Why do viper owners tend to keep miles so low?

[terminator02]

I drive my car but am curious as to why many tend to have such low miles? If I look through autotrader or random sites, it's very common to see Audi R8's with 30k+ miles on 2008s, Acura NSX with 100k+ depending on year, vettes, porsches etc. Vipers, while not carrying miles quite as low as many ferrari or lambo cars, tend to be some of the lowest driven cars out there. I'm just curious as to why as the maintenance isn't near exotic levels and it's not like the engine can't handle it. Is it purely because of the notion that people think they will be making money on keeping these cars as I can't think of too many other reasons? I suppose many owners have other exotics and tend to prefer to drive those more as another possibility, just wondering if anyone knows why?

 

[Allan]

I don't get it either.
I drive mine Full-Blast!

 

[Dom426h]

the Viper experience can be considered a bit brutal. Some people might buy then realize that they can only tollerate driving every once in awhile.

I put over 5k on my GTS every year. Its fun, but there are some times when i drive several days in a row then get "Vipered out" where i feal like i need a break from the beast.

The other cars you are comparing to are apples to oranges as they are more touring&luxury oriented. Easy for the average person to comfortably rack up some serious miles in something like an R8.

 

[Voodoo Rob]

Viper simply is a no compromise vehicle and is not as driveable as say a 911 or Z06. For some that is the pro for others that's the con. For me I don't use the car a lot because it attracts too much attention unattended or I simply don't want to worry about it when in a store or restaurant. The older gens are just not easy to real world with, the newer gens seem better but still not on the same real world level as other performance 2 seaters. Its not about investment for future, there's not much if any money to be made on Vipers, with a few extreme exceptions.

 

[terminator02]

the Viper experience can be considered a bit brutal. Some people might buy then realize that they can only tollerate driving every once in awhile.

I put over 5k on my GTS every year. Its fun, but there are some times when i drive several days in a row then get "Vipered out" where i feal like i need a break from the beast.

The other cars you are comparing to are apples to oranges as they are more touring&luxury oriented. Easy for the average person to comfortably rack up some serious miles in something like an R8.

Yes I suppose I feel the way you do about getting "Vipered out" on some days. However, having driven an Audi R8, I found it to be a very uncomfortable car. Sure it had amenities, I found the seats uncomfortable and shifting to be very awkward. Another interesting thing i have noticed is how well Camaro ZL1 and Shelby GT500 cars are holding their values. Just shows how many niches are within the sports/exotic car market.

 

[hiss highness]

got an easy fix for when the miles creep up on mine, got brand new gauges for when it is restore time, I viper out when my ears start bleeding from the side pipes, but am thinkin of sellin maybe and viper retire

 

[Viper #53]

Most Vipers are not purchased as daily drivers. Porsches, NSXs and Vettes are more typically used as a primary vehicle, hence the higher mileage. I use a 911 every day, while my Viper and other sports cars are weekend warriors. The Viper is very reliable (I've had my RT/10 for 20 years.) Other exotica has limited miles due to massive value depreciation with accumulated miles and high cost of maintenance.

 

[SSGSNAKE]

Weather Short driving season

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

A good question, and the reason I personally have low miles on my current ACR is that I find it almost boring to drive on the streets compared to the adrenaline and performance experience you get with it on the track. After a competition weekend driving anywhere else is just too slow.

 

[agentf1]

For me the Viper is my second toy and sits on the side of the garage that I have to move stuff to get it out so I tend to jump in the Callaway more often. There is also the fact that the Callaway is quieter, has navigation and satellite radio so it is always my choice for longer rides. That said I do make sure I drive the Viper at least once a month (I know, tough job huh).

 

[johniew398]

I have 13,000 on my 2008 ACR. That in some circles would be considered low miles. Before I retired I drove it to work every Friday if the weather was good and on the weekends. I will probably drive it more now that I have retired (only retired three weeks ago). From what I have seen low mile cars don't bring that much more than one's that have been driven, taken care of and no wrecks.

