Potential new ACR owner need advise [Archive]

Vegaskid

11-14-2016, 08:11 PM

Hello all,

Started looking at the ACR's about 1 month ago and am leaning towards picking one up but would like some advise from yall.

I've been researching and found plenty of issues with the Gen V engine failures and related debris causing issues. I also understand it's hit or miss with no real knowledge of which will fail and which won't.

Here's my issue...

I found a used 2016 ACR with 2K miles at a descent price. There has been aftermarket work done to it by Woodhouse which is a plus; but this voids the warranty. I touched base with Mark to find out if his work involved cleaning out the blocks or other means of removing debris. He stated it did not and there really wasn't a sure fire way to clean the block without extensive work. Although this was the first time I talked to him he was very friendly and I value his opinion. Essentially I would take the risk of anything happening to the engine.

Or

I can purchase a new 2017 ACR which would have the warranty, but still no guarantee that the engine won't fail. The only difference I see is that "if" it goes, I'll just get a new engine. My concern is that even with the new engine, there's no guarantee it will not have issues.

So do yall think it would be better to buy the used ACR and put $10K aside for a rebuild or take the new car and go the warranty route.

Thanks and hope to be on the road shortly.

ACR PHIL

11-14-2016, 08:16 PM

Go with the new 2017 and a Warranty.

mnc2886

11-14-2016, 08:20 PM

If you never intended to mod the engine, then go new. If you did, you were going to void your warranty anyways.

Good luck with your purchase. Share pics!

Vegaskid

11-14-2016, 08:26 PM

Thanks.

I wasn't planning on moding the engine, but if the used is $13K less than new and had $15K work done then I'm just trying to justify going new...

Are there any issues with the transmissions? If so then I'll stick with the new.

- - - Updated - - -

If you never intended to mod the engine, then go new. If you did, you were going to void your warranty anyways.

Good luck with your purchase. Share pics!

I see you're in Katy, I'm in Cypress but work off I-10...nice...

allans

11-14-2016, 08:43 PM

What is the MSRP and asking price on the modified car?

Vegaskid

11-14-2016, 08:46 PM

What is the MSRP and asking price on the modified car?

140K msrp, $125K asking, about $15K in engine/headers,etc work..

allans

11-14-2016, 09:02 PM

In the current market engine modifications are a liability. If you don't have to have the the extra performance, I would go with the new ACR and order it just the way you want or, buy a slightly used unmodified car for less. Good luck. Best, Allan

Dman

11-14-2016, 09:15 PM

There are the engine potential issues, in addition there are guys who've had trans and diff issues covered under warranty, of course without mods. I am one who would mod regardless, if you don't go for the used one, shoot me the info, if you are a potential modded then I agree to used, otherwise, if you would keep it stock I'd never recommend a modded car, why take the risk if it's not a must have.

Vegaskid

11-14-2016, 09:43 PM

I didn't plan on modding the engine / car except for tint:p

I'm just thinking if the engine goes I might as well just have it rebuilt on my dime and not worry about it anymore, but thinking about the other issues like trans and diff has me concerned.

Whole thing is worrying considering there are so many other "more reliable" "better" options out there, but they all look the same (p-car, stang, merc, etc) which to me makes them boring. Had the Z06 and loved it, but wanted something unique...Viper seems to be it...

Lightman

11-14-2016, 09:54 PM

You arent able to order a new one anymore with the options you specifically choose..something to consider...that said, I would recommend getting whichever car you like better and not worrying about the remote possibility of an engine failure.

jpgunn123

11-14-2016, 10:45 PM

You have 3 choices:

1. Buy a Used ACR with no mods. Have it verified that the ECU mileage matches odometer miles (no Arrow ECUs, etc.), and that the flash/update count matches what Dodge expects. Make sure the owner checked the oil levels during the first 1,000 miles (forged pistons, so they need oil during this period). If the engine has 3,000 miles and burns low/no oil, and passes the ECU tests, then you are probably in the best possible position (maybe better than a new one even??).

2. You want mods, so just buy one with everything done. You will need to do your homework and talk to whoever did all the work, and piece together the maintenance history, etc. with the owner and the shops caring for the car. You just will have to set aside funds for unplanned issues going this route.

