First Viper - 2005

[Buzz6591]

I have always wanted a Viper, and today I took delivery of a 2005 with 14k miles. The car is beautiful, but when driving it, it has a mind of its own and is all over the road. Is this a characteristic of a Viper??? It's so unpredictable, it seems unsafe to drive and a lot more work than pleasure. The car fax showed no accidents or structural damage...the car has new Michelin tires all the way around. Could it be an alignment issue? The car does not pull one way or another consistently, the pulls are totally random, like the car is following the contour of the road. I am disappointed! Please offer any advice....Thanks!

 

[redtanrt10]

Buzz, Vipers have pretty wide tires that can have a tendency to follow road imperfections, especially on neighborhood streets. Go find the smoothest asphalt road you can find, preferably a highway and see if you get the same wandering. You may also want to make sure that the alignment is good. Find a shop that either knows vipers, or a shop that specializes in exotic cars. Its possible that the prior owner had an aggressive alignment that's great for fast turning but can make the car wander Good luck, and congrats!! Mike

 

[steve e]

What redtanrt10 said, plus not many places can align a viper especially the older Vipers you need to add ballast to the car, not sure on the newer ones, I do know if the toe in is wrong that makes wandering much worse. Since the car is new to you and not sure what its been through I would get a complete alignment, with all the fluids changed, I mean all, from brake to diffs everything. Once everything is done and done right the Viper is the most AWESOME car on the road. Enjoy it.

 

[Buzz6591]

Great advise guys, I got her out on the interstate today and the feel was much better....Now to find a place that I can trust with the alignment ….Many thanks!

 

[fhrzr1]

Welcome to Viper ownership and brute force driving.
I have a 2005 also. Yes, it will follow the road. If tires are not wearing out. No need for alignment. It will still follow the road like an old fashion Cobra.
I keep both hands on steering wheel, lol.
Look out for construction and uneven shoulders.