Help! Last minute advise

[Danny]

Hello everyone,

Tomorrow, I will purchase my first Viper. I have been searching on this forum, Dupont, Auto trader and many other classifieds for 5 months looking for that perfect Viper. Well, after all my endless searching, I have finally found two Vipers that I am interested in. So please, help me decide which car I should buy. First off, I live in Los Angeles and both cars are on the East Coast. So, I have to buy sight unseen.

First Car:
1999 RT-10
Black w/Cognac
3,800 miles
1 owner
Both Tops
Fitzgerald 530 Snake package
According to dealer, car is 100% mint
52,900

Second Car:
2001 Rt-10
Sapphire Blue w/Black
1,700 miles
2 owners
Both Tops
According to dealer, car is 100% mint.
55,900

So, what is the better deal? I like the 99 because it has the Snake 530 package and comes from the factory with forged pistons. I like the 01 because it has extremely low miles and two years newer. Please advise?

Danny

 

[Birvini]

Hello everyone,

Tomorrow, I will purchase my first Viper.

If you've looked for 5 months, why does the deal have to go down tomorrow? I would ask someone on this board to check out a car before buying it sight unseen. If you do that, you might avoid a huge headache. If I were on the east coast, I'd check them out for you!!

I've looked at many "100% mint" Vipers that were anywhere from somewhat damaged, to major damaged.

I'd go with the '99 if it checks out.

Good luck!!

 

[Viper Specialty]

I personally would go with the 2001. Being 2 years newer, having ABS, upgraded rear end ring gear and bolts, as well as not being affected by any frame recalls. The 530 snake package is a very small package, and wont make much more power than stock. That package can be put on an 01 as well, should you choose to later. If you are looking to go big HP, the block should be rebuilt- reguardless of piston type. Aftermarket forged pistons are better than stock anyways.

Hope this helped!

 

[Danny]

Thanks for the advise! To date, these two cars seem to be the best value. Maybe because of the weather and being winter? Anyway, is the frame recall a serious issue? Anyone have any negative experiences with Fitzgerald Motorsports or Price in New Castle, Deleware? Thanks again for the feedback!

Danny

 

[Tomcat]

At this point the dealer is the most important part. Have they represented the car appropriately? Who are the dealers and where are the cars? Have a VCA member look at them for you and report back. The 99 has a unique interior. Have you looked at that combo in person. If not, do so first. Get an extended warranty either way. Max Care has been my choice.

Good Luck

 

[ViperJoe]

IF the frame recall(s) are done CORRECTLY, not a problem.

 

[2001 Sapphire Blue]

Have you got the mileage right on the 01? 55,000 is a lot. If it's 5,000...go with the 01...ABS very important. Definately have a VCA member check it out with you. I'm sure someone is in your area. Good luck.

 

[2001 Sapphire Blue]

Have you got the mileage right on the 01? 55,000 is a lot. If it's 5,000...go with the 01...ABS very important. Definately have a VCA member check it out with you. I'm sure someone is in your area. Good luck.

OOOps! I was looking at the price....sorry..I'm not awake yet!!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

If you like black buy the black one.

If you like saph blue buy the blue one.

 

[C O D Y]

Go with the ABS car.

Easier resale if it is tock.

 

[Viperfreak2]

Tough choice: ABS was important to me at first, then found out about Roes supercharger and the piston difference. Now that I know better.....still a tough choice! I'd say (if pushed) go with the forged piston car. The connelly leather is nice stuff!

 

[Viper Specialty]

I look at it this way:

Cost to add ABS to a Non-ABS car: 10K+++

Cost to add forged istons to a car: 1500+ labor rates

Obviously, much more value with ABS.

As far as the frame recall goes, its NEVER as good as a factory frame, regaurdless of how it is done. the rivets arent as rigid as the stock setup, and welding it may be close...but you lose your rustproofing, inside and out.

 

[Danny]

Well, I decided not to buy the 99 530 Snake because I was unaware of all the associated problems with the frame. Ahhhhh, just when I thought I found the perfect car. Anyway, if anyone is around Price in the New Castle, Delware area, I will pay someone 100 bucks to inspect the 2001 car with 1,800 miles and make sure it is 100% perfect.