3. Buy a new ACR (obviously Stock)... You may have one that has issues and you may not, but you have the warranty, as you would in 1.

Personally, I have had a great experience with my ACR. Burned a couple of courts in the first 1,000 miles, and now it hasn't consumed a quart in 2,000. Maybe some day I will want to modify my car, but for now I am just really happy to be able to go to a track and run the car with a warranty.

Terminator02

11-15-2016, 01:10 AM

Correct me if I am wrong OP but it sounds like the car you are looking at is 13k cheaper than new (which mitigates a rebuild IF in the low chance your engine goes) AND has 15k upgrades to "headers/etc." I would assume at Woodhouse that means it has the 15k heads/cam package to it. That is a VERY GOOD package (I have it). I would easily go that route for the savings you have and save aside money for a rainy day. The ACR WITH the HC package is really the perfect car IMO. The extra HP is very functional with the extreme downforce for spirited street driving and even doing 1/4 mile races.

I really like Woodhouse transparency regarding "looking for debris" as it's very easy to just say that the engines are looked over well and cleaned if needed. The reality is debris could be anywhere. However very few 2016 models failed and you are at a very low probability of having problems to begin with. Also, the HC packages have been closely followed as most people are on the forums and or still in communication with the dealers they bought from and I think 2 HC cars have failed out of 50-60 packages which is a very low percentage. I'd say go for it. Good luck!

Dave292

11-15-2016, 08:31 AM

Dman

11-15-2016, 09:11 AM

Buy a 2017, keep it stock, get the 7 year 100,000 mile warranty and stop worrying. I've got about 850 miles on the clock and the oil level has not moved. All these issues with diffs, bearing failures etc go away if you have a warranty. When the 2017's are all out and the plant closes these warranties will be like gold.

True except the oil burning, we have guys on here reporting oil consumption of 1qt per 700 miles, at that rate you wouldn't have to change the oil, it's changing itself, and obviously an issue, but they're told this is acceptable and not a warranty issue. More than any other item, oil burning is my major concern, it's the one that would require major $'s to fix and FCA is saying isn't an issue. A motor that has a range of burning between zero and 3 qts in 3K miles, seems to have too much variance.

Lightman

11-15-2016, 10:13 AM

Dave292

11-16-2016, 08:37 AM

My Porsche 997.2 RS and my 991 4S both burn a quart every 1500 miles. I carry an extra quart or two when I take a road trip. I agree, 2-3 quarts in 1-2000 miles seems like a bit too much. 1 quart, don't worry about it.

ViperGeorge

11-16-2016, 09:40 AM

Buy used if you like the car. You'll save enough to pay for a new engine if it were to blow which it probably won't. The warranty would still cover all other non-engine related components plus you are getting mods that many feel are desirable. Once you buy new and drive it off the lot it is used anyway. 5 minutes after buying a new one it is the same as a used one but it was more expensive. More 13s and 14s have failed than 16s from what I can tell.

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 09:46 AM

Do u think fca would cover trans or differential issues with a mod engine? I would guess no

Dman

11-16-2016, 10:09 AM

Do u think fca would cover trans or differential issues with a mod engine? I would guess no

I think everyone would agree, there's no chance of that happening. Guys with bone stock cars with failures are waiting while FCA is having dealers scour the cars looking for any reason to deny the warranty. A power increasing mod of any kind, is perfect for denying any power train component, even if the issue is a known defect, case in point is the bearing and debris issue, denied regardless based on a PCM made by the engineer who design the engine.

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 01:09 PM

It seems like even with a warranty people are getting the runaround.. Warranty is not much use if my car sits for a month while they screw around trying to find out what went wrong.
Might just be better off doing it myself rather than dealing with fca. I assume the new replacement engine would be off the factory floor with no guarantee it won't happen again.

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 01:12 PM

If I move forward with the used would u recommend having a viper specialist look over the car? Ask for an oil change or just swap fluids when I get it?
It's at a non viper dealer..

Dman

11-16-2016, 01:26 PM

If I move forward with the used would u recommend having a viper specialist look over the car? Ask for an oil change or just swap fluids when I get it?
It's at a non viper dealer..

