3rd dealer...3rd try

[Hothonda]

I give up....

Yesterday visited another SRT Dodge dealer w/ a 2014 GTS in stock ( has had for a while). It's sitting on it's own SRT
rubber mat with multiple signs that say "DON'T TOUCH THE VIPER". Also has a second stick w/20K ADM. Asked the salesman what the deal was with
that & he replied with a smile "worked last time".

No test drives allowed. Business has not been great according to the group of employees following me checking the Viper out.

The thing I don't get is if the dealer could never get another Viper ever, maybe these tactics would work with somebody, but when
you can get another & another & another why worship the inventory?

After 3 pretty much identical recent experiences w/Dodge dealers - it's precursor for me of what the service end of ownership would be like.

Dealers are more geared for Duck Dynasty relatives to jump on $60K heavy duty Rams v selling SRT Vipers.

It's over.

[ViperSmith]

It is a sad fact, that these dealers are selling something outside their ability. But, it happens in other brands too. Audi won't let you drive an RS5, Nissan a GT-R (at least locally to me...) - just what happens when dealers sell something out of their league. I don't understand why either. So what if you crash the car, you have insurance. Put some miles on it? When they are giving $10k off sticker, who cares about 20 more miles.

Where do you live? SRT has been getting around this garbage by having drive events around the country. Owners of V's have let others drive their cars to give a whirl.

I will say my local dealer(s) are the same, but I've had great experiences with service.

[City]

Do you need to test drive in order to purchase? We've got several excellent and honest dealers that will help deliver exactly what you want for the best price.

[Timnineside]

Hothonda,

I can can see where your coming from however the opposite of this would be why do you need to test drive it? It's obviously a Viper and you know what the car is and what it is capable of. You're buying brand new and the car has a warranty. If you want to drive one and you're willing to spend the cash look up some more reputable dealers (supporting vendors here) and give them a ring. I bet for the right price you could fly there, test drive, ship home and get a better experience while still ending up spending less money then if you purchased locally. However keep in mind you'll have to take the car to your local slime-ball dealership for service if needed.

Something to think about I guess on your end. No dealers in my town would know the difference in a 94 RT to a 2014 GTS so I don't have this dilemma.

[City]

You might inquire with the folks in the Washington region about getting a drive.

[Hothonda]

Do you need to test drive in order to purchase? We've got several excellent and honest dealers that will help deliver exactly what you want for the best price.

Before I would step up, need to drive a car....Did this w/my 991, multiple NSX's, BMW's etc you name it...never a problem ever. This is ridiculous.

Thanks

[XSnake]

Before I would step up, need to drive a car....Did this w/my 991, multiple NSX's, BMW's etc you name it...never a problem ever. This is ridiculous.

Thanks

Viper has double the power of all of those.

In this day and age you can search dealer inventory across the entire country. Find something you are seriously interested in and go look at it. You show up from out of state I guarantee you can get a test drive. They know you are serious then.

[6th-Element]

There is a point where you must face reality.

Vipers have NEVER been test drive cars, period.

You would be hard pressed to find a single Viper owner, that bought a Viper new, that test drove the car.

Local to me, even a sales manager of a huge dealership drove a new 08 Viper directly across the street from the dealership right into a telephone pole and wrote off the car, just showing a customer that HAD BOUGHT IT what it could do.

This is not what you want to hear and we all know that other dealers will let you drive whatever, Porsche, Aston, Jag etc. Hell my local Porsche dealer lets me have service loaners that are worth way more than a Viper, but, once again, reality check, those cars all have Nannies on them and the dealerships all have insurance and those are the main cars they sell.

[Hothonda]

There is a point where you must face reality.

Vipers have NEVER been test drive cars, period.

You would be hard pressed to find a single Viper owner, that bought a Viper new, that test drove the car.

Local to me, even a sales manager of a huge dealership drove a new 08 Viper directly across the street from the dealership right into a telephone pole and wrote off the car, just showing a customer that HAD BOUGHT IT what it could do.

This is not what you want to hear and we all know that other dealers will let you drive whatever, Porsche, Aston, Jag etc. Hell my local Porsche dealer lets me have service loaners that are worth way more than a Viper, but, once again, reality check, those cars all have Nannies on them and the dealerships all have insurance and those are the main cars they sell.

Reality is, I don't need a car that bad....like my Wife says "there's always another car".

Who knows maybe in 2015-2016 it will be a completely different program?

