New here!

[BurntRubber]

My dreams are about to come true! For 11 years I have dreamed about owning a 96 B/W GTS. Found one with 43K miles in Chicago suburbs for what I feel is a resonable deal. I am just amazed I will be able to do this.
One question, I live in Phoenix, AZ. Should I fly up and drive it home and save $1800 or have Gary Almond ship it down here for me. Wasn't sure how 22 hour drive in a Viper would be This car will not be a daily driver but will be driven often. I also have a 06 Ram SRT10 QC.
Thanks for your help and a great website.

 

[Venomiss]

Think of all the pictures you could get with the leaves changing with your Viper....on the journey home. If you like driving this is for you!
On the other hand -you might want to get time behind the wheel near home first- in that case have it shipped and enjoy it in your area first. Without worries about parking and roads on the way home from Chicago.

Whatever you decide-safe travel and welcome

 

[NK BREKR]

Welcome aboard! Congratulations on your purchase, be sure to post pics of the Ram and the GTS.

You picked a great transporter.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

The car has 43k which is high mileage in the bizarre world of Viper ownership, therefore, driving it back won't be like piling miles on a 100 mile garage queen. DRIVE IT!

 

[mad0953]

I wish I would have driven mine home instead of shipping it. The first drive was awesome but it would have been a lot better if it had lasted a day or two. Drive it.

 

[Bullsnake]

Welcome aboard! I just picked my '04 SRT in Chicago a few weeks ago and drove it home-it was awesome!! I was only about a 7 hr. drive from Chicago, but the wife, kids and I drove over and picked it up, and then took our time coming home. She drove it about half way and I drove the rest and loved it! It's nice to have a couple of days to get familiar with your car and enjoy scenery you might not get to see otherwise. I have done this twice before-A '97 Land Rover Defender 90 I picked up in San Francisco and drove back to Iowa, and a '97 911 Cabriolet that we picked up in Florida and drove home. All three trips were great with great memories! My only regret when picking up the Viper was it wasn't a farther drive!!
Congrats again on the new purchase!

 

[Venomiss]

Here's an idea if you do decide to drive.
When you pick it up from Chicago maybe go to one of the Illinois Viper meetings?
(I didn't know if the former owner was a VCA member or not.)
Might be fun to meet others from a bigger club and maybe someone knows your car. I think the next meeting for them is on October 3rd in Schaumburg.
Here is the website in case this appeals to you:

http://www.illinoisvipers.com/

Colorado club might be another option.
I would invite you to one here in KC but our meetings are the last Tuesday of the month.
Good luck!

 

[BurntRubber]

Here's an idea if you do decide to drive.
When you pick it up from Chicago maybe go to one of the Illinois Viper meetings?
(I didn't know if the former owner was a VCA member or not.)
Might be fun to meet others from a bigger club and maybe someone knows your car. I think the next meeting for them is on October 3rd in Schaumburg.
Here is the website in case this appeals to you:

http://www.illinoisvipers.com/

Colorado club might be another option.
I would invite you to one here in KC but our meetings are the last Tuesday of the month.
Good luck!

The current owner is a VCA member. His name is Brian Handle (spelling). I should be up there around the 3rd. It would be fun to meet some new people! I should be heading through Kansas so I will keep you posted!

 

[Angela]

BurntRubber-Sent you a pm.

Thanks

 

[AFL in NJ]

Congratulations, can hardly wait to see you post some pics of you in your new ride!!

Regards,
Aaron

 

[BurntRubber]

Congratulations, can hardly wait to see you post some pics of you in your new ride!!

Regards,
Aaron

You think you can't wait...I will be in shock for the first few hours and most likely be unable to drive. I grew up in Jersey, just moved out here to Phoenix! My whole family is back there!

 

[Freddog11]

DRIVE IT!!! I picked mine up in Texas earlier this year and drove it back to Phoenix. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to get used to the car over a nice long trip. I went with a buddy of mine and we took turns driving. Gave me time to read the owner's manual and play with things on the car. By the way, with that tall sixth gear, we averaged exactly 20 miles to the gallon. At 80mph those things barely turn 1800 rpm. Drive it home, take your time and enjoy it, get used to the car, and resist the urge to do something stupid that will end your dream too soon.

