Shopping for my first Viper

[cmqq]

Greetings all!

Before I begin, I must tell you all that I am, and always have been a Ford man at heart. However, after recently receiving the cold shoulder twice consecutively from my local Ford dealer after inquiring about a new Cobra (I'm 25, but look about 17), I'm starting to get a little fed up.

Anyway, I've been toying with the idea of denying my traditional Ford roots and buying a Viper. The problem is that even though I'm a car guy, I know almost nothing about Vipers, which is what brings me here.

I'm sure you pros get this all the time, but if any of you could give me some pointers, I'd very much appreciate it. I'm willing to spend around $40,000, which I believe puts me in the 1995/1996 range. I'd also like to go *******, since this would be a summer-weekend-only car.

After talking to some other people (albeit on a Ford forum), I was informed that Vipers are very hot, bumpy, and awkward to sit in. I don't mind the heat and the bumpy ride is how a car is SUPPOSED to feel, but how is the pedal and shifter setup? I'm 6'0". Will I have to sit at a weird angle to operate the pedals or shifter?

I'm so ignorant about the various models of Vipers that I don't even really know what other questions to ask, so I'd like to leave this as open-ended as possible. If anyone has anything to contribute, I would be very thankful. The only thing I know about Vipers (beyond a few technical specs) is that they are one of the sexiest cars on earth, and are the benchmark that every other sports car compares itself to. 'nuff said.


Thanks!

 

[brianflynn]

They are great car, get an extended warrantee because they are expensive to fix.

I am also 6'0 and the only trouble is my knee hits the dash a bit but the seat lowering kit will take care of that.

No weird driving angles like the most exotics.cars.

I have a mustang it is a lot of fun to drive but doesn't compare to the viper.

 

[KenH]

Your last sentence shows that you already know the important stuff.

Regarding seats, at 6' you will fit fine. The pedals are offset to the left to clear the large transmission tunnel. Feels a little awkward at first and there is a tendancy to hit the brake instead of the clutch a few times, but you quickly get used to it.

The shifter sits on a high and wide transmission tunnel with a fairly long shaft. Most owners shorten the shifter for a better feel.

Since you are on that border year wise, it would be best to try to get into a GenII if possible as there have been on-going improvements such as better head gaskets and HP upgrades. There is also better aftermarket support for the GenII's. The downside is that aftermarket parts are much more expensive than for something like a mustang.

And remember. It's not a car, it's an addiction.

--- Ken

 

[SapphireGTS]

I have always been a Ford guy but Ford just isnt coming out with anything thats all that sweet. The NEW NEW mustang may be cool if they follow through with it.

The Viper is a well mannered car. Those who say it isnt has never driven one. Its as well behaved as a 93 cobra. Bumpier than a tarus, likes ruts, peels out all the time, but is very easy to drive. If you think you can't handle it, stick with the boring pony cars. You may be safer with that .

Alot of Ford dealers ****. They wouldnt let me test drive a Cobra either. Said they are too rare. I just learned the best way to get attention at a dealer, if you are buying or not, is put a check book in your front shirt pocket.

My only complaint about the Viper is they do run a little hot. Better exhaust and different cats will help that. You are a mustang guy so im sure you will rip off the stock exhaust.

As for the year. Get a 96 GTS (for that price you could probably get a decent one) 96s have a nice lumpy idle. chug chug chug chug.

Get a viper. If you regret it, I'll by it from you.

Where are you located. When I bought mine they brought a new and a used one to my house for me to drive. Thats pretty cool of them.

 

[ggc]

If you use the search engine on this site you will find many threads discussing what to look for in purchasing a new Viper.

I also recommend that you call Bill Pemberton at Woodhouse Dodge and/or Chuck Tator at Tator Dodge. They are long time supporters of the VCA and viper owners in general. They will not steer you wrong.

All Vipers are awesome cars from 92 on. If you can get into a '97 up RT, there are some advantages in terms of HP and creature comforts. Finally if you want to find out about Vipers you have come to the right place.

