Need Viper - Have Questions...

[SnakeBolt]

Ok, i am new to these cars, so please be gentle!

I currently own a 00 Ford Lightning and after taking a ride in a 97 GTS, am ready for a Viper, my only question is...

I can't afford TOO expensive of a payment (by that i mean over 800)....i think this means i need to go w/ a gen 1, but (from what i've heard) there were a lot of problems. This car would be somewhat of a daily driver (~5-7 miles a day) and i don't think i can afford to pay for it and have too many problems. Should i get a gen 1 or push my budget a little for a 97-98? What can i expect to pay for like a 97 RT/10? It can have some miles on it, or have been wrecked and fixed right........Help me

New to the community,

Bill

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[Sniper]

Hi, Bill-

If it's going to be a daily driver, you'd better get a Gen II because Gen I's have no side windows! And for $800 a month, you should be able to find a decent Gen II. Are you putting any $ down on it?

Nice looking truck, too!

 

[SnakeBolt]

about 10k down - also gotta figure insurance for me will be about 300 a month - i pay 170 for my Lightning and i figure a Viper will be another 100 a month so all in all i think i can afford 1100 a month TOTAL so 1100-300 for insurance is 8 for a payment. I figure i could find an ok 97 for that. Um, what do you mean no side windows? They aren't there???

 

[Sniper]

Just what I said, there are no side windows, unless you count the pop in factory plastic windows. They're kind of like a jeep soft top. Or you could buy aftermarket pop in glass ones, too. For me, I only drive my car in fair weather. That's what I bought it for!

 

[SnakeBolt]

well, as far as problems, were there a lot w/ gen 1's as i have heard, or would one be ok for what i want?

 

[99 R/T 10]

Hey Bill,
Go to the classifieds section and look for the 97 R/T that is for sale. It has the windows and the 450 HP motor. Very good price at $43K. With $10K down on this one, payments of maybe $620 a month. Are you going to use it as your daily driver?

Mike

 

[SnakeBolt]

yeah sure am, but only like 5-7 miles a day. The biggest question i have though, is for the money, wouldn't a 93-94 rt/10 be the way to go? or b/c of the windows, problems, should i REALLY go w/ and spend a little more for a gen 2 (97)?

 

[99 R/T 10]

At 43K I would go for the 97,, that is an outstanding price, especially due to the low production run in 97 (only 117 cars). It will go up in value mor readily than other year models. Insurance will be high due to it being a daily, but if you get a ****** car to drive to and from work with the Viper, insurance will probably be less for the two cars than for just the Viper alone. Shop around.

Mike

 

[ACELLR8]

As far as I am aware the main problems with the Gen I's were the head gaskets on the early 94 and older RT's.
Living in Florida, besides the rain and heat I cannot see any reason why you would need the top on most of the time. I definitely agree real windows would be nice. But I still drive mine on cold days up here in PA with the hardtop on and the After Market slider windows in, which look pretty cool on, IMO.
I agree with WILDUDE, if you get a good deal on a GEN I, getting a ****** would be a good idea and will save you lots in the long run as far as gas, and insurance (you could list it as a leisurely driver, I pay $800 a year for mine). Plus it will also save the wear and tear on your car. I personally would not have a problem driving mine everyday to work, besides spending the money on gas and wear / tear on the car.

Here is a picture of a GEN I with aftermarket windows and the after market hardtop. Much better than stock.

Good luck either way, you will enjoy either one that fits in your budget.

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[99 R/T 10]

God, that is a pretty car ACELLR8, nice pic too!

SnakeBolt, as you probably know the 97 is a Gen II. I personally own the last year of the Gen I R/T and love it. ACELLR8 makes a good point about the rain as the storms in this part of the world tends to pop up fast. I woun't drive the car if there is a chance of rain and no chance of me getting it back to the garage. The top is off 99% of the time.


Mike

 

[Casey]

ACELLR8, that is a Sweet looking RT/10!

 

[ACELLR8]

Thanks Wilddude & Casey!

 

[Scott J]

You forgot to mention one big component: DOWN PAYMENT. You can get a Gen II at far less than $800 per month if you front the capital. For example, my payments are "zero" for my '00 GTS!

If you want to make a minimal down payment and still keep the monthly under $800, I'd go with a Gen I and leave plenty of room in the budget for upkeep and routine maintenance. There are plenty of nice Gen I's on this site as shining examples of daily drivers. Considering the low use you have planned for the car, I see no need for the creature comforts in the Gen II.

 

[SnakeBolt]

good point wilddude

yeah i'll shop around for the insurance but i think my main problem is whether or not i can trust a gen 1 snake or do i need to go out and buy and gen 2 because of the problems associated with gen1's and it being a daily driver?