This is only for fun, but I put 11K on my Porsche having fun last year.

[ViperSmith]

There is a point where you must face reality.

Vipers have NEVER been test drive cars, period.

You would be hard pressed to find a single Viper owner, that bought a Viper new, that test drove the car.

Local to me, even a sales manager of a huge dealership drove a new 08 Viper directly across the street from the dealership right into a telephone pole and wrote off the car, just showing a customer that HAD BOUGHT IT what it could do.

This is not what you want to hear and we all know that other dealers will let you drive whatever, Porsche, Aston, Jag etc. Hell my local Porsche dealer lets me have service loaners that are worth way more than a Viper, but, once again, reality check, those cars all have Nannies on them and the dealerships all have insurance and those are the main cars they sell.

Which is part of the reason why the '13 and '14 are rusting on dealer lots.

"Reality check" - this is 2014 and the competition the Viper is up against will let people test drive their cars. If SRT dealers refuse to let people get behind the wheel, they won't move them. If people get behind the wheel, they will buy them.

Just because some of us are crazy enough to buy without a test drive doesn't mean everyone is.

If I wasn't in love with getting the car myself and I couldn't have test drove it, I wouldn't have bought it. If I am dropping $100k+ (hell even a lot less than that) I want to drive it. Exotics allow for it, so should Dodge. (And note, exotics don't always have to, seeing as they are sold out for years)

[Brian GTS]

I think part of the problem is there are just not enough cars to go around. This is a LOW VOLUME which means a lot of these dealers only get one or two cars. A lot of people will want a "new" un-driven car. If they allow test drives, that is more detrimental to the sale of the car since they only have one or two and there will be a lot of "tire kickers". Sure, a Porsche or BMW dealer is more apt to allow test drives as they are much higher volume cars.

Now if dealers had a half dozen on the lot, I would think they would use one for demo purposes, but this is not the case.

I think SRT had the right idea in the beginning when they provided Red SRT "Track Pack" Vipers for dealers to use as a "demo".....so the Porsche, BMW, Vette guys could get a "taste" of the car....but that was short lived and now they are producing LESS cars.

Maybe the Viper will only ever be an "Enthusiasts" automobile. I don't know. As long as they are able to produce it and still be profitable, it wouldn't bother me. I LOVE the Gen V. No test drive needed....ever.

[99RT10]

Ringgold Dodge is selling out all their Vipers. They have a clearance going on. They will even let you sit in one.

[Hothonda]

Now I'm pretty much burnt out on this whole Viper thing....but here's a quick story:

In 1994 a good friend bought a new NSX in Portland, OR & kept urging me to go drive one. Told him no way I want one of those Japanese POS &
besides the local dealers had them roped off - "Do not touch BS" etc., EXCEPT one local Acura dealer had 4 of them sitting outside in front. 2 red & 2 black.

Saw them, had some time, stopped, salesman said "let's take one out" -went for a test drive. Great car and drove one home that night.

That's not all though...bought 4 more new ones up until 2005 when Honda quit making them & have purchased a total of 21 Acura's from this dealer
in 20 years - mostly MDX's.

Most Dodge dealers don't get it & probably never will.

[Nine Ball]

One-way plane tickets are cheap. Find a dealer willing to work with your requests, and take a short trip. I've bought/driven cars from several different states, those were always my favorite drives home.

[johniew398]

I'm glad most dealers don't let people test drive them. I would hate to buy one where just anyone was allowed to test drive it; but that's true with any vehicles
I've purchased except a demo.

[Whitemamba]

Now I'm pretty much burnt out on this whole Viper thing....but here's a quick story:

In 1994 a good friend bought a new NSX in Portland, OR & kept urging me to go drive one. Told him no way I want one of those Japanese POS &
besides the local dealers had them roped off - "Do not touch BS" etc., EXCEPT one local Acura dealer had 4 of them sitting outside in front. 2 red & 2 black.

Saw them, had some time, stopped, salesman said "let's take one out" -went for a test drive. Great car and drove one home that night.

That's not all though...bought 4 more new ones up until 2005 when Honda quit making them & have purchased a total of 21 Acura's from this dealer
in 20 years - mostly MDX's.

Most Dodge dealers don't get it & probably never will.

