That's a pretty harsh testimonial... first I've heard of poor build quality from someone who is not a newbie/troll. Considering your "Thread Cred" here, it makes me think twice about getting a Gen3.
I appeciate you noting that I am not a troll. I mean after all, I bought myself a 2002 ACR new 5 years ago, 2 years ago, I bought my dad a New 05 SRT-10 and last year I bought me a new 06 Coupe. So if you cut me, I definitely bleed Viper red. But I have to say, build quality is really **** on these damn cars. How come there are threads about how to jury rig the trunk release poper so it will work (because anyone who owns a 06 coupe is going to have this problem, im sure of it, at some point or another). And the fix works, I'm glad for that, but should we really have to do a jury rig?
My Window seal had to be replaced, and the replacement one was WORSE, they are now going to replace it again.
My rear end used to make a thud sound, but that went away after using my emergency brake a few times (seemed like the pads were sticking to the rotors).
Dust cover/Rain cover on one of the inner wheel wells dissapeared, had to order a new one.
SCREWS come out of this thing LEFT AND RIGHT from the side sills and the rear diffuser. We have replaced at least 10 so far. (The dealership is talking about getting me a bag of them so I can replace them myself as needed).
One of my horns went out.
Radio Amp would cut off if you listened to the music too loud. (this was a major issue, then after time and break in, now it doesnt cut off any more).
Stock Radio (before converting to RB1 NAVI) would act crazy sometimes messing up CDs
Rear trunk was delivered with a crack in the trunk lid section. (woodhouse said they didnt do it, and I know i didnt do it (found it the second day of ownership), so that leaves Dodge factory.
Rear trunk is rubbing and removing paint on lower trunk section (really nice quality control dodge).
Clutch had air in it for the first 4-5k miles, it eventually worked itself out, no more spungyness.
Window on the drivers side would catch on the top if I opened the door quickly. (a PCM/Body control update from the dealership eventually fixed it).
Alarm would go off for no reason.
The brakes on my car arent as "responsive" as dads 05.
I'd have to look at the rest of my fix-it list from the dealership to remember it all.. but those are the ones that just came from the top of my head.
I'm a realist. I'd like other people to give true accounts of their experiences too, so everyone can make an informed decision. Do I hate my car? No way, just last night, I took it out and had a good time with it. But I sure didnt spend that kinda cash to have my car in the shop as much as it has been. Its kinda dissapointing.
So no, I dont think I'm going to be ordering an 08. I think after I put this one through its paces (currently has 13k miles on it, probably will sell it around 60k miles), I'll be buying a New P car or a Lambo.
My Dad loves his 05, but he has a differential thats sloppy (doesnt do posi anymore) and he had a speaker go out on him (within a 1000 miles) and his foot rest rusted shortly after delivery. But dad has 35k miles on his car, and nothing super major.
Thats my feedback, shell me if you must, but I have always been in support of these cars, and I still love Vipers, still get excited when I see one (whether I am in mine or not), but I think Dodge needs to get back to its center and focus on our cars. These are amazing cars, they need to be built accordingly.
Jon