Looking to buy a 2005 SRT-10 need advise

rich v.

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i have a 00 gts Acr and i'm looking to trade to a 05 yellow conv.
for those of you that have made the switch from gen 2 to gen 3
what the pro's and con's?
would you do it again?
thanks
 

Flyntgr

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Don't even hesitate to do it. I have had a gen. I, II, and now III. The III is so much better in driveability and seating position and easier to drive fast that it ain't even FUNNY!! NOW that I've said that, beware of any 2005 that is out of warranty. It must have a factory warranty unless you personally know both the previous owner and its driver. I traded mine to one of the Big Four dealerships for an '05 that had been a DC Exec. car, still in DC's name and inventory. I checked the history by carfax and nothing showed of a negative nature. Not everything gets reported, it seems. Eight months later my warrantied engine is in the shop for a complete rebuild and this is what was found: spun 3rd rod bearing from G-forces in turns while apparently being raced, overheated engine (stuck gaskets to valve covers and oil cover), and cam bearing service bulletin upgrade (never reported to me by carfax), clutch was 80% gone, with hotspots, and the same for the flywheel, and yet the engine/car had only 17K miles on it when it failed (10K when I bought it). The car looked great and run only a little sluggishcompared to my '96 Tradein, which had an alum. flywheel, VEC1, 3" exhausts and Borla mufflers, trick clutch, SVS shifter, etc, and after 49K miles it would FLY! I thought: the gen. III seems sluggish because it's unmodified. Now I now "THE REST OF THE STORY." The good news is that the gen. III engine is being rebuilt to higher specs than original, with the origninal block, as they were able to save the block-though all internals are NEW and will be thoroughly dyno tested. Moral: it's a good trade if you have factory warranty. I'm still Glad I traded, but maybe better off if I had chosen a different car. But how could I have suspected that? No carfax warning, and the car looked nice. Still, all's well that ends well. Good luck to you.
 
V

Venomiss

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Great brakes-great handling ability for the 05. We love it!
Started with a 2000, then moved to 2003, and now have an 05 purchased new.

VCA Membership does have perks-your local club is a good starting place to ask around for advice on any car. Many members trade up for others-then you know where the car came from and the ownership background. :D

Have the car checked by a Viper mechanic for a few $$ if possible. Spending a few bucks to save headaches in the future is worth every penny IMO.

Or if finance allows consider a new 06 with warranty and don't worry about how it's been treated in the past-just smile and enjoy the ride. Good luck with whatever you decide on!
 

Stray Cat

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Agree with all stated above - the Gen III cars took a while to grow on me but after having owned one, I would prefer it over the others. Better in almost every respect. Someone on this site did a very good, honest comparison. You may want to look for that thread. It was pretty much righ on. Good luck.

John
 

viperbob

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I have a Yellow '05 as well, 1900 miles, lots of mods, and still under factory warranty (for another 8 months). I have owned all 3 Generations and like this one the best although I will always remember my first, a Red '94...what a hoot!

As above, everything is for sale if the price is right.
 

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