has been great on my minor QA issues...

 

[theviper]

There have been a few QA issues with the Viper too, I think you'll just see a lot more since the C7 is mass produced. All that matters is how Chevy handles it really. SRT has been great on my minor QA issues...

Not sure where you are getting your data, but Gen V has had a decent amount of minor and major quality issues. I can tell you that I know of a few buy backs, full engine repairs/swaps, fit/finish repairs, etc. Considering less than 500 were sold, the percentage of initial quality problems have to be >5% (based only on what I have personally heard of). That is HUGE.

 

[SnakeBitten]

Not sure where you are getting your data, but Gen V has had a decent amount of minor and major quality issues. I can tell you that I know of a few buy backs, full engine repairs/swaps, fit/finish repairs, etc. Considering less than 500 were sold, the percentage of initial quality problems have to be >5% (based only on what I have personally heard of). That is HUGE.

Very sad to hear. Coupled with the butchering of the launch, MT doing their R&D, pathetic marketing and all these major and minor QC problems I continue to feel the car was indeed rushed to market before it was sorted properly. And they just winged it with the rest of it. Seems gambled and lost imho.

I just hope they havent cost the Viper its life with this huge fiasco. Seems the only good news about the car is coming from the few owners that purchased one and didnt have any or not too many issues. With only 400+ or so in the hands of actual owners that figure of 5% is indeed alarming and telling of the state of SRT at the same time.

 

[Nine Ball]

Not sure where you are getting your data, but Gen V has had a decent amount of minor and major quality issues. I can tell you that I know of a few buy backs, full engine repairs/swaps, fit/finish repairs, etc. Considering less than 500 were sold, the percentage of initial quality problems have to be >5% (based only on what I have personally heard of). That is HUGE.

Before questioning the owner of a Gen V on his sources of data, how about you spill it on where you seem to get your information on those problem cars?

Over 6,000 miles on mine, no issues to report. No dealership visits. I won't freak out if anything does occur, being a first year model.

 

[Jack B]

What are your credentials "enthurdiest".

SRT/Gilles lost focus on what the Viper is. They blew it and they know it. Will they fix it?

 

[Jack B]

3000 on mine and everything is perfect. When someone throws out a phantom number (5%), why do the following posters use that number like it was documented by god.

Before questioning the owner of a Gen V on his sources of data, how about you spill it on where you seem to get your information on those problem cars?

Over 6,000 miles on mine, no issues to report. No dealership visits. I won't freak out if anything does occur, being a first year model.

 

[madninjaskillz]

99% of statistics are made up. Also, I just heard from a reliable source that 3.14% of new Vipers have circular problems.

 

[Nine Ball]

Calculating from this site, we only have had 1 lemon Gen V posted. So, 1/436 sold = 0.2% of actual Gen V owners are unhappy with their purchase.

Horrible!

But, about 99.8% of non-owners seem to enjoy bashing on the Gen V, and making up statistics about them.

 

[Steve M]

SRT/Gilles lost focus on what the Viper is. They blew it and they know it. Will they fix it?

Why? Because it has functional air conditioning, cruise control, and government mandated traction/stability control?

The magazine guys are still all afraid to drive it...sounds like they kept the Viper's soul to me.

 

[SnakeBitten]

3000 on mine and everything is perfect. When someone throws out a phantom number (5%), why do the following posters use that number like it was documented by god.

Ill give the preceding poster that his point is valid. Preceding poster, time will tell what the real number is. But you have to admit that with so few Vipers out there and hearing quite a few stories, both minor and major, you just have to be concerned as a Viper lover. That is the direction my post was coming from, however eroneous the number is. You can argue over that number and detract from the serious factual issues being pointed to but those issues will still remain.

If say, 450 Vipers were sold, all you would need is 4.5 of them troubled to be 1%, 9 to be 2% and 22.5 to be 5% etc I'm sure you know the numbers. So where will the real number fall? We will see. But no question there are some serious QC and factory/dealer support problems. What happened to KB should never have happened, especially as high profile as his case is. Its all around the internet. It seems SRT doesnt care about its reputation on the world stage much less care about a customer. Thats the feeling it gives off.

BTW if im bashing anything its SRT's mismannagement not the G5 per se.

 

[SnakeBitten]

Calculating from this site, we only have had 1 lemon Gen V posted. So, 1/436 sold = 0.2% of actual Gen V owners are unhappy with their purchase.

Horrible!

But, about 99.8% of non-owners seem to enjoy bashing on the Gen V, and making up statistics about them.

I highly doubt that all the owners of the 436 Viprs sold post on this site. Is there even 100 owners on this site? 50? 40 etc? So that 1 in 436 hardly means anything really. We really dont know what the real number is. Even if its significant or not.

 

[ViperSmith]

Ill give the preceding poster that his point is valid. Preceding poster, time will tell what the real number is. But you have to admit that with so few Vipers out there and hearing quite a few stories, both minor and major, you just have to be concerned as a Viper lover. That is the direction my post was coming from, however eroneous the number is. You can argue over that number and detract from the serious factual issues being pointed to but those issues will still remain.