Now let me ask you this, "If you were selling your car, would you let anyone come to your house and drive your new NSX?". Well you might but then again you might not unless you had some idea on whether not the person was just some person out for a joy ride. Now think about this when it comes to pre-judging "If you were to try and pre-judge someone before you let them drive the car, then you might be setting yourself up for a lawsuit. In this day and age, lawsuits are started for less. All it takes is a person to come in and get a test drive and then refuse the next person simply because you think they might not qualify.

Now if you were really wanting a Viper, you would buy one. If you wanted to ride in one, you might try contacting one of the local clubs to see if one of the members would give you a ride. As for driving one, driving a Viper is not like driving an NSX. The torque of an NSX topped out at 210 whereas the 2013 Dodge Viper starts out at around 350, at the wheels that is.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Reality is, I don't need a car that bad....like my Wife says "there's always another car".

Who knows maybe in 2015-2016 it will be a completely different program?

This is only for fun, but I put 11K on my Porsche having fun last year.


Hot Honda

I'm in the Pac-NW and have owned 15 Vipers. (Prior was Porsche, Lotus, Jags, etc etc) I am also a PCA instructor, Audi, Viper, and LamboNW.

Beside the fact that PNW COLD temps are not conducive for a newbee-test-drive.......

I never test-drove ANY of my new Viper purchases beforehand. And I flew 1500 miles to see my first one in 1992 and they would not even let me SIT in it ! (6'3" concern) 98% of Ferrari / Lambo owners don't test-drive either. FordGT? Ditto. I just helped a TX guy snag one in Pac-NW BC. No test drive.

Please do NOT be turned off by the power-trippin salesman who can never hope to own one. And please do NOT just use the showroom experience as weekend entertainment and sour-grapes posting.

If you do buy a G5 Viper, you will find yourself 'invisible' in your Porsche and invincible in the Viper!

PAC-NW? I can probably help you get a test drive/ride OR/WA. If you are near Portland-Vancouver area, 100%.

Your audience here are owners who WANTED a Viper after Porsche/Vette, etc.... and were realistic about how to make that happen. If that's you, please email or call me. I have helped over 200 people buy their first Viper.....

Jon B 360.837.3937 JonB@PartsRack.com

[Hothonda]

Mods please close this thread....thanks!

(BTW, It's not about the NSX, it's the experience)

[slitherv10]

NSX's have 270-300Hp and the Viper has 640HP. I think allowing every Tom Dick and Harry (no pun intended) to test drive such a car would only get them in hot water.

Usually a good manager/owner/salesman can pick out a fudd. If your serious they'll know it. If they still don't get it, then you find one that does take you seriously.

If though you are out just to be able to say you've driven one and want to just experience one, then don't blame them for doing what they do. Not saying this is the case with you, but, show them some serious drive and I am sure they will oblige.

I know when I went to buy my first Twin Turbo Porsche years back, they did not take me seriously and no test drive until I put down a refundable deposit which showed them I am serious. Its like when you put an offer for a house, they want to see a deposit first before even entertaining your offer.

Maybe that can be something the dealers could do

[ViperSmith]

Now let me ask you this, "If you were selling your car, would you let anyone come to your house and drive your new NSX?". Well you might but then again you might not unless you had some idea on whether not the person was just some person out for a joy ride. Now think about this when it comes to pre-judging "If you were to try and pre-judge someone before you let them drive the car, then you might be setting yourself up for a lawsuit. In this day and age, lawsuits are started for less. All it takes is a person to come in and get a test drive and then refuse the next person simply because you think they might not qualify.

Now if you were really wanting a Viper, you would buy one. If you wanted to ride in one, you might try contacting one of the local clubs to see if one of the members would give you a ride. As for driving one, driving a Viper is not like driving an NSX. The torque of an NSX topped out at 210 whereas the 2013 Dodge Viper starts out at around 350, at the wheels that is.

Seems to be working great for sales this year.

You guys don't get it for people outside the "Gotta have one now" crowd.

[VENOM V]

If I were a dealer in it for the long term, I would designate one Viper for test drives. Then sell it at a demo discount at the end of a model year or two, and do it again.

I agree with the OP and ViperSmith. We the hardcore fanatics didn't need a test drive, but most buyers do.

But as others have posted, if you really want the car and are serious just call around until you find a dealer that will give you a test drive. Pre-negotiate the price over phone, fly out there, test drive it, buy it.

