Hello all, I'm new to this forum and I will be looking to purchase a Viper once my Backdraft Cobra sells. It may be awhile but I'd like to gather information on what to look for when searching for this car. I want an RT/10 and priced up to the mid 50's. What I've seen so far is up to '01's in this range. When going to inspect the vehicle, what in particular should I be looking for? Is there a prefferable year? Thanks in advance.
Looking to buy soon
- Thread starter Nuke427
- Start date
GraphiteGTS
Enthusiast
Don't rule out the GTS. Drive both.
BJH1
Viper Owner
I'm new to Vipers, so I won't pretend to know much, but I chose '01 because anti-lock brakes became available that year. I'm sure there were a few more updates that year.
welcome!
BUY the book "Viper Buyers Guide"
It will be an invaluable tool.
Buying a used Viper
Used Viper Questions:
General:
1.Year?
2. Price?
3. Mileage?
4. Clean title?
5. VIN #?
6. Existing lien?
7. In service date?
Equipment:
1. Stock / original, or minor / moderate modifications (K&N filters, smooth tubes)
(headers, hi-flow cats, cat-back system, or more?) Rear wing?
2. Exterior and Interior Color? (Body stripes - painted or vinyl) Interior mods?
3. Nature of radio / CD player (stock, single in-dash, trunk player, etc.)?
4. Soft-top, hardtop, or both? Condition of each
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Tonneau cover? Side windows? (Gen1)
8. Car cover?
9. Existing Factory warranty / extended warranty (or provide after-market warranty)?
Condition:
1. General overall condition (any nicks, chips, scratches, window cracks, etc.)?
2. Involved in an accident(s), damaged, repainted, (telltale signs) etc.?
3. Condition under front bumper / front lip spoiler?
4. Condition of top(s)? (Soft-top sagging? Exterior condition?) Scratches on sport bar? Sport Bar cap missing?
5. How maintained? Records? (One owner? How many and how long) Documentation / Paperwork? DOCUMENTATION AND HISTORY of maintenance and sale(s) / owner(s)
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked/worn?)
7. Tire condition? Brand/Size (Reasonable tread?)
8. Wheels (condition, nicks, curb rash?) Stock wheels for the particular year or aftermarket
9. Carpet / Floor mats condition?
10. Smoker / non-smoker?
11. Nitrous or other power adder used?
12. Used for track events (strip, track, Viper Days and autocross)?
13. Condition of the rocker panels (top and underside, chips, yellowing, sandblasted)
14. Condition of inside the door / rocker area
15. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
16. Bottomed out?
17. 998 / 999 recall work done (if applicable) and done CORRECTLY. Documented?
18. Head gaskets (Gen1) Documentation?
19. Hood alignment (symmetrical?) Any hairline cracks? Hinges keep hood up?
20. Doors close well (no drooping-bad hinges)
Buying from a dealer
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)
3. Delivery
Differences between GenI and GenII: there are other differences (besides the exhaust) that stand out:
1. The engine
The majority of reference to “GenI and GenII” refers to engine changes, as there are several differences between the two engines, not the least of which is horsepower. GenI was rated at 400hp, later GenI (96) were rated at 415, and the GenII is rated at 450 (ACR & GT2 rated at 460 due to smooth tubes and filters).
2. The hood
The GenI cars have "smoothie" hoods with no NACA duct between the headlights and no vents above the wheel wells. The cars look different from the front with these changes.
3. Suspension
Changed to GenII suspension in 96. Both the GTS and RT have the same GenII components.
4. Exhaust
Went to rear exit exhaust in 1996
5. Other changes
Power windows, airbags, steering wheel, method of opening the doors, differential housing, CD player, speedometer, wheels, all changed from GenI to GenII
BUY the book "Viper Buyers Guide"
It will be an invaluable tool.
Buying a used Viper
Used Viper Questions:
General:
1.Year?
2. Price?
3. Mileage?
4. Clean title?
5. VIN #?
6. Existing lien?
7. In service date?
Equipment:
1. Stock / original, or minor / moderate modifications (K&N filters, smooth tubes)
(headers, hi-flow cats, cat-back system, or more?) Rear wing?
