SRT-10 an Every Day Car?

[normix]

I apologize if this question has been asked many times before.. I am new to the List, but not new on the desire to own a Viper.

Question: Can the Viper SRT-10 be used as your main every day car; commuting to work, 5 hour road trips for work, park in shopping center parking lots, etc. OR is the Viper meant as a 3rd car only??

THANK YOU!
Norm
current car: 2003 Infinity G35 Coupe (its a boring ***** car)
previous 2000 Corvette (I miss)
previous M3 BMW
previous 300ZX

 

[Paul Hawker]

Yes Norm. This is a common question. The answer often times lies in the attitude of the owner.
The Viper is a street legal race car, with many modern creature comforts.

It rides firm, takes steady concentration, and has a very solid drive train. Many many people drive it as their only car, however most have something else in the garage.

Using it every day as a work car would get tiring for the average person, but some of us are not average people, and get a kick out of driving America's highest performance automobile.

The Corvette is a better daily driver. A Dodge minivan is even a better daily driver. Only you can decide if you will enjoy the experience.

I can assure you though that no owner has ever called their Viper "a boring ***** car"

The SRT-10 is the best Viper yet for daily driving, but still takes a special person to take the reins on an every day basis.

 

[Newport Viper]

Man if I can drive my Gen 1 everyday, The SRT should be cake! Unless you live where it snows!
That should be happening to most of you soon!

 

[GR8_ASP]

Thaks Maui. Needed the reminder!

 

[normix]

Thank you for your replies!

What about "everyday" things such as:

Parking? Do you park in your gym parking lot? *******? Burger King?

Driving in the rain?

I see night time driving seems to have been a problem.

I am not sure how familiar you all may be with the L.I.E. (Long Island Expressway), in New York, but I use the LIE back and forth to the office... it is very heaviliy travelled/congested and most folks use the left lane to dilly dally and I typically find myslef passing on the right and quite a bit of zig zagging to get where I am going... I am trying to mellow out, but in my old age, I think I am getting a shorter fuse for dealing with most folks on the road and I am concerned that the SRT-10 will not help chill me out, but rather the opposite...

No coffee cup holders?
No heated seats?
No GPS?
OK, I can live without these conveniences to drive, everyday, "America's highest performance automobile."

Thanks!
Norm

 

[Viperfreak2]

The SRT is so quick and agile, I can't help carving people up when they 'get in the way'. I see that attitude look in their rear view mirror and I go around. I wouldn't recommend the SRT in bumper to bumper. The clutch isn't heavy, but it ain't light either. I learned how to drive on the Merritt Parkway going into the city.....I'd rather have a nice quiet 745 for that kind of mess.

 

[normix]

Thanks Viperfreak2! Merritt sure beats LIE traffic-wise, unless times have changed in Westchester... Nicer curves..

OK Its not fun in bumper to bumper. How about all other aspects of "daily" driving life.. such as parking, service, rain? Folks drool on the windows checking it out?

Thanks!
Norm

 

[slaughterj]

Thanks Viperfreak2! Merritt sure beats LIE traffic-wise, unless times have changed in Westchester... Nicer curves..

OK Its not fun in bumper to bumper. How about all other aspects of "daily" driving life.. such as parking, service, rain? Folks drool on the windows checking it out?

Thanks!
Norm

Those are probably the same for SRT or any other Viper. I daily drive mine, rain or shine (unless I don't feel like putting the top on when the rain is heavy), and park everywhere, downtown DC, overnight parking garages, etc. - it's all a matter of how concerned you would be.

 

[Viperfreak2]

Parking and rain don't bother me anymore. When I first got a Ferrari, I was so tense about parking, I couldn't sit through a whole movie. I always parked WAY away from others and put the car cover on it. You know what? That makes the freaks just come closer! Ratty pickups and well used Yugos will find you and park real close just to piss you off. Now I realize what ever will be will be. It's just a car. Then again I live in the country....

 

[normix]

Just signed the docs for a 2003 SRT-10... My participation in this club will change next week, once I drive the car home.

Why is an ash tray more important than having a cup holder?


Man you must come totally off the clutch in order to get motion.. is this timing right, or am I just used to Corvette clutch?

Wow the feet get cramped between the clutch and the foot-rest

Thanks!
Norm

 

[MiamiJeff]

Welcome and here's the ashtray "fix" http://www.mgwltd.com/viper_cupholder_bezel_srt.html
and keep that website handy as you might want one of their very nice, short, MGW shift knobs.

You must be registered for see images

 

[normix]

Very Cool Thanks!

I wish a lot of fixes were that simple!

Sounds like you and I will have similar Batmobiles

Norm

 

[TacDoc]

I hope it is, my 02 Z06 goes away on monday for an 04 SRT-10 (black)

 

[Cris]

HAh, just read the title of this thread. I believe it is accurate. That is the SRT is an every day car. Just don't use it at night!

 

[MiamiJeff]

Pretty funny comment on it being an every DAY car!

Alternatives are night vision goggles or eating more carrots.

You must be registered for see images

 

[normix]

When I signed my paperwork (yesterday) for my new SRT-10 with my Dealer I made sure to tell them to check out the issue of the flickering headlights before delivery next week... but they claimed to have never heard of this occurence.

I told them I will not pick up the car until they have heard of it and made sure my new car was fixed.

 

[Janni]

You'll probably be wating a few weeks, then...... The release is still being tested with the help of Texas VCA members and not yet released to other dealers.

Not surprising that the dealer hasn't heard about the issue - unfortunately.

<font color="red">EDIT: If your car is a 2004, then it already has the fix applied. </font>

 

[normix]

Thanks Janni

Would you know if the "release" is something the dealership will get automatically, or do they have to request this and know who to request this from?

And, if I take the car prior to the dealership getting the "release" is it something simple to simply bring the car back to the dealership to get the "fix" done while-you-wait?

Thanks!
Norm

 

[Janni]

The fix is an flash upgrade to the BCM (Body Control Module) which should become readily available to all dealers at the release as a software download. And it should be able to be performed "while you wait".