I got a really good offer - Should I sell?

[klamathpro]

I just bought a 98' GTS. I've had my 94' since 2006 and my intentions were to keep both cars. I've kept good care of it since I bought it with 5k miles and it now has nearly 20K. It's extremely clean for a 94. I have realigned the hood, trunk, and doors, and rear bumper to even out the gaps. I replaced the head gaskets, the thermostat (20 degree cooler), added a Roe exhaust and smooth tubes, and nitrous.

I took a client for a test drive in my 94' and he loved the car. Other than needing pedal extensions, he liked the car as-is, so much that he commissioned me to find him one. He asked what I would let it go for. I said $33k. He said the price sounds fine, just find out how to either make the seat go more forward or get pedal extentions. I know the market has bottomed out for GEN1's and sub $30k is typical, but mine stands out and has tasteful mods. However, because of the market, I don't think I'll ever be able to sell it for $33k because there are so many of them out there right now. I was thinking that I could sell and then get a GENIII or IV in a year. I would prefer 3 vipers but my wife won't have it. What would you do?

 

[Jeebs]

I would sell the 94. You just bought a red gts so you still have a red early year viper and IMO the Gen II are a little nicer then Gen I. I would then buy a Gen IV and skip the Gen III. But while you are in the market, why not put money down on a Gen V and never look back. Best of both world. Old and new.
Good luck

 

[sfm79]

I think if the buyer is fine with $33k sell it for $33k.
Does you car have a seat lowering kit on restricting the movement?
Good luck

 

[Voodoo Rob]

Sell it, and never look back

 

[RPHJR]

sell it... There are plently of clean Gen1's out there, on the cheap. Yes, there are some junkers too, but not tough finding a decent one.. Plus you'll make your client happy. Selling a car is never easy unless its dirt cheap.... Buying one.... Pretty easy

 

[klamathpro]

I think if the buyer is fine with $33k sell it for $33k.
Does you car have a seat lowering kit on restricting the movement?
Good luck

No, and he's not that short, maybe 5' 8", he just has shorter legs. I put that seat as far forward as it would go.

 

[stranger355]

Is there any debate here? You clearly want to sell it but have some lingering suspicion that you'll regret it so you're reaching out to the Viper community to reduce your doubts. Consider doubts lessened. Sell the ***** and let someone else enjoy her. There are plenty of other good Vipers for you to own.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Grab it. The reward for maintaining a perfect Viper and even in your case making it better than new is that eventually someone will walk up and offer you high end of the range for it. Having two Vipers is aways nice but the choice between having a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 vs. A gen 2 and a Gen 3 is obvious. Nothing wrong with the Gen 1 and I would like one someday but the Gen 3 and 4 experience is completely different and you have not had that yet. If you are umm, spouse limited limited to two then 2 and 3 is pretty good combo. Particulary a GTS and a 3 convertible. That's a nice combo, I had that at one time and it might be the perfect set. I still miss that convertible.

 

[costanZo]

Are the GEN I's that much different than GEN II's pedal/seat wise? I'm 5'7" and have no trouble reaching the pedals in my 96 GTS...

Anyway, I would definitely sell your 94. You just bought a 98 GTS which is technically an upgraded GEN I. Styling wise for the most part is the same on GEN I's and II's, except your getting much more from the GEN II in every aspect including the interior. Also, all those tasteful mods you did on your GEN I you can do on the new GEN II you just bought. I would take the 33k and buy the next Viper you really want. In my honest opinion though, if you love the GEN I's and II's so much, I wouldn't bother with the GEN III or IV unless you were looking for a different flavor in styling. I've always disliked the way they completely changed the look of the car. I'd honestly go for the GEN V if you can afford it. That way you own the best from the past and the best in the present with the classic Viper lines and curves.

Regardless, good luck with your decision!

No, and he's not that short, maybe 5' 8", he just has shorter legs. I put that seat as far forward as it would go.

 

[v10enomous]

$33k is a solid start towards a deposit on a Gen V. The only way you'll do better than $33k is to wait 7 to 10 years. Either way I'd be pretty torn just thinking about what it's gonna feel like when she pulls away with a new owner behind the wheel.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

$33k is a solid start towards a deposit on a Gen V. The only way you'll do better than $33k is to wait 7 to 10 years. Either way I'd be pretty torn just thinking about what it's gonna feel like when she pulls away with a new owner behind the wheel.

Even better, go for the GenV. My bad for not mentioning that. And the 7-10 years estimate is spot on. Good note.

