WTB: 96-97 B/W GTS daily driver (high miles, non-garage queen, etc.)

Seyumi

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Hi everyone. I’ve been a lurker here for almost a decade with this being my first post. Well I finally saved up enough cash to get a Viper. The only ‘problem’ is that I love the car so much that I want to drive it every day regardless of the weather or it sitting outside at work. I’m willing to fly anywhere in the U.S. to get one (I’m currently in Las Vegas). My only condition is that the car is reliable and doesn’t have any ‘stories.’ I’ll accept normal wear and tear especially at high miles. I’m looking to buy within the next two months. If someone here knows someone who has one willing to sell or can pass the word around I would greatly appreciate it.

I’ve been looking at 96-97 B/W GTS Viper prices almost on a daily basis for almost a decade. I know right now I could get one with around 30,000 miles, no stories, and for $40,000. I’ve seen some go for as low as $35,000 for people trying for a quick sale or maybe the miles were a bit higher. The lowest one I’ve seen was a few years ago for $24,000 at a dealer with 97,000 miles and a clean carfax. I would have bought that but I didn’t have the money at the time and it sold within days.

I can technically afford a $40,000 Viper but I feel like the purchase wouldn’t be justifiable since I’ll immediately start putting on miles and wear & tear into the car using it as a daily driver. The 96 B/W GTS came out when I was 11 year olds (28 now). In middle school during my lunch break, I would do nothing but go to the library and search for Viper pictures on dial-up internet on those colorful cube iMacs versus going outside and playing with the ‘cool’ kids. This car is more of a childhood fantasy come true versus an automobile so I’m pretty serious. I will finance myself by having all the cash in my checking. Will just need to get an official bank check. Thanks!

Edit: There really is no set time for me to buy one. I would prefer to get one within a few months but can easily wait until the winter season if need be for the best prices. Just trying to get this out there incase any owners are thinking of selling their B/W's sometime in the near future and know there's a willing buyer. If I can't find one 35k or under by the winter then I will probably just get a $40k 30,000 mile one in the Spring after my tax return.

Stipulations:
-Must be a 1996 or 1997 Blue w/ White Stripes GTS
-$35k or less. The lower the better. If I get multiple offers will probably do cheapest.
-No more than 100,000 miles
-No stories, major accidents, ect.
-Ok with minor door dings, rock chips, ect.
-Willing to accept touch-up work as long as it’s professional.
-Mostly stock but willing to accept some modifications if it has tact.
-If other members can vouch for the car/member would be better.
 
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Timnineside

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You'll find a car. Just be patient. If you look hard enough you should have something mid/late summer. Worst case hold out until winter and people in northern states will start dumping.

The only issue you'll have is color. The B&W cars are getting more difficult to find and prices on them have been climbing recently.

All in all open up your mind to other colors, or be patient. It's nice to see someone else that isn't looking for a garage nick-knack.

FYI, watch door seals on the GTS. They are pricey and **** when they are worn.
 

Sybil TF

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It may be difficult to find a B/W for $35,000 and you are buying at the wrong time when everyone wants one. Late fall or winter is the best time to buy a sports car. Then you will probably have to drop some more money in one with high miles.
 
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Seyumi

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There really is no set time for me to buy one. I would prefer to get one within a few months but can easily wait until the winter season if need be for the best prices. Just trying to get this out there incase any VCA owners are thinking of selling their B/W's sometime in the near future and know there's a willing buyer. If I can't find one 35k or under by the winter then I will probably just get a $40k 30,000 mile one in the Spring after my tax return.
 

FrankBarba

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The longer you wait the more you will pay. Just ask a Ford GT owner.
 

jdeft1

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Awesome! Go get yours! Drive it and love it like the rest of us.... Good luck. The values are going up lately. Buy soon IMO...

Cheers!
 

WANTED

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wait till after the summer, have some patience the right deal will come if you have the cash to close the deal quickly. you will get one in the low 30's
 

Sybil TF

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wait till after the summer, have some patience the right deal will come if you have the cash to close the deal quickly. you will get one in the low 30's

A B/W in the low 30's will be a clunker. I took 11 months to find one and saw some junk. They are cheaper in the winter. Trust me...
 
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Seyumi

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How does a 96 GTS with 70k miles for $35,000 sound? Completely stock except for newer Viper rims. Only damage is a small scratch on the lower front driver side bumper. Here's a picture below:

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You think this would be an easy fix?
 

Sybil TF

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Thats an easy fix if the whole underside isn't scratched up. I paid $35,000 for one with 27,000 miles. Get him down down on the price!!
 

steve e

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How does a 96 GTS with 70k miles for $35,000 sound? Completely stock except for newer Viper rims. Only damage is a small scratch on the lower front driver side bumper. Here's a picture below:

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You think this would be an easy fix?
In my book that car is totaled :D, just kidding, thats nothing, put a piece of gum on it and enjoy. :2tu:
 
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Seyumi

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What's the best way to get stock 96~97 17" rims and tires? I'm assuming through other members who have them sitting around? Maybe X2 builders as well? Don't see any on Fleabay at the moment.
 

Sybil TF

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What's the best way to get stock 96~97 17" rims and tires? I'm assuming through other members who have them sitting around? Maybe X2 builders as well? Don't see any on Fleabay at the moment.

Members on here or other forums. Make sure to get the forged 97 & later. X2 builders will be more but they will negotiate.I just had mine chromed and love it!
 
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Seyumi

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Members on here or other forums. Make sure to get the forged 97 & later. X2 builders will be more but they will negotiate.I just had mine chromed and love it!

I didn't realized the 97 GTS rims were different than the 96 ones materials wise. I know there was a design change on the 98 rims and up.
 

speedracervr4

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That Fascia repair is a $500-$1000 fix. Do you just like the look of the stock rims? I would just leave the updated ones on there.
 

Sybil TF

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The cast wheels have a weld bead on the inside barrel all the way around. The forged do not.
 

Caesar!

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If you can get a B/W.....You score.....If you can get a Good one at a reasonable price..Double score...I wouldnt look at price tag...I spent good money to get mine and I didnt care...I would be careful on buying one if it seems to good to be true low Price...Have the car checked out thoroughly!!!
The last thing you need is a headache or one with a history that creeps up to the surface...
 

Ron

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Normal street driving is fine on 96/97 cast wheels - Slicks + track is where problems can occur.
 
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Seyumi

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Anyone know someone in the Dallas, Texas vicinity which can check out a 96 GTS for me? Willing to compensate of course.
 

Sybil TF

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Go on Viper Alley and ask Dave6666. Do not, I repeat do not tell him I told you!!!Probably do it for a 12 pack and some tacos......
 
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