 

[cmqq]

Thanks for the quick replies! I see everyone talking about Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Vipers.... when did they switch? (Told you I'm new to this Viper thing ) Is there a pretty big difference between a 95 and a 96?

The problem is that I live in Minneapolis, MN. Vipers aren't very common here, at least probably not as common as I would imagine they are in Southern California, Texas, Florida, etc. The Ford dealers here won't allow a test drive in a Cobra, so I find it highly unlikely that I could test drive a Viper, even if I could find one at a dealership.

More than likely, I'll wind up buying one off someone on autotrader and paying to ship it to Minneapolis. That's why I'm here... I need to be confident in my purchase since I won't even have a chance to see or test the vehicle before I buy it.

 

[SapphireGTS]

I think vipers wear pretty well. If you find on you want, surely someone on the Viper page lives close to it and may look at it for you.

The only vipers I would stay away from are super low mile Gen 1s. Im sure there are some exceptions but cars that sit, age faster than those that are driven. Parts that are designed to move are designed to move. Not sit. Good Luck. There are many used ones in my area if you get one you want ill check it our for you just to make sure its straight.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

96 was a crossover year.
96 RT/10 is Gen I.
96 GTS is Gen II.

 

[scottgf]

FYI,
I purchased my Viper over 3 years ago (94 RT/10)and have been very happy with it.
I have only spent $40.00 on repairs (p/s hose replaced by me).
I have changed the oil a few times (12 quarts mobil one plus filter)kinda pricy but no big deal.
My Viper has been the most reliable car I have ever owned....I have put over 25k miles on it....Go buy one!!!
Cheers,

 

[viper spray]

I have a really nice , very fast , mint ,red 95 RT-10 with all the good stuff that I must sell. E-mail me!

 

[slaughterj]

92-95 are all rt/10s (400hp, removable tops, removable windows, side exhaust), and are gen 1s
96 rt/10 is unique, crossover year (415hp, different windows, rear exhaust), considered gen 1.5s
96-02 gts are all gen2s (450hp coupe, i.e., not removable top!, real windows, rear exhaust)
97-02 rt/10s are all gen2s (450hp, removable tops, real windows, rear exhaust)
starting in 99, there was an "upgraded" version of the gts called the acr, basically was different wheels, suspension(?), smooth intake tubes, and k&n filters

check out the classifieds here, on autotrader.com, and cars.com for ideas on prices by year

 

[slaughterj]

Also of use for you:

Buying a 1st Viper Tips

1. Establish your financial range.
2. Determine what is affordable in that financial range.
3. Do the above by searching ebay, autotrader.com, cars.com, and especially the viper club sites, like viperclub.org, .com, and viperalley.
4. Contact your insurance company to get your insurance rates to confirm that the purchase will be affordable.
5. Determine any other limitations you might have, such as mileage, mods, and color.
6. When you find a car you are interested in, you will need to check the car out, and to do this, do the following:
a. first with a carfax report, a check of dealership records on the car, and whatever information the seller can provide you (including on maintenance).
b. then get the examined, either by yourself if it is near (and be sure to familiarize yourself with what needs to be looked at), or if it is at a distance, politely post (on all the viper forums) a general request for a viper owner in the area to check the car out for you.
7. Bargain on the price, and make sure ALL arrangements are clear before traveling to get the car, and if not previously personally inspected, make sure it is clear that the deal is contingent upon your final inspection.
8. Buy the car and make sure you call your insurance company before you go anywhere and get it covered!

Other notes:
- Have it checked by a Viper Tech if possible
- Get an extended warranty if possible (find out in advance)

 

[DR VIPER]

What a great choice in cars you're considering.I'm 6'2" and own a Gen 1 RT/10.All I can tell you is that it's probably the best seating position and the pedals are just the right distance.Good luck in finding the right car!

 

[MoparMan]

Has anyone here ever dealt with dodgevipersforsale.com? If so, how were your experiences with them?