 

[dave6666]

Yup, I'll join in the DRIVE IT HOME crowd. I had a 4 hour drive home in mine - major Interstates on Friday Dec 23rd. It was a fun 4 hour lesson.

 

[mike & juli]

Congratulations BurntRubber on your '96 GTS...that is OUR dream Viper. If it were us, the weather is still reasonable in IL right now, think we'd drive it home!!! Welcome aboard...most of all: ENJOY!!! ~juli

 

[Limit]

I'd like to have the first time driving it in an area I know so I don't have to focus as much on surroundings.

Words of advice for driving:
-Unlike your truck, you'll have to watch the road for big dips and such
-take it slow, you can easily fish tail if you give it too much
-when parking, give yourself a LOT of room in the front, It's surprising how long and low the front end goes, the curve makes it deceiving and will give it some bad rash
-Have fun!

 

[blackrt10]

I drove mine home from Chi-town to nashville. I loved it. enjoy.

 

[WOT!]

I'd like to have the first time driving it in an area I know so I don't have to focus as much on surroundings.

Words of advice for driving:
-Unlike your truck, you'll have to watch the road for big dips and such
-take it slow, you can easily fish tail if you give it too much
-when parking, give yourself a LOT of room in the front, It's surprising how long and low the front end goes, the curve makes it deceiving and will give it some bad rash
-Have fun!

Good advise!

I drove mine home from MO by way of Nashville. I live in NH. Best road trip I ever made. Of course it was a Gen III so the ride was not so harsh. I know others have made long trips in their Gen 1&2. I just don't know how they did it. I suppose they made frequent stops. Something I'm not good at. I just drive non stop (except gas).

If you do it, watch out for the other drivers! I've had them take both hands off the wheel to take a picture of my car.

 

[Nine Ball]

I would fly and drive it, as I tend to do that for any trips less than 1K miles. I did it with several toys already.

 

[Hamrhead]

I answerd ya over on the 'other' forum.

 

[mike & juli]

I answerd ya over on the 'other' forum.

Yeah, I got the 'privilege' of seeing everyone's posts on that one...you had a legitimate question though, one I want cleared up and answered as well: WHEN will there be a GENIII Roe s/c??? I've never told anybody to get a ROE s/c for GenIII's...they do NOT EXIST as of yet....waiting on Sean to get back to me on that very question. Glad to see you didn't chime in with the rest, even if you felt like it, Hamrhead!~! You know what I'm speaking of. ~juli
**I apologize for going off-topic**

 

[goldcup]

Drive it !!!! It will be the best trip you ever take.In my humble opinion the only time a Viper should see a trailer is when you have to pass one! The most beautiful view of a Viper is through the windshield, my only regret is that my drive was only three hours.

 

[Hamrhead]

Yeah, I got the 'privilege' of seeing everyone's posts on that one...you had a legitimate question though, one I want cleared up and answered as well: WHEN will there be a GENIII Roe s/c??? I've never told anybody to get a ROE s/c for GenIII's...they do NOT EXIST as of yet....waiting on Sean to get back to me on that very question. Glad to see you didn't chime in with the rest, even if you felt like it, Hamrhead!~! You know what I'm speaking of. ~juli
**I apologize for going off-topic**

Ummm, he posted a thread over on www.VTCOA.com . I used to own a RAM SRT-10. That's what I was referring to.


And FWIW, I didn't feel like it. I have no problem with you or anyone else here, or on The Alley for that matter.

 

[mike & juli]

Ummm, he posted a thread over on www.VTCOA.com . I used to own a RAM SRT-10. That's what I was referring to.
And FWIW, I didn't feel like it. I have no problem with you or anyone else here, or on The Alley for that matter.

Yep, we have cleared this up!! No prob.... ~juli

 

[JonB]

For 11 years I have dreamed about owning a 96 B/W GTS..... I live in Phoenix, AZ. Should I fly up and drive it home and save $1800 or have Gary Almond ship it down here for me.

