Just to say hello, and ask a Q

[TurboOmni08]

Hello everyone!!
My name is Jeff and as my username states, I have an 89 Dodge Omni turbo conversion and an 89 Dodge Daytona Shelby. Notice no Viper in there. I am currently in the market for a real sports car so I figured I would join a board to get to know owners and learn more about the cars. My family has run a Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge dealership here in Virginia for over 80 years. We have had only one Viper in that time, and it was when I was too young to drive. I have driven an SRT-10 truck many times...but it is not the same. So, that is a little about myself. I read VIPER quarterly all the time (we get it at "The Garage") and will join the club as soon as I get my car and become “an owner.”

So, with that said, I have a few questions. I know I will be getting a car within the next year and it must be driven almost regularly (gasp!). I know I want an RT/10 with higher mileage. What are things to look for? What should I expect from a Viper for $35,000 and what is a good year to "daily"? I assume older (non-power window) cars are not as good to drive all the time? In the rain? I know this is a long post, but this seems like a forum of people with a more sophisticated way, and I'm looking to be part of that. Turbododge.com isn't really a sports-car crowd, lol.

 

[Knight Viper]

Jeff, Hello and welcome. You have come to the right place, although the Viper wouldn't be my first choice for a daily driver, I drive mine as often as I can. If I were you, I would look for a 01/02 for the reason of ABS and power windows would make it a little easier for daily driving. If you’re going to drive in the rain the GTS is a little tighter, heavy rain can cause some leaks in the RT/10 especially in the price range you’re looking. One thing you should definitely get is the book “VIPER BUYER”S GUIDE” by Maurice Q. Liang it will have a year by year comparisons and a lot of useful information as to what to look for when shopping for a Viper. Also look for some events near you and talk to the owners, no better way to learn the car and find out what you really want in one and what they go for then in person! Good luck and happy shopping, you won’t be sorry with any Viper you drive home

 

[bloose]

Welcome! I graduated from a 1980 Omni, and a 1985 Dodge Omni GLH Turbo, and a few more inbetween. OK, there I said it. Atleast the GLH was black

It'll be really hard finding a Gen II RT/10 with ABS for $35K but if you're connected you might... good luck!

 

[GTS Bruce]

Look.Lets be realistic.Get yourself established.Good job,nice house,grage etc.You need reliable multipurpose daily driving transportation.Get yourself a nice used PU truck and worry about getting a Viper after you don't need it as a daily driver and can afford to drive,maintain,store and modify it. GTS Bruce

 

[Batboy]

Hey Jeff. As Knight Viper mentioned your best option is that book.

Beyond that perhaps a few of us can help you out as you narrow down what you want. Where exactly in VA are you? Lee Stubblefield is the VA/MD pres, and I would recommend looking him up. Also, since you have a dealership in the family perhaps they can help you out with finding a good deal.

Of course, if we scratch your back you have to scratch ours. Since you have a dealership in the family perhaps you could look into getting reproduction window stickers? I think your dealership could make a killing if they can figure out how to get those. Long story.

 

[Bonkers]

I would not suggest having a viper as a daily driver unless you're finicially set enough to take the hit of that kind of maintanence - if you're looking for a <$35k car you're not in that braket yet. You can get decent snakes in that range, but definitly have something more stable to drive to work.

Welcome to the addiction...

 

[DodgeViper01]

Welcome. I agree with Knight, for a daily driver you would want an 01 or 02 for ABS. Besides ABS you are going to want a 1996 + car since you will get REAL windows and a much better top.

As for price, $35K is going to be hard to find a good GEN 1.5 or GEN II car but again, if you are connected you can go to a dealer auction and maybe get a hit but it is still going to be a bit hard. I would say with $40K you would have a much better chance. Although it is only $5K, it will make a huge difference.