2. Exterior and Interior Color? (Body stripes - painted or vinyl) Interior mods?
3. Nature of radio / CD player (stock, single in-dash, trunk player, etc.)?
4. Soft-top, hardtop, or both? Condition of each
5. Bag for soft-top?
6. Bikini top and bag
7. Tonneau cover? Side windows? (Gen1)
8. Car cover?
9. Existing Factory warranty / extended warranty (or provide after-market warranty)?
Condition:
1. General overall condition (any nicks, chips, scratches, window cracks, etc.)?
2. Involved in an accident(s), damaged, repainted, (telltale signs) etc.?
3. Condition under front bumper / front lip spoiler?
4. Condition of top(s)? (Soft-top sagging? Exterior condition?) Scratches on sport bar? Sport Bar cap missing?
5. How maintained? Records? (One owner? How many and how long) Documentation / Paperwork? DOCUMENTATION AND HISTORY of maintenance and sale(s) / owner(s)
6. Leather condition? (Split/cracked/worn?)
7. Tire condition? Brand/Size (Reasonable tread?)
8. Wheels (condition, nicks, curb rash?) Stock wheels for the particular year or aftermarket
9. Carpet / Floor mats condition?
10. Smoker / non-smoker?
11. Nitrous or other power adder used?
12. Used for track events (strip, track, Viper Days and autocross)?
13. Condition of the rocker panels (top and underside, chips, yellowing, sandblasted)
14. Condition of inside the door / rocker area
15. Scrapes under front bumper / spoiler?
16. Bottomed out?
17. 998 / 999 recall work done (if applicable) and done CORRECTLY. Documented?
18. Head gaskets (Gen1) Documentation?
19. Hood alignment (symmetrical?) Any hairline cracks? Hinges keep hood up?
20. Doors close well (no drooping-bad hinges)
Buying from a dealer
1. Processing fees?
2. Taxes? (out of state?)
3. Delivery
Differences between GenI and GenII: there are other differences (besides the exhaust) that stand out:
1. The engine
The majority of reference to “GenI and GenII” refers to engine changes, as there are several differences between the two engines, not the least of which is horsepower. GenI was rated at 400hp, later GenI (96) were rated at 415, and the GenII is rated at 450 (ACR & GT2 rated at 460 due to smooth tubes and filters).
2. The hood
The GenI cars have "smoothie" hoods with no NACA duct between the headlights and no vents above the wheel wells. The cars look different from the front with these changes.
3. Suspension
Changed to GenII suspension in 96. Both the GTS and RT have the same GenII components.
4. Exhaust
Went to rear exit exhaust in 1996
5. Other changes
Power windows, airbags, steering wheel, method of opening the doors, differential housing, CD player, speedometer, wheels, all changed from GenI to GenII
Need to be *******
I love both the Coupe and the RT/10. And I'm not pursuing the RT/10 because I think it's a better looking car. I'm giving up a Roadster that I want to replace with something with the same "feel". I like the idea of being able to remove the top. I'm only selling my Cobra b/c my wife won't let the kids ride in it. Not safe enough. That is really the only reason. I love my Cobra. It's posted on this site in the classifieds. She would however let them go with me in a production car, yes even the Viper. Not b/c the Cobra is faster, she knows how fast Vipers are. But because it is safer. Right now an RT/10 is the only other car that I can afford that interests me besides my Cobra.
I love both the Coupe and the RT/10. And I'm not pursuing the RT/10 because I think it's a better looking car. I'm giving up a Roadster that I want to replace with something with the same "feel". I like the idea of being able to remove the top. I'm only selling my Cobra b/c my wife won't let the kids ride in it. Not safe enough. That is really the only reason. I love my Cobra. It's posted on this site in the classifieds. She would however let them go with me in a production car, yes even the Viper. Not b/c the Cobra is faster, she knows how fast Vipers are. But because it is safer. Right now an RT/10 is the only other car that I can afford that interests me besides my Cobra.
Chuck 98 RT/10
Enthusiast
Re: Need to be *******
When you say "Cobra" you mean Mustang right?
When you say "Cobra" you mean Mustang right?
Re: Need to be *******
Anyone heard of or bought from Premier Cars in Springfield Missouri? They have several low mileage Vipers and are only a few hours away from me. www.premiercars.com
Anyone heard of or bought from Premier Cars in Springfield Missouri? They have several low mileage Vipers and are only a few hours away from me. www.premiercars.com
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