Need advice with a decision...

[Cop Magnet]

I have been toying with the idea of selling my '01 Sapphire and Silver GTS lately in favor of an SRT-C. I hadn't really considered any potential for this, even as recently as the Belle Isle trip where I might have gotten some great exposure. On that trip, though, I really liked the '08 SRT-C. Well, I can't afford that anytime in the near future, so I kind of gave it up as a pipe dream. Then I noticed several '06 coupes for sale for maybe not that much more than my '01. So here's my thought process so far:

1) If the '08's are technologically too advanced to do serious mods, maybe the '06 would be a better platform for me, a mod guy. With the right setup, I could be pushing way past where the '08 will be stuck for some time.
2) If the '08 is the last year of the Viper (now stay on topic!), then the '06 might be the best of all compromises as far as future support. It's really a GenIII in "GenIV" clothing.
3) Everyone says the comfort features of the SRT are way superior. More civilized, blah, blah. And I have to admit, my bad back and middle age years are taking their toll on my driving. I've already upgraded to GenIII seats and done everything else I can. My back is the main reason I've made no suspension mods.
4) Yeah, the wow factor is just not there with the GenIII compared to the GenII. But I am more about the performance, and less about attracting 12 year old boys wherever I go. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree the GenII style GTS is the cream of the crop. But I could use a little more stealth. I know everyone's opinion on this is different, but for me it's sort of a wash. So keep that in mind.
5) The GenIII coupe is a relative steal right now, probably because the '08 is coming out, something that might work to my advantage.
6) Of course, the "odd child" designation of the '06 coupe is a potential downside, like that first year of the C5 Z06. You'd have to be an idiot to buy one of those now. Or maybe ever?
7) I'd still have to sell my '01, I hadn't planned ahead for this, and it is a bad time of year. I also note an unusual number of Sapphire cars for sale right now. Not sure what gives there.

Anyway, don't mean to make it sound like my mind is made up here. It's not. But do you think trading up at this point is wise? Should I wait till Spring and see what happens to the '06's? Should I wait to see if I win the raffle?? Should my genII and I enter into relationship counselling to delve into the root issues about my near-infidelity?

Flame away...

 

[mike & juli]

LOL--I enjoyed reading your post, as I always do!! You have some good points there to consider...we agree the GTS IS the best STYLE Viper...the SRT we have is quite comfortable, yet remains the RAW beast it is...so the '06 and mods sounds right up your alley. I would think that this time of year would be best for the '06's, but probably our dealers on this site can chime in on that. It's personal preference...we agree the 06 would probably be your best bet with the arguments/points you present! YOUR decision, of course!! ~juli

 

[dun4791]

Youre in IL so you arent going to be driving much until March after another month. I say if you like the new style coupe (really sure?), then wait till the 08s are really getting out there, maybe around March, and then get one of the 06 coupes cheaper. Im guessing a lot of the 06 coupes are going to be traded for the 08s.

 

[Camfab]

Get what you like, my guess is that the '08s will get modded in short order as well. By the time you mod that Gen III you're gonna have a ton of cash in it. I saw a post by DC Performance that they will have the tech to mod the '08s. The Gen III's I drove at VOI were really impressive overall.

 

[ACELLR8]

So you are considering getting rid of two Vipers for one SRT-10 Coupe? Funny thing is I gave that thought for about 10 minutes, as I REALLY like the new coupes.

Then I realized my wife would kill me since the GTS is hers and I love my old Gen I. In my case, I definitely want a new coupe and will get a used one in a couple of years when the prices come down and still keep the GTS and the RT.

I guess either way you can't go wrong!! Tough Decision, but I would keep Both GTS's and get the coupe later.

 

[Purdue_Boiler_Viper]

I'd try asking in the Gen3 forum. I would guess that most of us in the Gen1/2 forum don't have much experience with a Gen3. When I was buying my Gen2 coupe, I looked at a few Gen3s that I could have bought for less $$$. But, the looks of the Gen2 coupe were far superior to the Gen3 vert (IMHO). I have never seen a Comp Coup, so I might get swayed by one of those.

 

[Cop Magnet]

Just to clarify, I only have one Viper. Sapphire/Silver (maybe I shouldn't have said Sapphire AND silver, LOL). If I had two to trade in, I think I would have no trouble picking up an '08.

I am thinking trading an '01 for an '06 with about $10K in cash (or less) sounds like a good deal, other things being equal. The style issues will always be apples and oranges. I couldn't agree more that the GenI/II style rules.

Now, to figure out what my car is worth...

 

[RTTTTed]

I won't be trading my Sapphire/Silver GTS in for a long long while. I really like the '08 and if they were able to be supercharged, I'd be slightly tempted. Until then, I'm ecstatic with my 720rwhp beauty.

Maybe just Roe supercharge your '01 and be really happy?

Ted

 

[ViperTony]

Just to clarify, I only have one Viper. Sapphire/Silver (maybe I shouldn't have said Sapphire AND silver, LOL). If I had two to trade in, I think I would have no trouble picking up an '08.

I am thinking trading an '01 for an '06 with about $10K in cash (or less) sounds like a good deal, other things being equal. The style issues will always be apples and oranges. I couldn't agree more that the GenI/II style rules.

Now, to figure out what my car is worth...

If it were me and I had $10K to invest in a Viper I'd put it towards mods on my GenII. Get a ROE and have some fun. The ROE will take your mind off your back for a while. Heck, with all that extra power and torque it may actually fix your back. When you're doing having fun, you can then decide to sell your genII and mods and put it towards an '06.

I understand about your back issues and if you really believe the SRT will help with it then go for it. I wouldn't sell your sapphire until the spring at the earliest. You have a beautiful rare GenII. My bet is that many SRT guys will be trading in towards an '08 and we'll see a flood of SRT's on the market which should bring lower prices.