 

[The_Greg]

Because those who drive them don't flip them? I know a GTS with over 100k, the owner isn't planning on selling anytime soon. I have over 50k, no plans to sell.

 

[MikeG]

There are other reasons also. I take my Viper out at least twice a month. I would take it out a lot more often, but the type of insurance I have will not permit me this option. I have agreed upon value, and consequently, have to play by the insurance carrier rules, one of which, is no more than 5000 miles annually. Anyone that lives in Texas, knows how friggin difficult that is. It is a big state, and going down to the end of the block is going to put a lot of miles on the car, just one way.

 

[Coloviper]

Just the type of owner more than anything. Guy I bought my 96' RT from this year has a fully custom 56' Ford truck he put $180K into and has driven it 180 miles in past 4 years. He put a whopping 82 miles on the 96' in 3 years he had it due to a bum left knee. A lot of owners of the GEN I and IIs were older and just wanted the car, treated it like their old Cobra kit cars but a modern treat. People like that usually spend more time going to car shows and polishing than driving. Those guys beat the hell out of all the cars before and most likely said, this is my last car like this and I am really going to take care of this one from new. Vast majority has other daily drivers so with that mind set you drive less often to keep it pristine. I ended up doing that on my 06' I bought new as I only put 8,500 miles on the 6 years I owned it. Don't know why now but it happened. This 96' is used and has some patina so I just don't care with this one. Going to drive it rain or shine but still only really find myself driving in the shine. For long trips, would not even think of taking it. After 200 miles, my internal organs are begging for a Lincoln town car type of ride. But up to that point, what a 200 miles.

 

[Nine Ball]

Those other cars get purchased as daily drivers. I don't know of more than 2-3 people on this site that use a Viper as a daily driver.

 

[DrumrBoy]

When I make a 20 minute trip on mission of some sort on a hot summer day I think "Hot, Hot Hot GTS, trouble parking and if I hit traffic will it overheat, or DD M3 with nice A/C that won't induce any unwanted stress on my tired brain". I pick the M3 most often. Other times when I'm not on a mission and can pick my roads and destination I think " GTS, Z06, M3, BB 70 Corvette, Mustang......" and inevitable pick the GTS because its the most fun. The latter question unfortunately happens less often than the first ;-)

 

[MoparMap]

Those other cars get purchased as daily drivers. I don't know of more than 2-3 people on this site that use a Viper as a daily driver.

If I'm not already on that list you can add me to it. I may see you for the ALMS race if you're going, I've got my hotel booked and plan to drive it down. I actually find my gen 3 really comfortable for the most part. The seating position sometimes makes my back hurt a little on longer rides, but as weird as it sounds the 6 point harnesses actually make it easier to drive long distances. They help hold me straight in the seat so I don't slouch and keep my back from getting sore as easy. The A/C works fine and I drive it rain or shine to work. Snow is about the only thing that will keep me off the roads with it.

One reason some of the earlier cars might not have as many miles is the lack of a roof. I know my mom's 94 is that way. She can't really do long trips because she only has the one piece hardtop for it and the factory plastic windows and no one really likes riding in it with the top on. Gets really claustrophobic and loud in there. Had our eyes peeled for a factory soft top one of these days, but they're made out of unobtainium lately. When you do find one it's usually a gen 2 and not a gen 1.

 

[Zee]

is this a serious question? Come on man...I love my Viper, but you can't drive this thing everyday!

 

[MoparMap]

There's really no reason you can't for the most part. I don't need to haul anything or anyone besides myself 95% of the time. Hitting the go pedal never gets old, so why not enjoy it? Someone could pull out in front of you tomorrow when you're driving the car and total it. I'd rather have enjoyed several thousand miles in the car than wish that I'd driven it more if something like that happens.

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

I get the harness thing helping your back, but remember that in an accident on the road your 6 point will prevent the body moving side to side or even forward a little like the 3 point is designed to do to use the airbags. The only thing that will "give" is your neck, not a good thing so be careful.