If you're not knowledgeable on vipers I would, or maybe someone around you in the club who is familiar with the gen5, as in what's normal etc., when looking at it. Any help you can get will be prudent.

With the engines, the big question is if they have solved it or not, we haven't heard of a '17 issue and '16s are very rare. So it may be that sometime in '16 production this got straightened out, I believe this is everyone's main thinking/hope, so if your engine goes, you get a '17 replacement which would not have the pre-fix (get it, I'm so punny) issues and you'd be good to go at no cost. This is the big decision that everyone is wrestling with that's shopping, you're not alone.

Dusty1

11-16-2016, 02:48 PM

Vegaskid:

We have a very active VOA club here in Houston and we can help let us know. Beth and I live off of I10 so am in the area.

Richard

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 04:32 PM

Vegaskid:

We have a very active VOA club here in Houston and we can help let us know. Beth and I live off of I10 so am in the area.

Richard

Good to know

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 05:04 PM

Bleep it... Bought the used acr... Life goes on

Dman

11-16-2016, 05:49 PM

Pics or didn't happen, lol. Congrats!

Vegaskid

11-16-2016, 06:05 PM

Pics or didn't happen, lol. Congrats!

Will post when funds transfer tomorrow

Lightman

11-16-2016, 07:38 PM

Bleep it... Bought the used acr... Life goes on

Congrats!

Dave292

11-17-2016, 09:01 AM

Welcome!!!

VENOM V

11-17-2016, 10:58 PM

Congrats Vegas! I have two Gen Vs and have been living the dream. The ACR is nothing short of remarkable at the track.

SSGNRDZ_28

11-18-2016, 06:13 AM

Bleep it... Bought the used acr... Life goes on

Awesome, love it! Get those pics posted.

Vegaskid

11-18-2016, 01:51 PM

Very pumped..should get an idea on delivery on Monday. .hope to have it in a week or so

ek1

11-20-2016, 10:58 AM

Vegaskid

11-22-2016, 12:26 PM

All done.. Money is gone... Now I wait.. Hope to have it Monday

Dman

11-22-2016, 03:51 PM

All done.. Money is gone... Now I wait.. Hope to have it Monday

Would love a report on driving impressions for ACR with the H/C pkg. congrats again.

Vegaskid

11-22-2016, 05:22 PM

Link to some pics... Will take more next week..
Wfs
http://platinum-motorcars-detroit.ebizautos.mobi/detail-2016-dodge-viper-2dr_coupe_acr-used-15607031.html?photolist=true

ViperJon

11-22-2016, 05:44 PM

That's an ACR-E obviously but why are there no hood wheel vents in the pics?

canadian viper

11-22-2016, 06:02 PM

and the rear wing looks like a reg acr wing, not the acre wing. hmmmmmmm

Peter99GTS

11-22-2016, 06:24 PM

Looks like a regular ACR that was upgraded to ACR-E. Car looks very nice congratulations.

Vegaskid

11-22-2016, 10:34 PM

Aero was ordered separate...ill dig up the paperwork and post it when i get it next week. I think aero was installed at Woodhouse

Snakebit10

11-23-2016, 06:25 AM

Is that a true ACR E then if it doesn't have the front fender removable vents? More like a regular ACR with upgraded aero. Only the E's came with the removable front fender vents right?

I guess you can choose to order the appropriate E vented fenders at a later date to complete the E spec.

Gorgeous car Vegas.

AZTVR

11-23-2016, 08:16 AM

Is that a true ACR E then if it doesn't have the front fender removable vents? More like a regular ACR with upgraded aero. Only the E's came with the removable front fender vents right?

It doesn't have the ACR-E hood because it was not ordered/built with the extreme aero package option (according to its build sheet).

Dave292

11-23-2016, 09:07 AM

Great looking car. Enjoy it!

Dman

11-23-2016, 10:48 AM

That's funny, I was talking to them about that car the past couple of weeks, passed as I was set on an Extreme. The orig owner ordered the extreme bits and added it. Nice looking car, it got my attention, now I don't feel so bad that you found something I couldn't find, didn't realize we were looking at the same car already, lol. Great minds and all. Congrats again, it's a real looker.