 

[TurboOmni08]

Thanks! I know 35k is rather low. I am hoping for an auction find. I didn't even know there were Vipers with ABS, so I'm glad I asked that much. The windows are an important point too. I'll go get that book sometime this week. There isn’t much more to my being "established" before buying one, I am in a good place. I have no other expenses right now. I'm living in a rental house that I get from my Grandparents at a ridiculous rate. I will be keeping the 89 Daytona so I will have a car for the really nasty weather days (300whp FWD car isn't the best for the "unfair" days but it will have to do...lol) I will have that car, my girl's PT Cruiser, and I can get a truck anytime I need it. Not to mention the dealership (i.e. my work) is right next door. You guys all have beautiful rides...expensive rides. If I can get one for $40 I will treat it like my Sebring. I will keep it clean...but not to clean...and drive it. For me it will be more about driving it then just having it.

As far as the window stickers, is that a common want? Do people often find themselves needing them? I might be able to ask my father more about the process. We had a 2006 Dodge Charger R/T (Daytona Edition) stolen from us last month. It was recovered minus the window sticker and plus 280 miles. Dad got a new sticker from Chrysler and it was there in a day or two.

 

[bloose]

I'd gladly pay a fair sum for a reprint of my original window sticker as long as it was "real". There is quite a lengthy thread here called "Window Sticker Update" or something that detials the process. It doesn't seem that difficult other than convincing the dealer to spend their time on you.

 

[TurboOmni08]

I'll look into it. I can 'waste' my time on it if it will be of benefit to the community.

 

[bloose]

This might give you some background.

Update on Window Sticker

 

[Nuck]

My advice is to get rid of the Daytona and get a proper second car. You don't need the toy if you buy a better toy. Something quiet and comfortable with good a/c and no modifications that you don't have to worry about where you park it. I got my father in law's Concord for that purpose. Before that, a 97 Malibu and before that an Olds 98.
The cost per mile of operation of a Viper is high. Search "viper tax". Not just fuel but the rubber and any other wear type components. I used to drive my Z06 every day and it is a lot more comfortable car, but after a year of that I decided miling a car out on the commuter grind just isn't right. On the nicest days it is okay but sitting in traffic or driving on cold or cloudy days takes much of the lustre away from the toy. Putting half a cars mileage on while creeping through rush hour traffic is just a waste.
Especially if you are looking at a higher mileage car why invite repair and maintenance costs to come earlier?(except the first few months when you will be glued to the car).
You need to get a gen 2 car if you can but you price point means it will take some looking. Cars.com and autotrader.com are good places to start.

You have to be ready to pounce when the best deals come around http://vca2.viperclub.org/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=657125&Forum=All_Forums&Words=&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=1week&Main=657060&Search=true#Post657125

 

[TurboOmni08]

hmm. The point you make is a good one. I guess I would be stuck with two toys. The Daytona might be worth $4-5k as it is. Its quite decked out. I could sell it to help with getting the "better toy." Wear type stuff other then tires shouldn't be a problem for me. I live literally next to my work. I don't really go much anywhere else other then up and down about 10 miles either way. How much does a set of tires for a Viper run? I think I could spring 40K here in about a year...which should be about right. The car I want should come right into line with that price, maybe a bit less by then. Thanks for the advice, it will help me out. I'm going to pick up the buyer's guide tomorrow. Does anyone have an old copy they will let go for a fair price?

 

[AZTVR]

How much does a set of tires for a Viper run?

You would be looking in the neighborhood of $1500 for tires; so, make sure that when you are looking at Vipers, you consider the age and wear of the tires on the car and adjust your offer accordingly.

 

[Batboy]

You can find tires new for less than $1500t all the time. A good deal would be around $1K for a new set of stock Michelen PS 18". If you have the older 17" rims you can still get good Kuhmos for well under $1K.

I was around your same price range and found a '99 GTS for a great price. I think nuck makes a good point. Be ready. When a good deal comes along it won't last.

Where in Va are you? If you want a ride and possibly a drive let us know and maybe some of us can work something out with you.