If say, 450 Vipers were sold, all you would need is 4.5 of them troubled to be 1%, 9 to be 2% and 22.5 to be 5% etc I'm sure you know the numbers. So where will the real number fall? We will see. But no question there are some serious QC and factory/dealer support problems. What happened to KB should never have happened, especially as high profile as his case is. Its all around the internet. It seems SRT doesnt care about its reputation on the world stage much less care about a customer. Thats the feeling it gives off.

BTW if im bashing anything its SRT's mismannagement not the G5 per se.

I think the issue is two fold. I think everyone expects there maybe minor hiccups along the way. I have documented the issues I have had, albeit minor. My local dealer has been nothing short of fantastic.

The bigger issue is, as you said, SRT mismanaging the situation. IMHO kris issue was a minor thing that should have been resolved in no time. SRT should have shipped the car back to HQ and done the repairs after a week of it sitting at the local dealership. It would have shown resolve and standing behind their product. There really is no reason Kris's issue got to being a buy back - if SRT handled it all well, they would have had a great story on hands.

The Internet is a powerful tool. I'd have been a bit more harsh in my dealing with things than Kris did, I tip my hat to him for being so level headed. But as you said, Kris's story is all over the internet now.

 

[Nine Ball]

I highly doubt that all the owners of the 436 Viprs sold post on this site. Is there even 100 owners on this site? 50? 40 etc? So that 1 in 436 hardly means anything really. We really dont know what the real number is. Even if its significant or not.

While some people might worry about bogus percentages, others of us are out enjoying the new Vipers. Until other people start paying for my cars, I'll decide what to buy and drive, on my own. Many of these internet arguments about car vs car are silly. Some of us just buy both cars in question.

 

[SnakeBitten]

While some people might worry about bogus percentages, others of us are out enjoying the new Vipers. Until other people start paying for my cars, I'll decide what to buy and drive, on my own. Many of these internet arguments about car vs car are silly. Some of us just buy both cars in question.

Not sure if the comment in its entirety is directed to me or not because my post certainly had nothing to do with which car I think you should buy etc. I'm glad you are out driving your car. I wish more were out enjoying it as well instead of so many languishing on lots because many factors none of which are due to the car itself it would seem.

My beef is with SRT not with any of you. I just can't bring myself to give them a pass with what has transpired.

 

[ferraritoviper]

I highly doubt that all the owners of the 436 Viprs sold post on this site. Is there even 100 owners on this site? 50? 40 etc? So that 1 in 436 hardly means anything really. We really dont know what the real number is. Even if its significant or not.

Don't know how many on this site SB, meaning all boards, but I'd guess only 20 or so post on this forum, and most of them occcasionally. I'm sure there are many present and former VCA members with 5's, who aren't even posting here...can't say I blame them.

 

[SnakeBitten]

I think the issue is two fold. I think everyone expects there maybe minor hiccups along the way. I have documented the issues I have had, albeit minor. My local dealer has been nothing short of fantastic.

The bigger issue is, as you said, SRT mismanaging the situation. IMHO kris issue was a minor thing that should have been resolved in no time. SRT should have shipped the car back to HQ and done the repairs after a week of it sitting at the local dealership. It would have shown resolve and standing behind their product. There really is no reason Kris's issue got to being a buy back - if SRT handled it all well, they would have had a great story on hands.

The Internet is a powerful tool. I'd have been a bit more harsh in my dealing with things than Kris did, I tip my hat to him for being so level headed. But as you said, Kris's story is all over the internet now.

I agree with you 100%. A missed opportunity to show these so called "conquest buyers" and the world that SRTcan give you an experience that is on par with some of the top tier brands SRT was aiming at. I mean how can you expect to attract and keep the "conquest buyers" if you can't even keep a Viper owner in a Viper [KB] due to their archaic standards of business/marketing? Anyway I've said enough. If SRT cares then 2014 will be a much better year for the Viper and its future.

Don't know how many on this site SB, meaning all boards, but I'd guess only 20 or so post on this forum, and most of them occcasionally. I'm sure there are many present and former VCA members with 5's, who aren't even posting here...can't say I blame them.

Yeah I didn't think there were a whole lot of the 436 posting on this site for many reasons. Im sure the majority reason is because most of them may not know of Viperclub yet. It would be nice to see how many are former owners and how many are new buyers. I think with some smart thinking and marketing they can come back in 2014 hopefully. Though I don't own one, this is not a car I want to see disappear from the sportscar world ever.

 

[mikesax]

8000 superbly trouble free miles on my 2013!! In my 30 plus years of driving I've never driven a more quality built auto!! Having purchased a new vehicle from virtually every American-German and English manufacturer- I'd say the quality of MY Viper rivals the best of the best! Obviously having no problems I can't attest to the service end of my SRT relationship- but 35000 plus trouble free miles in my 2010 leads me to believe that CAAP is one of the best places to have a vehicle manufactured!

 

[PeerBlock]

It doesn't surprise me that the mags all "lean toward" the Vette - GM buys ads and SRT does not...but hey, at least they're talking about the Viper.

Just passed the 2K mark on my Viper - no issues whatsoever...in fact it seems a little smoother in terms of shifting/clutch engagement now that it's "broken in", and the suspension in street mode yields a very pleasant ride.