Waiting for Gary to deliver the Baby even tho hed be a great choice. : EXCRUCIATING.....
Airline ticket to IL and getting to the car. $300
20 mpg gasoline IL-CO at $3.20 $200
3 nites hotel at $100-$120 = $350
8-10 road-trip Meals $100
Falling in love on the DRIVE..... PRICELESS.

Be sure you adjust your TIRE PRESSURES, PEDALS, MIRRORS (manual) and SEATS before you drive... Having my phone # in your luggage: GOOD IDEA.Bon Voyage.

learn these answers:

1) About 500 HP
2) About 190 mph
3) New ones cost $85-90K
4) Those tubes are for leveling the headlites
5) Those speakers on the hood are air vents

Join the VCA, not just this free website

 

[BurntRubber]

For 11 years I have dreamed about owning a 96 B/W GTS..... I live in Phoenix, AZ. Should I fly up and drive it home and save $1800 or have Gary Almond ship it down here for me.

Waiting for Gary to deliver the Baby even tho hed be a great choice. : EXCRUCIATING.....
Airline ticket to IL and getting to the car. $300
20 mpg gasoline IL-CO at $3.20 $200
3 nites hotel at $100-$120 = $350
8-10 road-trip Meals $100
Falling in love on the DRIVE..... PRICELESS.

Be sure you adjust your TIRE PRESSURES, PEDALS, MIRRORS (manual) and SEATS before you drive... Having my phone # in your luggage: GOOD IDEA.Bon Voyage.

learn these answers:

1) About 500 HP
2) About 190 mph
3) New ones cost $85-90K
4) Those tubes are for leveling the headlites
5) Those speakers on the hood are air vents

Join the VCA, not just this free website

Hey Jon - I will pack your number. I have already contacted Eddie Martin (Viper Tech) down here and he ran all the info on the car and said it was good, carfax confirmed this. You mean those aren't speakers on the hood...Then I am not buying this thing Tires on the car have a 400 miles on them so they should be good for the drive. Thanks again!

 

[Obsidian]

Burnt,

What part of Jersey are you from?

 

[BurntRubber]

Burnt,

What part of Jersey are you from?

Grew up in North Jersey, Oakland area. Coming back home for the holidays though...Viperless At least she will be cozy in my garage

 

[JonB]

Hey Jon - I will pack your number. I have already contacted Eddie Martin (Viper Tech) down here and he ran all the info on the car and said it was good, carfax confirmed this.

have a SAFE TRIP! Having Eddie Martin nearby is a big plus to Viper ownership. This means you should join the AZ VCA and Ill see ya t the F-16 races! Ill even give you a free Viper vs F-16 Viper bronze Air Force Challenge coin with your first PartsRack purchase....remember to ASK.



While a BAD carfax is helpful, a GOOD Carfax really means little.....I just sold a stolen-wreck-rebuilt GTS... I disclosed all, but Carfax would lead to you to believe the car was PERFECT. A few years ago I sold a similiar rebuilder with clean carfax to a vendor here..... who then FAILED to disclose on the VCA classifeids when he sold 8mos later! SHEESH. [he got banned a while]

 

[BurntRubber]

have a SAFE TRIP! Having Eddie Martin nearby is a big plus to Viper ownership. This means you should join the AZ VCA and Ill see ya t the F-16 races! Ill even give you a free Viper vs F-16 Viper bronze Air Force Challenge coin with your first PartsRack purchase....remember to ASK.



While a BAD carfax is helpful, a GOOD Carfax really means little.....I just sold a stolen-wreck-rebuilt GTS... I disclosed all, but Carfax would lead to you to believe the car was PERFECT. A few years ago I sold a similiar rebuilder with clean carfax to a vendor here..... who then FAILED to disclose on the VCA classifeids when he sold 8mos later! SHEESH. [he got banned a while]

The carfax did prove what he told me about the various owners and mileage, but I know what you mean alot fo things fall through the cracks. Can you get tires for the Ram SRT10, I nedd them in the next month or so!

 

[JonB]

,,, Can you get tires for the Ram SRT10, I nedd them in the next month or so!,,,

I have Yokahama 22s at only $175 ea and OE Pirelli Scorpions at about $215 and even Sumitomo cheepies at $169...but at least chose the Yoko.....