 

[TurboOmni08]

Batboy - I'm in Woodstock/Harrisonburg Virginia. I come down your way to the auto auction every few months. A ride would be nice, a drive would be way cool. How many members are there in the VA/MD region?

 

[Nuck]

You can find tires new for less than $1500t all the time. A good deal would be around $1K for a new set of stock Michelen PS 18". If you have the older 17" rims you can still get good Kuhmos for well under $1K.

I was around your same price range and found a '99 GTS for a great price. I think nuck makes a good point. Be ready. When a good deal comes along it won't last.

Where in Va are you? If you want a ride and possibly a drive let us know and maybe some of us can work something out with you.

Where should one look for tires for $1000 a set? Are you talking about a dealer somewhere that blows them out from time to time or finding someone who is upgrading and selling their stock newish tires?

 

[Batboy]

Harrisonburg is a little far to just stop by. But if I'm in the area or you're in mine, give me a heads up and we can work something out. The VA/MD region is one of the largest (maybe 3rd behind CA and NY/NJ, not sure about FL though). Anyway, most of those are in the DC region, but we're scattered pretty good.

Nuck, there is a shop on Ebay that regularly sells our stock Michelen PS tires new for $1300 I think. I have seen some for as little as $1K but it is rare. And like you mentioned you can find half used tires frequently. Here is a link to the Ebay dude. He doesn't sell tires too often so occasionally he drops his price. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Michelin-Pilot-Sports-TIRES-Viper-18-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ66484QQitemZ8046032724QQrdZ1

 

[Purdue_Boiler_Viper]

I'm with Nuck. Where can you get 4 brand new tires for $1000?

Turbo: Welcome! Bounce any possible buys off this group. They will give you great advice. Chuck Tator of Tator's Dodge will give you good info and service.

 

[TurboOmni08]

This seems like a great group of people, glad I found it. Think I could post some pictures of my Daytona without any "THATS NOT A VIPER!" action?

 

[Asp Man]

"This seems like a great group of people, glad I found it. Think I could post some pictures of my Daytona without any "THATS NOT A VIPER!" action? "

Probably not, TO8. Though I wouldn't mind. I was into Shelby Chargers back in the day. T1s running high 13s.

I'm with nuck, too. I could barely find rears alone for 'deal' pricing of $1000cad. (Tirecraft)

Nuck, where in AB are you?

 

[TurboOmni08]

335s are a biga$$ tire. I can't imagine getting under $300 each for something like that in a decent brand. Fusion makes a nice tire at a good price but I doubt they go that big. 225/40/16 is like $104. I will get some pics of the Tona once it gets back from paint. It is getting a body spray of "Go Mango" orange and the bodykit...Viper Graphite :'P A TI in the high 13s is a thing of the past for this one... 2.5L TII w/ Super 60 turbo. It should be 350bhp no problem. I have always been a fan of taking an old POS and making it go fast, but one can only take so much of "you drive an OMNI!?" "You drive a Viper?" sounds so much better. $40k better.

 

[Nuck]

"This seems like a great group of people, glad I found it. Think I could post some pictures of my Daytona without any "THATS NOT A VIPER!" action? "

Probably not, TO8. Though I wouldn't mind. I was into Shelby Chargers back in the day. T1s running high 13s.

I'm with nuck, too. I could barely find rears alone for 'deal' pricing of $1000cad. (Tirecraft)

Nuck, where in AB are you?

I am in Edmonton Asp Man. Where abouts are you? Jon at Partsrack will ship to Canada. $379 USD apiece for rears so probably a bit under $1000 with exchange, duty(French made Tire) and shipping. Which Tirerack?

 

[Asp Man]

"I'm I am in Edmonton Asp Man. Where abouts are you? Jon at Partsrack will ship to Canada. $379 USD apiece for rears so probably a bit under $1000 with exchange, duty(French made Tire) and shipping. Which Tirerack?"

NUCK: I am in Calgary. That price was from Tirecraft here in town, 'deal' as I've done some work for them. Just looked at the quote and it's $522.95ea+GST+enviro.