Tips for a first time buyer of 94 or 95 Viper

[Darb0987]

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or advice about what to look for when purchasing one of these older Vipers.

Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted a Viper and now I am close to actually being able to make that dream come true. My question is, what types of things should I beware of when searching for my car? What types of problems or possible repairs should I take in to consideration when looking at these machines?

How should I expect these cars to drive? To shift? To handle? Are there any learning curves involved with owning/driving one of these cars for the first time?

Thanks in advance for all advice!

[Stretch]

The Viper buyers guide book is a great place to start. Check the head gaskets for leakage. Check the overflow coolant bottle in the front bumper to make sure its at the proper level.

For driving, always respect the power. It's very easy to spin these cars with a heavy right foot. As long as you keep that respect for what its capable of you should be fine.

[01sapphirebob]

The Viper buyers guide book is a great place to start. Check the head gaskets for leakage. Check the overflow coolant bottle in the front bumper to make sure its at the proper level.

For driving, always respect the power. It's very easy to spin these cars with a heavy right foot. As long as you keep that respect for what its capable of you should be fine.

What he said. :)

[Patentlaw]

Respectfully,

We see these questions from time to time. The answer above regarding respecting the car and power is right on. When October comes, and the pavement is cool, another 10 or so cars go off into weeds and unfortunately, people get hurt or worse. You will want to test the power. Resist that urge......until you get some seat time. Generally, the cars are really well built. Plan on buying a new battery. These cars eat them if you don't keep it on a battery tender.

Regards,

Plaw

[plumcrazy]

check date codes on tires

[Boosted Motorsports]

Kick each tire hard. If you break your toe the tires are dry-rotted and need replacing.

[BrianACR]

They are definitely crazy fun to drive!! And I hope you like attention because you get a lot of it. As far as driving them, like it's been mentioned, make sure you don't go putting your foot into it until you've spent a fair amount of time getting used to the power and the feel of the car. They handle very very well, despite what many people will try to tell you. The ride is a bit rough, but what do you expect? It's not a Rolls lol.
I hope you find your dream car soon!! Good luck with the search.

[mak1118]

We are talking about a '94 or '95 right? I've read they're dangerous but I've had mine since new and never felt it was dangerous, as far as spinning the tires or sliding the only time that ever happened to me was when my original tires were 10 years old otherwise they grip the road unless it's snowing or raining but I never drove mine in either....:) Not an everyday driver imo.

[Fatboy 18]

Can't find where I read it now, (a thread on here somewhere) but apparently the early cars were a little unforgiving on the handling so when the Gen II came out the factory dialed in more understeer to give drivers a better chance! Steel wishbones on a Gen 1, Cast alloy on Gen IIs :)

[Viper Red]

Check the overflow coolant bottle in the front bumper to make sure its at the proper level.

.

Hi there, I have a '93. Is this how I can check coolant level?
I believe if I have an overflow bottle in that location, it's to avoid having to lift the front of the car right?

[Lemay88]

There is a round rubber cap in front of the passenger wheel well, facing the front.
Remove the cap, put in a light and check the level of the overflow tank. It must be at 1 inch from the top.
Also, make sure the hose that goes from the pressure tank (the one in the engine bay) to the overflow tank (the one in the front fascia) is secured with tight clips.

Ben