Newbee ready to buy, need advice.

[Raypanic]

I have been wanting a Viper since they first came out, Now finally I am in the position to buy one. I am interested in the "older" body style not the new 2003. I would like to get one that would be 1997 + I am leaning toward the GTS.

I would like to hear some do's and dont's about purchasing one. I have been looking in auto trader and the classifieds I have seen many online and would like to start my inspection of a few. If you have any things to look for and to look out for please let me know.

Two years ago I made the mistake of not fully checking out and understanding a powerboat I bought. I finally this year got it into the water. (after new engines outdrives and many other problems) I dont want to make a mistake agian. I have since joined a website board www.offshoreonly.com and they have been very helpfull in my boating needs. I am hoping you will do the same.

Thank you,

Ray

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

Ray,

Grab a cup of coffee and do a search on the subject. You'll find tons of info on the subject. Let me know if I can help....Kurt

 

[Raypanic]

I had done a search but I spelled newbie with newbee, I have found some good info now, Thanks. And who is this mr Pemberton and what is woodhouse? A link or number would be much appreciated.

 

[Mr U-2]

I'm in the same position...looking hard for a 2001 or 2002 GTS. I took the VCA's advice and called Bill...very helpful..no pressure. His prices beat anything by a large margin I've been able get from my local dealer here in NW FL. If I can work it in I'll stop in during an upcoming trip.

Good luck...

 

[MadMaxx]

If your going to buy new... definetly talk to bill@woodhouse. After speaking with him about a used coupe (when he gets one!), I know thats the dealership who will be getting my business! My local dodge dealer are crooks.. I mean seriously, CROOKS.

The search button is handy, but you can always ask questions.. if we all just used the search button, there would be like 3 new topics a week here

MM

 

[slaughterj]

Specific questions would be better for us to help you - do you need info like differences between various years, differences between gts/rt10, or more specific issues like leakage, maintenance, etc.?

 

[Raypanic]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by slaughterj:
Specific questions would be better for us to help you - do you need info like differences between various years, differences between gts/rt10, or more specific issues like leakage, maintenance, etc.?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I were to buy used what should I look for like signs of abuse, certain years of Vipers that had problems, Did the enginges change like in 1996 to a higher hp? Common problems to look for.

 

[MadMaxx]

96 = first year for the coupe

The Coupes have changed little... 96 first year, 97 brought new wheel (forged, same patern, 17"). 98 was a new wheel, and oil pan change (right?), as well as a mid year fascia change (fog cover delete). Pretty much the same from then till now.

MM

 

[Raypanic]

I have seen a few with the Hennessey Venom 650R package. Is this something worth the money or is it a bad idea?

Here is one: http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=101627490&&color=&dr

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

I agree you should call Pemberton, they also sell used cars or he knows of other cars around the country that are available, for example a customer of his whose car is coming in and is selling it themselves. I disagree with pump jockey regarding hot air from ac under acceleration. I have been told that is a normal and occaisional occurance. I believe Herb Helbig even answered a question in recent Viper magazine about it. If I'm wrong about this and you are aware of problems in this area pump jockey, I for one would like more info. Ray, what kind of boat do you have? I dabble in offshore myself and hang out a little at offshoreonly. Roger Penske once said... "If you have to spend a LOT of money really quickly, offshore boats are the way to go!" This from an Indy team owner.

 

[Ron Hickey]

Ray,

Check your email.

 

[Eddie N]

lee,

the AC compressor kicking off and warm air blowing through the vents at WOT is completely normal.. i think what pump jockey is referring to is the car overheating and running hot while the ac is running..

- eddie -

 

[Raypanic]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lee00blacksilverGTS:
Ray, what kind of boat do you have? I dabble in offshore myself and hang out a little at offshoreonly. Roger Penske once said... "If you have to spend a LOT of money really quickly, offshore boats are the way to go!" This from an Indy team owner.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A 1998 Powerquest 380 and a Eliminator Eagle XP 236... Check my website: www.raymondbaldwin.com

 

[95Viper]

I bought my first Viper 8 days ago. I haven't slept much since. It's a 1995 Red RT/10, Last 300 Side Exhaust with 800 miles. The original owner thought it would be worth billions of dollars but it depreciated since new. It now has 1200 miles as I've driven it to all my friends house and it hasn't rained in two weeks. I found two websites very helpful to find mine. Autotrader.com and Cars.com. Be patient as I looked at 2 terrible ones with under 5,000 miles. Be careful and be ready to pass.

 

[Raypanic]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Neurot:
what part of the country are you in? I'm in the SF Bay area and have a 2000 GTS to sell...would be happy to talk to you.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am in Michigan, Currently I dont want to have to look that far but if something changes I will let you know.

 

[Jerry Dobson]

My 2 cents....Yep, buy one with a warranty or add it soon. You can still buy the factory warranty on most used Vipers.

When I was looking for a Viper, I found so so many that were absolute turds. Cars with 5 or 6 thousand miles on them in really bad shape. Some had many owners over the years. I was a Ferrari guy and could not believe how dirty and run down some of these Vipers were. Had I just approached the cars, I would have guessed 30k+ miles. None of these cars had anthing to do with the Viper Club or VCA. I think many of them were bought by individuals just wanting to make a buck. I am just warning you to be very careful about buying a Viper sight unseen. Many of these cars end up on Ebay. They look OK in a picture, but would be a nightmare during their inspection.

 

[Raypanic]

I think I have decided, A 2001 or 2002 Red GTS with stripes. I just need to nail down a deal. I will get the extended warranty too. Right now Dodge is offering a 7/70 warranty Included with a new purchase. I really like the Red/White combination but the silver stripes look good too. I think the stripes really make the car, I also like the Yellow but dont like it with the stripes - Go figure. Now I'm like a kid in a candy store.

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Ray, I agree with the stripes. Have you talked to Pemberton? I have no connection with him, other than I am in the process of buying my third car from him. I just checked their site, they have all of your color choices, one is a left over new 2001 red/silver. Bill gave me a price on one of those a few weeks ago, they had several and I almost fainted at how good the deal was, My ladies would NOT give up the black silver car. They also put stripes on and do it better than the factory, clear coat over hood so no edges on stripes (feels and looks like color in the gelcoat instead of painted imron colors, how's that for a boating analogy?) and of course any color you want. Ship in enclosed trailer to your front door. I never drove it, never laid eyes on Bill or Bob Woodhouse. They have figured out a new way to do business long distance. The best car buying experience of my life. They can also deal on warranties. My guess, a left over brand new 2001 with a deal on warranty will be a lot cheaper than 2002 even with free warranty. I think they had a leftover 2001 new plain red too, that would be my chice, and put the sripes on there. Might think about black stripes, stunning on one of our moderators cars..Vipermad, do a search..he's everywhere on here!