How low do you think they will go?

[BSheppard]

The prices on Gen1/2 Vipers? I never thought I would see some of these cars sell for under $30k. Hell, you can't but a loaded Accord for that anymore. So whats the spread? early 1994-1995 RT10s in the teens? A nice GTS for $25k? What do you think bottom will be? I own a 2002 GTS and I'm sure it will keep going down in value but how much? I also drive my cars so I'm not keeping it like new or trying to cash in later on down the road. Just have mine for fun.

Edit for Sp.

 

[99 R/T 10]

I think in the next year or two, they wil be left on the street corners with the keys in the ignition......................

 

[eucharistos]

I think in the next year or two, they wil be left on the street corners with the keys in the ignition......................

very similar thinking here except w/o the

smart owners will at least get a cold bottle of beer

 

[terminator02]

They shouldn't go too much lower. If people are willing to spend 40k for a mustang convertable or 35-39k for a loaded Camaro...or 50k for a shelby gt500...then you can't expect that people won't pay 35k for a dodge viper GTS. The problem is that the sellers are feeling like their cars aren't worth anything so they are giving them away. I just got a 1 owner 2000 red gts acr (1 of 35 without stripes in 2000) 14k miles, custom exhaust for 37k. It was a no-brainer to spend that money on a viper ACR compared to spending 37k on a used 4000lb shelby gt 5000 rustang.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Yep, I just picked up a 1999 ACR, Silver/blue striped car. 15K miles. Couldn't pass it up................

 

[ViperTony]

Who cares. Buy it, drive it, enjoy it. It's an investment in FUN not financial security. Added: I mean this in the nicest way possible, not trying to be a pompous *** by any means.

 

[jdeft1]

Well said Tony....

 

[plumcrazy]

what tony said

 

[Brentt]

most likely near the bottom. In the last year we had $5 gas, a financial meltdown, and Chrysler bankruptcy. None of these helped the price of our cars, but as the economy improves, so will the prices.

 

[eucharistos]

what plum said

 

[terminator02]

I just don't think in 5 years people will be selling these cars in the 20's and 30's. The economy will rebound and these cars will continue to become more desirable. Most have pegged that this car will be highly saught after. I think in the short run (5 years) the one's going for 35 will be around 45. There will always be a group of people that will want this select group of cars. Right now, the select group of people are choosing to hold onto assets. There are a FEW people (me) that chose to buy this car when its low to enjoy what I really wouldn't have afforded new or even in a good economy. I know what this car is worth and I chose to buy at a price that I could afford to enjoy NOW. If I happen to make a few bucks or break even with this car down the road....sweet.

The reality is, with up keep of the vehicle and gas....it would be hard to recoup all costs. However, the smile I have on my face when I get into the driver's seat and do some "spirited driving".....is priceless. But ya.....if my 2000 GTS ACR goes for less than 30k in 5 years....I would be very very surprised and will let my wife make all decisions from there on out.....oh wait she already does:/

 

[dave6666]

Are you asking your question as a potential buyer trying to establish a budget or determine if now is the time to buy?

 

[terminator02]

Looks like his post establishes he has a GTS just for fun....seems like it was just a popcorn speculation thread if anything.

 

[BSheppard]

Are you asking your question as a potential buyer trying to establish a budget or determine if now is the time to buy?

Oh no, Just some friends (who have or have had Vipers) and I talking about what might could be down the road. Some seem to think prices will go way up in the future, some think that since cars are getting faster for less that the prices will keep going down. Me, I'm not so sure about any of it. Thought I would ask the group to see if any one had a different thought on the matter.

 

[dave6666]

Oh no, Just some friends (who have or have had Vipers) and I talking about what might could be down the road. Some seem to think prices will go way up in the future, some think that since cars are getting faster for less that the prices will keep going down. Me, I'm not so sure about any of it. Thought I would ask the group to see if any one had a different thought on the matter.

I bought my GTS for the looks. No $30K rice screamer will have those looks ever. E-V-E-R!

 

[Brentt]

I think Dave6666 hit on something. It's not always HP or technology that people want. It's more about style. The 36, 38, and 40 Fords were improvements over the 32, in both horsepower and handling, and are all nice rides but the deuce has always been the favorite. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. I guess when the kit car companies begin kitting Vipers, we'll know which one is most desireable!

 

[GTSnake]

In 1970 you could get a Plymouth Superbird for $2,000. What are they worth today?

Our cars are limited production collector classics. It won't stay like this forever.

When every car on the road runs on batteries and a gas station is hard to find our cars will be worth millions..... you'll see.

 

[dave6666]

Here's a bit more self flattery. My car is photographed all the time. Traffic lights, the gas station, grocery store, you name it. Even rolling down the road I'm getting hammered by the cell cams. And what kind of vehicles are those people in? Not always, but many times just a $30K rice screamer...