 

[BGSNKE]

As Mad Money Kramer says : "Sell Sell Sell"

 

[AZTVR]

Seems like a good price. If you need a convertible, then try a Gen 3 next or even something totally different from a Viper. You aren't married to your car, so, you can dump your old girlfriend and get a new one with no strings attached! Maybe better, maybe not; but, probably will be fun !

 

[V10 PWRD]

You've got a live one on the line. Thirty three is a great offer and you better run with it before he starts looking at other places.
Good luck.

 

[PDCjonny]

$33k is a solid start towards a deposit on a Gen V. The only way you'll do better than $33k is to wait 7 to 10 years. Either way I'd be pretty torn just thinking about what it's gonna feel like when she pulls away with a new owner behind the wheel.

It feels great because usually you have something wayyyy better pulling in.
You guys that get attached to your cars like they are children are whack.
Dump that old clunker and move on.

 

[DrumrBoy]

You've got a live one on the line. Thirty three is a great offer and you better run with it before he starts looking at other places.
Good luck.

Yep. Sell quickly.

 

[scottmarston]

I just bought a 98' GTS. I've had my 94' since 2006 and my intentions were to keep both cars. I've kept good care of it since I bought it with 5k miles and it now has nearly 20K. It's extremely clean for a 94. I have realigned the hood, trunk, and doors, and rear bumper to even out the gaps. I replaced the head gaskets, the thermostat (20 degree cooler), added a Roe exhaust and smooth tubes, and nitrous.

I took a client for a test drive in my 94' and he loved the car. Other than needing pedal extensions, he liked the car as-is, so much that he commissioned me to find him one. He asked what I would let it go for. I said $33k. He said the price sounds fine, just find out how to either make the seat go more forward or get pedal extentions. I know the market has bottomed out for GEN1's and sub $30k is typical, but mine stands out and has tasteful mods. However, because of the market, I don't think I'll ever be able to sell it for $33k because there are so many of them out there right now. I was thinking that I could sell and then get a GENIII or IV in a year. I would prefer 3 vipers but my wife won't have it. What would you do?

I would do what everybody else in here knows you are going to do. Sell the '94 before he starts researching prices.

 

[latamud]

I would do what everybody else in here knows you are going to do. Sell the '94 before he starts researching prices.

Or reads this thread...

 

[v10enomous]

Or reads this thread...

Beat me to it...

 

[-FROG-]

SELL! It's probably worth the price, but the market won't allow you to get what it's worth, so let this guy give you what the car is worth! $33K!

 

[CEJ]

Sounds like you have a concensus on what to do...

 

[evomind]

id think twice about selling to a client. especially a good client.
they become ex clients if something goes wrong with the car after he buys it.

 

[cfiiman]

I'm never selling mine, just thought I'd throw one different opinion in the hat

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I would prefer 3 vipers but my wife won't have it. What would you do?

Dump the wife and get a third Viper. Cars never tell you what to do.

 

[AZTVR]

Cars never tell you what to do.

Mine does. It keeps telling me, "Go faster. FASTER ! You know you want to."

 

[Jeffsss]

Yeah id sell it especially since you have a red gen 2

 

[99 R/T 10]

Are the GEN I's that much different than GEN II's pedal/seat wise? I'm 5'7" and have no trouble reaching the pedals in my 96 GTS...



Regardless, good luck with your decision!

The Gen Is and the Gen II are very different in the aspect that the Gen II pedals are adjustable. The Gen I pedals are a fixed position.

 

[jax92]

PM me his phone number.

 

[Austin]

Sell it. Sounds like a good deal.

 

[Matt M PA]

I'll also be a dissenting vote. I looked for a Gen 1 and wound up with a Gen 1.5 about two years ago. It seemed that all the low mileage Gen 1s didn't have A/C, which for me was a must. The cars I found (and I still browse) under $30,000 had lots of miles, a title issue, or mods that hurt the value. I found several cars with very low mileage and all kinds of issues. One with 4000 miles had *(among others) sill damage, wheel damage...and a driver's seat belt that was severed. Another that was supposed to be "mint" had been used hard and put away wet...alot. My Excursion that goes out in the snow was cleaner underneath. Then there was the "all original" car I saw with the interior all hacked up for a stereo, gutted exhaust and lowered.

I do understand the improvements made over the years, but I simply prefer the early roadster and GTS. (I have a good friend with an '03..a great car...but not for me.)

Unless there's another car you'd rather have...I think you'd look long and hard to replace yours. I think a clean, original Gen 1 will always hold value.