If I'm not already on that list you can add me to it. I may see you for the ALMS race if you're going, I've got my hotel booked and plan to drive it down. I actually find my gen 3 really comfortable for the most part. The seating position sometimes makes my back hurt a little on longer rides, but as weird as it sounds the 6 point harnesses actually make it easier to drive long distances. They help hold me straight in the seat so I don't slouch and keep my back from getting sore as easy. The A/C works fine and I drive it rain or shine to work. Snow is about the only thing that will keep me off the roads with it.

One reason some of the earlier cars might not have as many miles is the lack of a roof. I know my mom's 94 is that way. She can't really do long trips because she only has the one piece hardtop for it and the factory plastic windows and no one really likes riding in it with the top on. Gets really claustrophobic and loud in there. Had our eyes peeled for a factory soft top one of these days, but they're made out of unobtainium lately. When you do find one it's usually a gen 2 and not a gen 1.

 

[datruodb]

My DD is a Ford Edge (go ahead and laugh) I did however throw my 2013 VCA sticker on the back to help ease the pain. I commute everyday, so I might drive it twice a month to the office. I really only drive it when I'm trolling for some ass, which is usually on the weekends. Don't have time to do that on a "school night".

 

[AJ02]

I've had my GTS for a little over a year and a half now, and have put over 24000 miles on it. I have a company truck that they pay the gas in and still go for the Viper anytime I'm not at work. I've driven it 700 miles each way up to my daughter's house in Illinois and back twice. Hell, I'll drive 60 miles round trip just to go to Ft. Worth for a beer! Art ( And I'm 60 years old!!)

 

[Bugman Jeff]

While mine isn't strictly my daily, it's a 3-4 days a week car(the other days it's my '55 Plymouth), and my commute is 40 miles a day. Perhaps it's because I don't have any other high end cars, but the Viper is the most "civilized" car I own. It's ride quality is the best of the bunch, it has AC that works, power steering and brakes, so far it's been dead reliable, and it's seats are the most comfortable. When you're not on the throttle and driving it hard, it's almost boring. Unless you're a collector, I see no good reason not to drive it(unless you've got insurance restrictions as posted above).

 

[MoparMap]

I get the harness thing helping your back, but remember that in an accident on the road your 6 point will prevent the body moving side to side or even forward a little like the 3 point is designed to do to use the airbags. The only thing that will "give" is your neck, not a good thing so be careful.

That's always sort of in the back of my mind. I kind of vary on which belts I use. Longer drives like to work and back I'll put on the 6 points fairly often, shorter stuff like errands around town I'll typically stick to the stock 3 points since buckling into the harnesses can be a bit of a hassle.

I know what you mean Bugman about the civilized car thing as well. My first choice backup car is my 67 Dart with a 5.7 swap. It's EFI, so it's easy enough to hop it and go, but with no A/C, manual steering, manual brakes, crank windows, and all the other missing options it's not always my first choice based on the weather. The 4 speed and 3.55 gears are also a little rough on the highway. 3k+ rpm for 20 odd miles each way wear on you a bit. Keeping my eye out for a T56 to do a 6 speed swap one of these days. The other other backup is my 71 Corvette which takes around 5 minutes to warm up and even then still doesn't like the first few stop signs so I get to two foot it to keep it alive. Love them all and each one has its fun points, but the Viper is definitely the nicest/easiest one to drive on a regular basis.