And I'm not repaying the honor with my phone!

 

[ViperTony]

I was being photographed on the highway at night, very dark, by a family in an SUV. It freaked me out when I started seeing flashes from the camera on this isolated highway in rural (and I mean rural) PA. This SUV followed me by my side for miles and just kept taking pictures in the dark. I couldn't help but think I was being stalked and ending up in the red-ball scene like in Pulp Fiction. That's how rural this highway was at 11pm at night. A quick WOT and problem solved. But it is cool how folks just get blown away by the Viper. Always a crowd favorite.

 

[mnviper]

Just to put things in perspective, my brother just picked up a Ferrari 360 for around $60k. The car was worth about $100k two years ago. So the Viper is still holding its own on depreciation compared with other exotics.

 

[fdjake]

This is happening with every type of collector item. Case in point...

2 years ago vintage Gibson Les Paul's from the 1950's were SELLING for $500,000 each. And at that price you were LUCKY to get someone to part with the guitar. Now those same guitars have been CUT IN HALF price wise.

Another shining example of this occured in the 1970's when gas hit all time highs and people were selling 426 Hemis and 429 Boss Mustangs for $1500 so they could buy new VW's.

Here's what I notice EVERYTIME I drive my 95 RT/10....People point, kids scream, I get a dozen thumbs up, they ask questions, want their picture taken next to it. That my friends is WORTH SOMETHING!!! People might not be able to PAY for that right now...But you watch.....10+ years from now anyone seeing a VIPER driving down the Street will go crazy. That feeling will be worth something to a LOT of people who right now are 12 to 20 years old. The VIPER is going to be THE CAR those kids remember from their youth. It's what they'll want when they hit their 30's & 40's and it's what they'll be paying HUGE money for at that time. The VIPER has all the classic traits of a future MONSTER COLLECTOR CAR.....Low production volume....Exotic looks....High performance...and a RACE HISTORY and unfortunately...it looks like it's NO LONGER BEING BUILT!!!

But in MY opinion the BIGGEST advantage the Viper will have over other exotics is simple.....People can buy one and WORK ON IT.....They RUN GREAT and are extremely reliable. These cars WON'T be like buying a 20 year old Ferrari that if you break something you'll need a second mortgage to fix it. That's what got prices of American muscle cars to EXPLODE in the last 5 years....Great STYLING, easy repairs, easy to get parts. and they TURN HEADS!!!

Anyone who dumps a VIPER at this time will be EXACTLY like the guy who sold his Hemi Cuda for $1500 to buy a VW bug.

HANG ON TO THEM.....BUY ANOTHER ONE IF YOU CAN.....These cars are better than money in the bank at current prices!!!! When I CAN'T buy a HONDA ACCORD for what I CAN buy a Gen 1 VIPER for????

That says ONE THING..........It's time to BUY BUY BUY!!!!

 

[97GTS]

This is happening with every type of collector item. Case in point...

2 years ago vintage Gibson Les Paul's from the 1950's were SELLING for $500,000 each. And at that price you were LUCKY to get someone to part with the guitar. Now those same guitars have been CUT IN HALF price wise.

Another shining example of this occured in the 1970's when gas hit all time highs and people were selling 426 Hemis and 429 Boss Mustangs for $1500 so they could buy new VW's.

Here's what I notice EVERYTIME I drive my 95 RT/10....People point, kids scream, I get a dozen thumbs up, they ask questions, want their picture taken next to it. That my friends is WORTH SOMETHING!!! People might not be able to PAY for that right now...But you watch.....10+ years from now anyone seeing a VIPER driving down the Street will go crazy. That feeling will be worth something to a LOT of people who right now are 12 to 20 years old. The VIPER is going to be THE CAR those kids remember from their youth. It's what they'll want when they hit their 30's & 40's and it's what they'll be paying HUGE money for at that time. The VIPER has all the classic traits of a future MONSTER COLLECTOR CAR.....Low production volume....Exotic looks....High performance...and a RACE HISTORY and unfortunately...it looks like it's NO LONGER BEING BUILT!!!

But in MY opinion the BIGGEST advantage the Viper will have over other exotics is simple.....People can buy one and WORK ON IT.....They RUN GREAT and are extremely reliable. These cars WON'T be like buying a 20 year old Ferrari that if you break something you'll need a second mortgage to fix it. That's what got prices of American muscle cars to EXPLODE in the last 5 years....Great STYLING, easy repairs, easy to get parts. and they TURN HEADS!!!

Anyone who dumps a VIPER at this time will be EXACTLY like the guy who sold his Hemi Cuda for $1500 to buy a VW bug.

HANG ON TO THEM.....BUY ANOTHER ONE IF YOU CAN.....These cars are better than money in the bank at current prices!!!! When I CAN'T buy a HONDA ACCORD for what I CAN buy a Gen 1 VIPER for????

