I have some Viper questions.

[cbj5259]

I'm considering selling the Boss and moving up (or over) to a Viper. I'm primarily looking at 2003-2010 models. I'm a "rookie" when it comes to Vipers but always loved the way they looked and sounded and recently had a chance to drive a 2006 SRT10 and loved it. A few questions I have for the Viper people here on SVTP:

1)is there a particular year I should be avoiding?
2)I'm primarily looking at lower mileage cars (almost all of them under 20k miles) and besides accident/damage history, etc...what kind of issues that are common to Vipers should I be looking for?

Any suggestions or help is much appreciated.

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[Sonic605hp]

Suggestion: Join a Viper forum, the end.

 

[nxhappy]

that's a huge range of years lol. Sounds like you should buy the newest model you can afford. As far as the motor, it's pretty bullet proof. Mileage really doesn't matter, what you want to see is maintenance records.

 

[Zemedici]

Paging 13Cobra!

 

[cbj5259]

Suggestion: Join a Viper forum, the end.

Seems to be quite a few Viper people on SVTP, but thanks for the advice.

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[13COBRA]

that's a huge range of years lol. Sounds like you should buy the newest model you can afford. As far as the motor, it's pretty bullet proof. Mileage really doesn't matter, what you want to see is maintenance records.

+1

The V10s are stout.

What's your price range OP?

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[cbj5259]

that's a huge range of years lol. Sounds like you should buy the newest model you can afford. As far as the motor, it's pretty bullet proof. Mileage really doesn't matter, what you want to see is maintenance records.

Pretty much my max I want to spend is $65k. So that is why I'm kinda limited to those years. The one I am looking at in particular is a 2006 SRT10 (like the one I drove) with 15,000 miles. They are asking low 50's. Supposedly all of the maintenance records are available.

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[rotor_powerd]

I'm considering selling the Boss and moving up (or over) to a Viper. I'm primarily looking at 2003-2010 models. I'm a "rookie" when it comes to Vipers but always loved the way they looked and sounded and recently had a chance to drive a 2006 SRT10 and loved it. A few questions I have for the Viper people here on SVTP:

1)is there a particular year I should be avoiding?
2)I'm primarily looking at lower mileage cars (almost all of them under 20k miles) and besides accident/damage history, etc...what kind of issues that are common to Vipers should I be looking for?

Any suggestions or help is much appreciated.

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08-10 is a different generation than 03-06. There are some significant changes to the Gen IV that you may want to look into, that and your budget should help you narrow down model years.

 

[13COBRA]

I'd go 08-10.

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[blk02edge]

hands down the 08+ they managed to make the powerband much smoother (less torquey) but is much faster

 

[SC Heaven]

Like stated above, while the 06 and 08 are extremely similar in the looks department, the 08+ are a different animal underneath the skin. I personally went with an 06 because I knew I wanted a coupe, but to get in to an 08+ coupe meant paying the same cash for more miles. However, like others have stated, with basic maintenance, these motors are rock solid. So as long as the maintenance records are there, you will be fine. But for something that would be a weekend car / show car, I opted to stick to lower miles. Plus, I can get in plenty of trouble with 'only' 500 HP.

There are also a couple dealers that are highly regarded on the boards. One is Woodhouse Dodge out of Nebraska, where I bought mine, and the Viper Exchange. There is one more that is escaping me right now. But Woodhouse and Viper Exchange are Viper specialists, and they don't sell bad cars. I bought mine sight unseen from Woodhouse and have 0 regrets. You would be safe buying from either of them.

As far as common issues, I can't really speak to a lot on the Gen 3s and 4s. The only one that jumps to mind on the Gen 3s (03-06) is the parking brake doesn't always fully disengage, which can cause dragging and wear on the rear rotors. But this is a well documented and easy fix.

Good luck in your search, they are amazing cars. Only way I would get rid of mine is for another Viper.