[ViperGeorge]

I agree with Honda. You should be able to test drive a car, even an expensive one. I once went to an Aston Martin dealer in New England. Drove there in my 2001 Camaro SS. I was looking at a brand new 2003 DB7 GT. $170,000. Guy says do you want to take it for a drive? I say sure. I went alone. I come back and he says if you want to take it overnight let me know, you could bring it back tomorrow. I didn't need to. I bought the thing on the spot. There is no way the guy could have known I was serious. I mean I drove up in a Camaro. He didn't care about the mileage either. Warranty started when I bought it not when the odometer said zero.

[ViperSmith]

If I were a dealer in it for the long term, I would designate one Viper for test drives. Then sell it at a demo discount at the end of a model year or two, and do it again.

I agree with the OP and ViperSmith. We the hardcore fanatics didn't need a test drive, but most buyers do.

But as others have posted, if you really want the car and are serious just call around until you find a dealer that will give you a test drive. Pre-negotiate the price over phone, fly out there, test drive it, buy it.

Honestly I can't understand the crowd here. People can't see past their own experiences. Not everyone wants to buy a car without driving it. If I wasn't 100% sold on the car, I wouldn't have bought one without driving it.

Sure, there are solutions here as people have suggested. Flying out to a dealer is a great idea.

But the "If you want a Viper go buy one without driving it" are willingly ignorant to how the rest of the world operates.

When Porsche and other brands toss keys at you to test drive cars that cost more, it doesn't help. "I wouldn't buy a car with XYZ miles on it!" - well people aren't buying them with 5 miles on the odometer either.

Butts in seats = cars sold. There is no way you can drive this car and not love it. The fact he has to fly to find a dealer is a bit problematic. It shouldn't be difficult to part with $100,000.

[Bitten]

I bought in 06 and in 14, I drove my 06 off the truck and I was able to help with the PDI on both cars. It's a priceless experience. My husband started taking serious prospective customers for rides in my 06 when the 2008 became available for pre order. He sold 6 New Vipers that way in a very small town.

If you are interested, check with local club members. They might not let you drive but you would surely get a ride.

The dealers have so many people who are want to drive but couldn't or wouldn't buy. When I decided to buy a new one, it gave me instant street credit to show up in mine. There was no hassle, no fuss, easy purchase with a great deal on the price. They know many current owners want a car with the plastic still on the seats.

[VENOM V]

Butts in seats = cars sold. There is no way you can drive this car and not love it.

That is exactly what Aston Martin, Porsche, and other high end dealers have figured out. In fairness, so have a number of Viper dealers. Those are the Viper dealers that will be around a couple years from now, while the others without vision will throw in the towel.

[Drummerviper]

Have had close to a dozen vipers-- no test drive.

Ditto--Ferrari, McLaren 12C, M5, M6, CTS-V, 3 Ford GTs, 3 Vettes including C7. etc etc

Never made a difference

[Herrsss]

Actually Tomball Dodge let me test drive my '08 'vert that had only 3 miles on it - bought the car on the spot and have been snake bit since then!

Call Bernie at Viper Exchange and he'll help you out.



There is a point where you must face reality.

Vipers have NEVER been test drive cars, period.

You would be hard pressed to find a single Viper owner, that bought a Viper new, that test drove the car.

Local to me, even a sales manager of a huge dealership drove a new 08 Viper directly across the street from the dealership right into a telephone pole and wrote off the car, just showing a customer that HAD BOUGHT IT what it could do.

This is not what you want to hear and we all know that other dealers will let you drive whatever, Porsche, Aston, Jag etc. Hell my local Porsche dealer lets me have service loaners that are worth way more than a Viper, but, once again, reality check, those cars all have Nannies on them and the dealerships all have insurance and those are the main cars they sell.

[slitherv10]

Well I have to say,

A member and I locally went to a dealer around here and saw a 2013 about 5 months ago. The dealer knows us and knows we both own Vipers.

We asked to take the red SRT out for a test drive. He said flatly no.

My friend went back and without having tested and, got flat out refused to allow us to test drive the SRT he had sitting in the showroom, ordered a TA off him.

I for one would not have ordered one. Not there anyways. Some respect should have been given to us as members and Viper owners.

He still has it for sale.

[blk_fxstc]

Go rent one for a day to find out if you are interested in a Viper or not. A quick test drive will not tell you enough about the car IMO.

[6th-Element]

Honestly I can't understand the crowd here. People can't see past their own experiences. Not everyone wants to buy a car without driving it. If I wasn't 100% sold on the car, I wouldn't have bought one without driving it.

