I am considering buying a Viper (93-02) and looking closer at the last year since it's the most refined. Q. What are the `02 Vipers pulling at auction (<20k mi) and what are any owner impressions of the Gen 1/2 convertible iteration in particular ?
I have no driving impressions, but I think the 02 is the first year with ABS, though I could be wrong.
Gen 2 RT10's are $28-$38k. I was in the market a couple years ago. 97-2002 is the sweet zone IMO, the 96 and pre models are just a little too raw AC is very rare in those years, wheels are better looking IMO post 96, hood scoop helps the appearance of the front of the car, post 96 there are more colors to choose from. You can get an early car for low $20ks if you just want a fast, raw, rocket
The older Vipers are the best and most aggressive looking cars. The early cars are a raw drivers car. The great news is they are reliable. If I remember correctly the early cars had 400 hp. In the day that was awesome. Today still good but no big deal. The early cars had a nervous chassis and not a great drivers car, okay but not good. Also the lake side pipes put out al ot of heat into the cockpit. It is hard to find so much performance and exotic style for the money. Each year the Viper got better. The gen 5 is a stunning super car in all ways. They also corrected all the problems I mentioned plus a few smaller points. Enjoy Lee
I wrote about this a few days ago in Silver where someone was asking something similar. Get a 2001 or 2002, they felt much better put together compared to the earlier ones. Either that or my 98 was used and abused by the previous owners. The main reason to get a 2001 or 02 is the ABS though, in my opinion. The car has no nannies as is and I see ABS as pretty important especially in such a high performance car.
I have a 20k mile example for sale-see attached. I'm in MD, so may be close to you (depending on where you are in VA). I believe that the 98s are desirable because of something to do with the forged components. Best Mike P.S. feel free to call if interested- 410-913-0300 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/silver-subscribed-private-forum-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/538119-teach-me-about-gen-2-vipers.html
I have had friends wrap their Viper around tree and in one case a stop sign. These cars have enormous torque, all years and should be respected. These freinds all had experience with high hp cars. I am not sure about ABS which tears etc. The more security and safe gaurds you can get your Viper with the better. I love these cars so enjoy. These cars are truly an American exotic ! Lee
$28-38k is actually retail - I'm trying to get a wholesale baseline on the 2002 (clean example) or any other year for reference. I know there are a lot of beat and repaired examples of Gen 1/2 cars out there, and the lower end of Gen 1 is in the teens; in fact I just discussed a nicely repaired/branded title example (looked great) which sold for $17k, but that's not what I'm looking for.
I prefer to deal with a private seller who I can talk with and gauge. If he has records even better. Buying from a dealer will generally be more expensive; not to mention many pass the cars around and things get lost.
Have tracked a 2nd and 3rd generation Viper at Lime Rock. So exhilarating. My friend who went off in one into the weeds, and well maybe tends to drive 11/10s too often wanted to buy one. Took a lot to talk him off the cliff. Be careful and buy the best tires you can.
The 2016 Hellcat makes the gen 5 Viper feel slow which of course it is not. The new Hellcat has even better sound and power than the better exotic looking Viper. The Viper specs are 640hp and the Hellcat 707. Chrysler is really coming back alive and ready to fight. The hp difference feels like a wider spread when you drive the car. I suspect one or both of the factory hp rating are different than specs. Best Lee
You have single handedly convinced me to take a serious look at a hellcat. You can read all the reviews and youtube videos you want, but I take pause when someone that has owned and driven the cars you have praises a car like the Hellcat. I'm a big guy at 6'3"/240. I love a lot of sports cars but the reality is that I don't fit comfortably in a lot of them and these Hellcats seem like a nice option - especially for someone like me who is never going to put it on a track.
Slight correction... 97-99 best motor- All had forged motors, 97 had slightly better cam 2000- Known as the worst year. Introduction of hyper-pathetic pistons. No forged motor no ABS... AKA the creampuff. Sutible for people never driving in anger 2001-2002 Still hyperpathetic pistons but had abs. Cars slightly more solid or more luxurious at this point (for a viper... more of like putting a rubber comfort grip on a hammer than just the wooden handle) In 1998 they introduced a textured dash and some slightly improved features new interior door handles. Window switches that weren't out of a neon etc... If you are going to putz around... any will work... and they are all great extremely reliable cars.
My Camry (yes you read that right) lease is up next July and have started shopping for it's replacement. Same to you.
I am not sure what to tell you. I can say the VW CPI or R cars are a blast to drive. They are not very expensive. The other car is the C7 Corvette. I bought mine for $50K with the small 460hp motor and no special handling package. I think the corvette now handles as well as some European exotic cars. The emense torque of an big American V8 seals the deal for me. Have fun looking Lee