Viper quips and observations.

[santo]

Many of you Viper veterans probably don't remember your frst thoughts on the Viper when you first got it so I thought I'd write this while it's still fresh...

Viper quips after the first week of ownership of what I heard and what is the truth...

1. I feel like a "celebrity"... All the cops know me already.
2. You get lots of looks... That could be true but looking out the front windshield gives me about two feet of view between the low roof line and rather lumpy hood. I can only see people's rear bumpers and taillights when stopped. If I look out of the rear view mirror, I can only see their headlights and grills and nothing higher. I am too busy controlling the beast as I drive so I don't get to see anyone's reactions as I move.
3. It's a thrill to drive... I wouldn't know that yet. I'm driving like an old lady; 5 MPH below the speed limit. All because I am a "celebrity". Feels like I just robbed a bank when I drive that car.
4. You get asked lots of questions when you walk up to your car... I really don't get asked too many but there is one common one, "How much did you pay for it?". I REALLY need some help to come back with a snappy answer because I tried a few and they just aren't funny.
5. It takes a little time to get used to the power. Be careful... As I said, I'm driving like a little old lady, slow and steady. I am in deperate need of a nice stretch of road that I can "experiment" with, however, we have had some crappy weather this weekend and it's almost time to put it away. I was thinking of asking the cop who pulled me over if I could give her a run while he supervised. Then reality set in.
6. You don't need a front license plate... Let's not go there. I broke the first Viper commandment but at least I'm not as much of a "celebrity" anymore.

Observations:
- Looking out of the back window is like watching a wide screen DVD movie on a square TV.
- I expected to have a rougher ride in the car due to a really stiff suspension. It's actually pretty good.
- Every gas station stop is an event in itself when I fill up at a self-serve station.
- I used to be able to listen to the engine to figure out what RPM I was at in my old car to figure out when to shift. That's not possible now.
- I found the glove compartment. It's in the back where the trunk is supposed to be.
- I can't wait to change the oil so I can see someone even attempt to open the hood. I'm going to make sure it's not at a Dodge dealer.
- I went to the parts counter at a dealership and asked how much an extra key was. Either someone had a spasm when they keyed in the price and accidently put in CAN$179 or they neglected to mention that a bar of gold was included in the price.
- I have a personal security guard at work that watches my car. Some kid stands around it most of the day just looking at it, apparently. I could pay him something so that it could be official but I don't think I even need to.
- My right foot hurts when I drive that car. It because I have to hold it back from resting too much on the gas pedal.
- The sound system is the only thing that doesn't match the Viper standards. It is pretty bad.
- Whoever came up with the windshield wiper pattern for the wipers needs a hardy congratulations. That IS cool.

That's all I got for now. If anyone wants to add any personal observations, I'd be interested.

Santo

 

[DrumrBoy]

On the "how much did it cost" question, you can always give a genuine answer but in some obscure currency like Kina (New Guinea), Won (Korea) or RMB (China). People don't get upset as they tend to do when you BS them but they do tend to give up because they don't know what to do with the data.

 

[red98RT10]

As another new Viper owner, I loved reading your observations! I'll try to add another perspective if I get time at work today!

 

[Eric H]

That was pretty darn funny, and very true, although as you get to drive the car more, you get bettter at staring out the side window and watching the peoples faces as you drive by, pretty funny to watch.

I get 2 questions ALL the time...
How fast have you had it, and How much does it cost.......

When they ask how much it costs i usually reply "Why you planning on making me an offer?" Which usually annoys them to the point they leave. I think its a rude question, you dont ask someone how much they paid for the engagement ring or house, so why ask how much the car costs.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I always get the "whatd you pay for it?" question too. I either pull some # out of midair or say "i got a good deal on it" and leave it at that. I dont want to come off as being rude, but it sure is annoying as hell to be asked personal questions like that. I'd rather be asked about the hood speakers and lasers in the headlights than asked how much I paid for it.

 

[Anaconda]

I used to be able to listen to the engine to figure out what RPM I was at in my old car to figure out when to shift. That's not possible now.

Why not? I shift by "sound" most of the time.

 

[steel snake]

Hopefully, soon you'll be out of "old lady mode". I go with the traffic flow, throwing in a burst every now and then just to let 'em know. Zero to 40 in a second is always fun (check for cops and traffic) at the stoplight. I watch traffic like a hawk. You never know when some dufus is taking a nap. Get aquainted with Ebay for little stuff like keys, covers,etc. You CAN lift the hood yourself. Just be sure you apply as much lift to center as possible. It IS decidedly easier with two people. This car will be the most fun you'll have with your clothes on.

 

[big-n-italian]

when i am asked how much the car cost, i say:

"TOO MUCH! But that is OK, I am worth it. In fact, I probably should have spent more!"

 

[00prowler]

I always get the "whatd you pay for it?" question too. I either pull some # out of midair or say "i got a good deal on it" and leave it at that. I dont want to come off as being rude, but it sure is annoying as hell to be asked personal questions like that. I'd rather be asked about the hood speakers and lasers in the headlights than asked how much I paid for it.

too funny...the third BIG question is what do you do for a living...Al...