That says ONE THING..........It's time to BUY BUY BUY!!!!

Trying to think of something to add to the above and I can't.Well, maybe I can but the guy hit it right on the head. These cars are quite literally this generations version of the Shelby Cobra. There was a time when Cobras were used on DIRT TRACKS and then almost abandoned entirely. What are they worth today?
As an example, approx 7,000 GTSs were made over the entire 7 year run.Out of those probably half have been totaled. When was the last time you actually saw one driving on the road other than a Viper get together? Sometimes we forget just how rare these cars are.

Ain't selling mine anytime soon.


Ron

 

[dave6666]

Anyone who dumps a VIPER at this time will be EXACTLY like the guy who sold his Hemi Cuda for $1500 to buy a VW bug.

I saw some Bugs on the BJ go for 6 figures recently. So easy on the German engineering stuff...

 

[BSheppard]

I was being photographed on the highway at night, very dark, by a family in an SUV. It freaked me out when I started seeing flashes from the camera on this isolated highway in rural (and I mean rural) PA. This SUV followed me by my side for miles and just kept taking pictures in the dark. I couldn't help but think I was being stalked and ending up in the red-ball scene like in Pulp Fiction. That's how rural this highway was at 11pm at night. A quick WOT and problem solved. But it is cool how folks just get blown away by the Viper. Always a crowd favorite.

I get this all the time. The wife and I were out for a sunday drive the other day when we saw the new Camaro out at one of the local Chevy dealers. We whipped in to take a look since I had only seen them in the magazines and the Viper was a big hit with pictures taken and people asking to see under the hood. The dealer had food and drinks out for the unveiling of the new car. I felt kinda bad because it stole some of the new Camaros thunder. All had a good time though.

I agree with all of you that the car is special and I'm never going to sell mine anyway, so it maters not how much it is worth down the road. Just speculation between friends.

 

[dave6666]

...and I'm never going to sell mine anyway, so it maters not how much it is worth down the road.

Ka-Ching...

 

[vipzilla]

here goes my opinion is WE the viper club and viper owners set the bar on what the cars are selling for . we keep bringing the price down because no one is buying.. but reality is that viper is done as we know it in about 5-10 years gen1 and gen 2 all were low production cars will be verry rare especially with young kids buying them for the prices were giving them away for (some with tons of power added) the kids will be totaling these cars even faster then they are getting totaled now. parts for gen1 are verry scarse and gen2 following rt behind. but as long as we the viper guys are willing to part with them so cheap is why you see these prices falling to low #'s . REMEMBER GUYS WE THE VCA SET THE TREND ..sorry but it is our fault .. I will never sell .. so guys lets keep our vipers in the exotic list dont give them away...

 

[fdjake]

I think that's a great point....The fact that prices ARE down and kids can buy these cars almost ENSURES more will be wrecked. Thus removing them from the market place in the future.

97GTS hit in on the head with the Cobra comparison. I know a guy who picked up a 1968 Shelby GT 500 in 1980 for $1500 and just used it for doing burnouts. He left it OUTSIDE until it literally sank into the ground. Someone came by an offered him $2000 for it in 1984 and he thought he was a GENIUS because he made $500 on it.

That very car sold 2 years ago in poor condition for $90,000. But the car was all there and all original. The guy who bought it for $2000 just left it in his shop for YEARS. He cleaned it a little, got it running, but it STILL needed a complete retoration.

This is just my opinion, but I KNOW I'm gonna look back and wish I bought 3 or 4 VIPERS at current prices. Think about it.....I live in the Northeast....a single family home purchased for a rental property costs $100,000. Then you get the JOY of dealing with the dead beat tenants and everything else that goes along with it. Having a garage filled with Gen 1 and II Vipers sure as HELL sounds like more fun to me. My GUESS is......They could out perform the house as an investment because at $100,000 for the property, it won't cash flow at current rent rates. (and WE know VIPERS out perform a LOT of other things too!!!)

 

[terminator02]

i agree about prices being too low from anxious owners. SVT 2003 cobra's are going "on average" (some higher and lower) for about 18-26k. MSRP was around 34,750 for a coupe. A lot of people seem to be buying cobras for about 20-22k but no one is buying 28k viper RT-10's that MSRP for 65k. ***.

 

[slaughterj]

This thread seemed to start out discussing near future values, but diverged to far off prognostications, and it is important to distinguish between these. I seriously doubt we will see any increase (maybe some stabilization) in the near future, and it will be many years before there is any significant rise in values, at which time there will be much few decent condition Vipers. I don't buy mine for value-retention, I buy for daily-driving, because then I know I got my value out it. Buying for other reasons is speculative and likely will not work out favorably.

 

[dave6666]

Yup... Don't put your car in the bank and your money in the garage...