Concerns and What/How to buy?

2tall

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Hey all, just joined up.

I just graduated with my MSEE, and I've secured a job that puts me into possible Viper owner land. I went to the dealership and talked to the guy about purchasing a 2001 RT/10. I want to get it ASAP if I do get it, because I don't have a wife or kids to worry about, and I'm worried that if I get them, I won't ever have another chance to purchase one.

I had some questions though:
1. I'm currently driving a 2000 Camaro SS, and it's my only car. While I can afford a cheap winter vehicle, during at least this spring, fall, and autumn, I will have the Viper as an only car. Is it easy enough to own to have as an only car? Keep in mind, I have a (granted, cheap) pseudo-sportscar (330hp) now and I can easily live with it, for the power it makes.

2. I'm 6'6", 250 and used to being squished in cars. A corvette fits me fine and my Camaro is serviceable, but when I sat in the Viper last friday, I felt that it wouldn't be large enough to accomodate consistent driving. I didn't know that I could dial back the pedals at the time though. Will I be disappointed 3 months down the road that I got a car that doesn't fit exact?

3. Should I buy a used or the new one? I'm concerned with warranty and ABS (as it will be a daily driver), but as it stands (at least for this year, probably not in the next) if I bought new, it would be much easier on me to lease. If I bought used, I wouldn't buy anything before 1998. I am concerned that at the end of the lease (48 mo), I've dropped all that money and have nothing to show for it. I would like to have a 2001 though
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What do you think?

4. I can forgive most of the amenities, but I do a lot of drive-thru. How much of a pain is not having a cupholder? (That's REALLY the only thing that I'll miss).
 

BigsViper

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Seat lowering kit will make Viper fit almost anybody.
Benefit to lease = paying only for what you use. If your not sure you will want to stay with it then purchase, leases are not for early bail-out. I also agree with Chuck, a used one will not cost as much if you bail (Lux. Tax, Gas-Guzzler Tax, initial Depreciation). Check archives, someone starts a thread on this topic weekly, lots of answers / good info in there without using up addt'l bandwidth.
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JonB

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Ditto most all the above. (I don't like leases on 'exotics'.)

I see you are in MI. I add a strong caution: Spend $2000 on a ****** car that can be driven on snow days. Or, budget a rental car or taxi those days- "Enterprise will pick you up." ABS aside, the Viper is deadly in any snow at all. Deadly. Your Camaro is crummy in snow, but is a Ski-Doo compared to a Viper.

Good Luck. JonB
 
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2tall

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Thanks for the advice about Bill Pemberton. Could someone tell me what state/area code he's in or his phone number?
 

Ron Hickey

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Ditto on JonB's ****** suggestion. You definitely want a car other than the Viper that you can list on your insurance policy as your primary vehicle. Believe it or not, your insurance will be lower with a ****** + Viper than with just a Viper on the policy.
 

Rich01RT10

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Hey 2tall -
Bill Pemberton is in Blair, Nebraska. His number is 1-800-889-1893. As many have mentioned - he is the MAN - very knowledgeable, honest, (and patient). Probably has more happy customers than all the other dealers combined.
 

SoCal Rebell

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Brad is right on, that's what I did. Rent a Viper for a weekend and then decide, I was hooked like a large mouth bass, I'll bet you will too, I'm 6'2" 260 lbs. (but dieting).
 

jwwiii

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I agree with JonB; The Viper is deadly in any snow! The Viper sticks like glue on pavement. The ****** is a great idea, I drive my Viper all I can, but really enjoy another vehicle for wet, cold weather.

Sincerely,

Jim
 

speedpup

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I would rent one for a weekend. I talked to Bill P. last night about racing and brakes for my C5. Great guy and when I get money for a Viper it maybe a lon distance purchase.
 
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