 

[Mopar Boy]

A few thoughts:

1 - Climate. Here we get 5 months or so of good weather before it goes to sleep again.
2 - Not used as much as a daily driver as some vehicles. Few people I know will drive their Viper to work and park it in a big parking lot for door dings, or take it for groceries. Many other brands will see some use like this.
3 - Many times these cars are purchased by self made business people who do not have time to drive them as much as they would like.
4 - They have other cars they split their driving time with

 

[3whitevipers]

I really enjoy seeing the cars in the garage and as a special treat I take them out for a drive or a car show. Then I enjoy detailing them to perfection just for fun. I'm sure I'm an odd ball for using them this way but it's what I enjoy and have fun with.--2010 Viper--900mi.,2005 Viper-3600mi, Cobra-1100mi., and '84 Vette bought new- 9500mi.--Dave

 

[FinalEd357]

Great question. With the 3 I've owned ('08 coupe now), I tend to put about 1,000 miles per year on it. I really look at is as a special treat to drive to Viper events, date night with the wife or driving my boys around for fun. I'm part-owner in my company, as well as in sales. Can't really drive a Viper around as a sales person without giving the wrong impression to clients and vendors and fear that it will cause problems if employees see it sitting in the parking lot. If I were retired or could simply drive it without worrying about giving the wrong impression, I would drive it much more often. I sold my first 2 Vipers for just about the same price I paid after 3 years and 3,000 miles of ownership so that was a benefit, too. Happy Vipering - enjoy those beasts!

 

[denniskgb]

There are other reasons also. I take my Viper out at least twice a month. I would take it out a lot more often, but the type of insurance I have will not permit me this option. I have agreed upon value, and consequently, have to play by the insurance carrier rules, one of which, is no more than 5000 miles annually. Anyone that lives in Texas, knows how friggin difficult that is. It is a big state, and going down to the end of the block is going to put a lot of miles on the car, just one way.

Check Grundy I have agreed value 60, 000 and no miles limitation

 

[terminator02]

Interesting and insightful replies. I bought my 2000 ACR in May of 09 with about 14,8xx on the clock and now have 27,2xx 4.5 seasons later. I find the car comfortable to drive long distances in; even when my AC isn't blowing cold; I guess I am not picky While I guess the vette could arguably be more of a DD without as much unwanted attention, I don't know if I think Audi R8 and NSX cars can be. Though one of my good friend's father drives his R8 in snow with the AWD lol.

I'm no rich man, more mid/upper middle class but single with no kids so I don't have the luxury of driving other sports cars. My DD is a 2012 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However I can honestly say that this is the first sports car I have owned in which I didn't get bored of and wish I had a different car. My other sports cars were a 2003 Nissan 350Z (still love that car) and was one of the first people to get a 2003 Supercharged Cobra. I sometimes toy with the option of getting into a new Stingray, a 2013 Shelby or a ZL1 and can never justify it more than a thought. I was at a local Dodge dealership and was checking out a 2013 optioned black SRT and when i saw them side by side, I still just have awesome "feelings" when I see my car. It's a rare car that, while exotic looking in pictures, just looks so much more so in person and especially on the road with how low/wide the car is with the giant 335 meats on the rear.

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[Goatman]

I absolutely loved driving both of the Vipers I have owned. I bought my RT/10 with 14k, one year later it was at 21k. My GTS had 16k 6 months later almost 19k. Both have been my daily drivers, you should see the looks I get when I tell other people that. But its true. I get groceries, go to walmart, run errands, where ever I need to go I do it in the snake.

I pick up the keys, as I walk out to the car its like everything in the world just stopped. I open the door, step in, close the door behind me. The next think I hear is the ROAR of a 700hp V10. At that point nothing else matters. I live in Houston. I sweat my A$$ off in my car. The A/C works fine but I rarely use it. I like to cruise with the windows down. When I hit traffic you feel like a hero, every gives you a thumbs up, they take pictures, and when they aren't you have a minute to listen to the cam, the valve train, the exhaust, and you feel the car rumble. I wish everyone felt the way I do in my Viper. Anytime someone asks, I give them a ride. I put the biggest smile on their face. I have even spent hours giving all the neighborhood kids laps around my subdivision. The parents take picture and smile, the kids go home with an awesome memory, and will hopefully be future Viper owners. My Vipers are an adventure for me. When I am not in a Viper, the adventure stops.

I may not have a Viper right now. But I will again. Its in my blood, it makes my soul scream. It wont matter about the mileage on the clock, just that I am behind the wheel.