Pre-Purchase Inspection Recommendations in Northern Michigan

[GTS550]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations for a trusted mechanic, shop, or inspection service that can perform a pre-purchase inspection on a Dodge Viper in Northern Michigan. Ideally, I’d like someone with experience working on Vipers who can provide a thorough assessment of the car’s mechanical and cosmetic condition. I plan on driving the car ~600 miles home, so I'd also like to ensure its roadworthiness.

If you have any suggestions or personal experiences with shops in the area, I’d really appreciate the insight. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message. Thanks in advance!

 

[Goggles Pizano]

You may have to fly someone in if you that worried.

 

[yzf1999]

There is no way I’d drive a gen 2 viper that far for it’s first voyage no matter what an inspector said.

 

[TEALLIFE]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations for a trusted mechanic, shop, or inspection service that can perform a pre-purchase inspection on a Dodge Viper in Northern Michigan. Ideally, I’d like someone with experience working on Vipers who can provide a thorough assessment of the car’s mechanical and cosmetic condition. I plan on driving the car ~600 miles home, so I'd also like to ensure its roadworthiness.

If you have any suggestions or personal experiences with shops in the area, I’d really appreciate the insight. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message. Thanks in advance!

if youre just looking for roadworthy checkout and general PPI, really any good shop can do that. Vipers aren't very complicated. If anything they are one of the more simple cars you can get. I'd look for a good independent porsche/lambo/ferrari type shop in the area if you can't find anyone who has viper experience specifically. You'll be just fine with that.

 

[TEALLIFE]

There is no way I’d drive a gen 2 viper that far for it’s first voyage no matter what an inspector said.

Why? I don't see an issue unless there are known problems with the car. Tires good? Car has been maintained? Fluids good? Does it overheat? Does it drive straight? If all good, I don't see an issue.

 

[yzf1999]

I just bought a 97 GTS and it looks great (original)…I had it delivered from Delaware as part of the deal. I drove it 1 mile from the transport truck to my house and it ran and drove fine. Upon inspection I think every fluid (except break fluid, engine oil and filter) looks original. The car only has 16k miles, but it’s almost 30 years old. That’s 30 year old rubber coolant hoses. The absolute last surprise I’d want on a 600 mile drive home would be overheating the motor because the radiator hoses or the radiator itself failed. Basically it’s an old car that I would want to drive in a controlled environment to find out what I actually have.

 

[TEALLIFE]

I just bought a 97 GTS and it looks great (original)…I had it delivered from Delaware as part of the deal. I drove it 1 mile from the transport truck to my house and it ran and drove fine. Upon inspection I think every fluid (except break fluid, engine oil and filter) looks original. The car only has 16k miles, but it’s almost 30 years old. That’s 30 year old rubber coolant hoses. The absolute last surprise I’d want on a 600 mile drive home would be overheating the motor because the radiator hoses or the radiator itself failed. Basically it’s an old car that I would want to drive in a controlled environment to find out what I actually have.

Everyone has their tolerances/risks. Every car is different. Drove home my 12k mile GTS for 200 miles which had everything original (aside from engine oil probably and tires), without issue. A simple PPI by a qualified shop or even by yourself should be able to tell you the condition of things.

If a belt or hose breaks, you'll likely know before damage is done.

 

[yzf1999]

Well if anything goes wrong I hope Billy Bob tow truck driver appreciates the car that’s in his care..along with the closest shop he has to take it to. Me personally I’d spend the money upfront and have the car delivered.

 

[haneifk]

I have a Gen 2 that I've maintained/rebuilt for the last 10 years and am pretty comfortable around them, know the ins and outs, etc. I live in SE Michigan. Depending on how far away it is I could come take a look.

 

[GTS550]

I have a Gen 2 that I've maintained/rebuilt for the last 10 years and feel pretty comfortable around them. I live in SE Michigan. Depending on how far away it is I could come take a look.

Thanks. I'm PM'ing you.

Separately, I appreciate the robust discussion around the advisability of driving a Gen 2 on a long maiden voyage. As long as the weather is good, learning about the car and shaking it down over a long drive home would be part of the experience of buying one—as long as we make it home in one piece!

 

[haneifk]

I bought mine in Virginia and drove it 500 miles home... in the middle of December. Although I did check the forecast and the weather was going to be very cooperative lol

 

[Venamous54]

I bought my GEN 3 with 27000 miles all original in Ohio. About 250 miles from my house in Michigan. Ran and drove flawlessly. I guess I put a lot of trust in that care for my maiden voyage. Good luck, hope its what you're looking for.

 

[TEALLIFE]

Well if anything goes wrong I hope Billy Bob tow truck driver appreciates the car that’s in his care..along with the closest shop he has to take it to. Me personally I’d spend the money upfront and have the car delivered.

I would too when you factor in the cost of the flight/gas/risks etc.