Cheers :beer:

 

[SirShaun]

The Gen II GTS/ACR still pulls at my heart strings. The only other model to get me in the feels is the new 2016 ACR package vipers.

Is maintenance cost bad on these cars? I've heard finding a dealer to service them can be a challenge, as the dealership has to have a tech trained specifically on Vipers to be able to work on them.

I'm sure the viper tax is expensive if you ever plan to mod it.

Didn't really help your question any, but good luck, and looking forward to some pictures.

 

[blk02edge]

The Gen II GTS/ACR still pulls at my heart strings. The only other model to get me in the feels is the new 2016 ACR package vipers.

Is maintenance cost bad on these cars? I've heard finding a dealer to service them can be a challenge, as the dealership has to have a tech trained specifically on Vipers to be able to work on them.

I'm sure the viper tax is expensive if you ever plan to mod it.

Didn't really help your question any, but good luck, and looking forward to some pictures.

just change engine oil, the rest is all pretty basic, there are no goofy ferrari like service needs

 

[Iamchris]

I am new to the Viper world myself so I won't offer too much advice.

I can say this though, you have a very good Viper mechanic relatively close by (a few hours anyway) in South Salem New York, Chuck Tator.

As far as those years, I considered the Gen IV while I was looking at Gen II. I ultimately chose the gen II because it is the car that makes me love Vipers. The Gen IV, specifically ACR is a ridiculously fast car. You could get into an ACR, barely... at your price point if you search, and bargain for it. Personally, like SC Heaven, I would only go for a coupe.

As far as maintenance, it depends. I suppose the Gen III and IV probably has more luck getting parts than the Gen II, but from what I have seen, some parts can be overly expensive, but still affordable. But there is no ridiculous service intervals that cost thousands like some other high end cars.
I am really not qualified to talk much on the problems or the years (I looked at Gen II's very thoroughly though and could speak to those a little) , but I would highly encourage you to call Chuck Tator. He is usually available and very friendly, get it right from the horses mouth as to what to look for, and what to avoid.

 

[13COBRA]

There is a Viper tax on everything.

When looking verify that the window regulators have been replaced.

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[mavisky]

Looking at doing the same thing, but just built a house so I have to wait a few years first. Like others have mentioned I'm personally looking at the 08+ exclusively. Refinement and additional power. I'm actually hoping the early Gen V's dip in price enough to make one of those justifiable.

 

[13COBRA]

2013s are selling high 60s low 70s.

I drove a 14 before I bought my 08 ACR...The ACR was a lot more enjoyable.

If I was going to drive it daily or take trips, I would've gone with the Gen V GTS, but since it's more of a weekend cruiser, the ACR was more appealing to me.

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[highdensity007]

As far as getting rid of your Boss for a Viper, I have both a Viper and a stang. I don't think I could have the Viper without the stang. I could have the stang without the Viper, but not the other way around. Hard to explain. My Gen 2 is 1100 hp and I've taken it on road trips so while I'm confident in it I still prefer to go drive the stang because it is more comfortable, plus my wife's long legs don't have room to stretch out in the Viper so she prefers the stang. I know, Viper isn't exactly a road trip kind of car but I drive my cars for what they are....cars.

Each generation viper has its own querks, old and new. There is a dude with a brand new one on his 4th alternator and sometimes his dash just shuts off. So there isn't really a year you will avoid something.

Once you buy one, you almost definitely need to join a Viper forum.

I picked up a Gen 2 GTS because it was my dream car in HS when it first came out.

As far as fun, omg, it is so much fun. Tonight me and a friend are making rolling fireball/flame videos with my Viper and his Lambo. Should be interesting

 

[cbj5259]

There is a Viper tax on everything.

When looking verify that the window regulators have been replaced.

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The one I'm looking at has had this service done.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am not in a rush and am willing to wait for the one I really like at a price I really like.

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[nxhappy]

gen2 is the best of course :banana: