GTS Questions

[funky977]

Hello to all,

My background, 26, Oklahoma, established career.

I have been around this site for some time now and finally got up the nerve to ask a few questions. I do want to start by saying that it seems this site is a close family and everyone seem to very helpful. It is hard to find sites like this one.
Anyways, I have been researching Vipers for many years now (everything from models, mods, warranties, and colors). I am one of those folks that has to do his homework before I even contemplate buying a vehicle. I was glad to see a book was written on buyer Vipers because there are many things that go into buying one of these snakes (I have the book on order). I am sure that it will help me immensely when I finish reading it from cover to cover. I am searching for a GTS with fairly low miles, hopefully less than 10,000. My first question has to do with the negotiation and buying of the car. I have never had the experience of driving a Viper or even riding shotgun. I have been up-close, but never in the driver’s seat. I have read from many of you that you must test drive one of these cars before you buy to feel everything from the ride, the clutch, etc. Being 26, will I get laughed at for even considering buying and/or test driving a Viper? I have had trouble in the past with dealers not taken me seriously, even when I know more about the cars than they do.
Second question, 1997 GTS seems to be a hot commodity right now, should there be a huge price difference in a 1997 GTS and a 1999 or 2000 GTS? Is the 1997 GTS more collectible? What is a good price scale for any GTS? I don’t think Edmunds or Blue Book are good resources when pricing a Viper. Am I right?

Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers to all,

Matt

By the way, any Oklahoma Viper owners on this website?

 

[Casey]

My first thought is that if you decide to buy from a Dealer, make sure it is a Dealer from this Site! Roanoke, Tators, Woodhouse, etc. You will be taken care of and you will know everything about the GTS you buy!
If you buy from a private-party, then in the classifieds here you will find GREAT cars, taken care of like they are supposed to be. I have seen many cases were private-party cars from Non VCA members have been beaten on, not taken care of properly, etc. I guess you can just feel more comfortable knowing what you are buying from this site.

Miles aren't that important, 10k, 25k, price may vary a bit on miles, but in general, the lowest mile Vipers don't mean they will run better, stronger, etc.

It seems as though all GTS are becoming HOT! They don't make them anymore! Color dictates what are important to many Viper owners, and the '96-'97 Blue/white being the first GTS seems to pull a little $$ then other colors! Although, I think Silver is worth almost double!

Edmunds/KBB don't know Jack about Vipers!! And the prices really do vary alot depending on location, condition, color, year etc! But like in all things, you get what you pay for!! Please don't tighten up over a couple grand when making this purchase. In the long run, getting a GREAT GTS, and knowing what you have is worth it!!

Good luck! And keep us updated!!
Oh, many here have purchased their first Viper at your age, I was 26 as well, many much younger than that. Some dealers will be A$$es, don't waste you time with them. When you KNOW what you want call one of OUR guys here!!

 

[unreelviper]

Matt, I totally agree with "Casey". We are a close knit club so don't be afraid to ask any question that may be bothering you as it relates to your purchase. If you find a viper on this website, ebay or any other classified section, at the very least, make sure you either look at it in person or get someone from this web site to go and take a look at it before you purchase the car. That's the great thing about this family, you can feel comfortable about buying a viper out of state because you know that someone from this club will go and look at the car for you and give you an honest opinion about the car. It took me four months to find my 1st viper and three months to find my second. Just take your time and you will get the snake of your dreams! Good Luck and let us know if we can help you!

 

[PhoenixGTS]

As someone who has only owned a GTS for a few months (first Viper) and only rode in a Viper once before a long time ago, let me advise you to try really hard and at least ride in one. If you could go to a club meet you are probably not going to get to drive anyone's car, but they will take you for a ride for sure. Reason I say this is that the car is just so aggressive and harsh, that honestly, you might hate it. If you are used to a Corvette or need something you are going to drive quite bit to work or elsewhere, the Viper could be uncomfortable. Everyone told me before I had a Viper that it would not be an appropriate regular driver. I thought "whatever," it can't be that bad. Well depending on your perceptions it could be. That said, I like my car better everytime I drive it, and as soon as I sell my other car, it will be my daily driver.

 

[funky977]

Thanks for the replies, Casey and Unreelviper. I will continue my search and heed both of your comments.
I have found a 1997 red GTS located about 60 miles north of my location. It is being sold by the owner of the dealership. So I am assuming any work done on the car was done correctly since he is the boss. It has about 7,000 miles and they want $54,900 for it. I thought it was extremely high for this particular car. Am I correct in this assumption of the high cost?

Casey, all of my relatives live near Valpo. My gradparents used to live there in fact. Small world.

Cheers,

Matt

 

[radta7]

Thats very high for that car. I picked up my '97 in Tulsa, B/W striped with 2500 miles for less than that. You will love the 97 cam, rattles the tranny and the car next to you.

 

[ABADASP]

Matt There are a few of us OKIES around. Get down to OKC and we will get you that ride.

 

[funky977]

Thanks for the info. I thought that price was rather high myself. There seems to be a huge benefit to being patient. Hopefully the Buyer's Guide will help in my quest for the right GTS for me.

ABADASP, I live in Edmond and work in downtown OKC. If you don't mind I will most definitely take you up on that offer, if it still available.

Cheers

 

[Casey]

Matt, get up here to Valpo and I'll give you a ride in my GTS!

Take your time with your search!

 

[Doc.]

Funky 977,

If you can get over to Dallas or Shreveport I'll take you for a ride and I'll even let you drive one of my snakes. If you can get to Dallas, I'll take you to MSR and you can see what the Viper can really do on a road coarse. Let me know if you're up for a road trip.

Doc

 

[AG98RT10]

A 97 GTS with 7K miles in virtually new condition should bring around 49K, any more and someone is dreaming. Even a Blue and White 97 with low miles (teens) can be had for mid to high forties.
Like someone posted, stay AWAY from dealers, unless they're one of those on this site or you have solid steer in their direction from a VCA member who's dealt with them.
Best is to buy from a VCA member, since they will usually level with you about the car, and you don't have to pay a middle-man.

 

[funky977]

From what I gather a 97 GTS should be sold at around the mid-45k range +/- depending on condition. Is there a big difference in price, mechanical, etc., from the 1997 to the 1998?
Doc, thanks for the offer. My wife and I plan on being in Dallas sometime late September.

 

[Buckeye Viper]

Hello Funky!

Welcome to the gang. I had just turned 25 when I bought my first Viper. I had never driven one, never set foot in one... never touched one. I had only driven a manual tranny once in my life as well....

97 GTS is the way to go!! Granted I am biased I recommend having someone from the VCA go with you to look at a car you really have your eye on before you buy it. Most of us know every square inch of our cars.

From what I can gather for pricing, about every 3,000 miles ='s $1,000. So a car that has 24,000 miles should be $2,000 cheaper than a car with 18,000 miles.

Also, don't rely on carfax. My ****** has been in two wrecks, two counts of hale damage and some other fender benders, but according to carfax it's flawless!

If you are ever in Ohio, give me a holler!

 

[Casey]

'98 has upgraded Forged wheels and Airbag on/off switch for passenger side(important for kids) both were important for me.

I switched from '97 to my current '98.

 

[2000GTS]

Are you going to use as a daily driver? If so, don't buy a car with extremely low miles. Why pay a premium for a low odometer reading that will soon disapear (along with it's premium value).

A car with miles in the 20K range will cost thousands less and be just as reliable.

Bill