Sure, there are solutions here as people have suggested. Flying out to a dealer is a great idea.

But the "If you want a Viper go buy one without driving it" are willingly ignorant to how the rest of the world operates.

When Porsche and other brands toss keys at you to test drive cars that cost more, it doesn't help. "I wouldn't buy a car with XYZ miles on it!" - well people aren't buying them with 5 miles on the odometer either.

Butts in seats = cars sold. There is no way you can drive this car and not love it. The fact he has to fly to find a dealer is a bit problematic. It shouldn't be difficult to part with $100,000.


We can all see past our past experiences.

Reality is reality, either accept it or don't.

I know that personally I have test driven a lot of cars I had no intention of buying and I have bought most of my cars without a test drive, be it Mercedes, Jaguars, Vipers, and Numerous Dodges. In fact the only car I can remember buying that I made the buying decision based partially on a test drive was a Dodge diesel Dually that I wanted to see what the ride was like.

I am quite sure that you will find that most dealers do profile their customers, you don't drive up to the porsche dealership in sweats and a t shirt and in a beat up 82 sunbird and get to test drive a top of the line car, you probably won't be allowed to drive one of the used POS cars on the lot. Even my Porsche Dealership, after buying 2 cayenne Turbos was not letting ANYONE drive their CARRERA GT. (this would be a good parallel to the minivan flogging dodge dealership allowing someone to test drive a Viper.

[Whitemamba]

Seems to be working great for sales this year.

You guys don't get it for people outside the "Gotta have one now" crowd.
And maybe you missed the part where I said that he should contact one of the local Viper clubs to see if he might get a ride. Driving a Viper isn't like driving an NSX. Hey, would you be willing to let anyone drive your car if you were selling it? I know the answer to that even before I asked it. How many tire kickers and crap talkers do you think would come by just wanting to drive it so they could say that they test drove a Viper?

[Whitemamba]

We can all see past our past experiences.

Reality is reality, either accept it or don't.

I know that personally I have test driven a lot of cars I had no intention of buying and I have bought most of my cars without a test drive, be it Mercedes, Jaguars, Vipers, and Numerous Dodges. In fact the only car I can remember buying that I made the buying decision based partially on a test drive was a Dodge diesel Dually that I wanted to see what the ride was like.

I am quite sure that you will find that most dealers do profile their customers, you don't drive up to the porsche dealership in sweats and a t shirt and in a beat up 82 sunbird and get to test drive a top of the line car, you probably won't be allowed to drive one of the used POS cars on the lot. Even my Porsche Dealership, after buying 2 cayenne Turbos was not letting ANYONE drive their CARRERA GT. (this would be a good parallel to the minivan flogging dodge dealership allowing someone to test drive a Viper.

This is it exactly!!

[City]

Which is part of the reason why the '13 and '14 are rusting on dealer lots.

"Reality check" - this is 2014 and the competition the Viper is up against will let people test drive their cars. If SRT dealers refuse to let people get behind the wheel, they won't move them. If people get behind the wheel, they will buy them.

Just because some of us are crazy enough to buy without a test drive doesn't mean everyone is.

If I wasn't in love with getting the car myself and I couldn't have test drove it, I wouldn't have bought it. If I am dropping $100k+ (hell even a lot less than that) I want to drive it. Exotics allow for it, so should Dodge. (And note, exotics don't always have to, seeing as they are sold out for years)
Alright, we get it already. You have the definitive answer(s) as to why Gen V's are "rusting on dealer lots" across the country. But how the hell can you be so damn certain? Many of these dealers, whom you are so quick and determined to fault, have sold thousands of cars and hundreds of Vipers. How many have you marketed and sold?

You'll just assert that all these "high brow" dealers who don't allow potential buyers to test drive a Viper are in business to store and rust their Viper inventory? They're not in the business of sales and marketing? Do ya think there just MIGHT be some alternative reasons why so few dealers (of Viper and other exotics) allow test drives? I'm not even suggesting that you're entirely wrong, but how about you back up a half step and consider that your singular and dogmatic opinion as to how to save SRT may not be the only view. Especially since I would have to guess that most SRT dealers have both, more inve$ted in and experience with the sales of their cars.

Just sayin ...

[commandomatt]

Reality is, I don't need a car that bad....like my Wife says "there's always another car".

Who knows maybe in 2015-2016 it will be a completely different program?

This is only for fun, but I put 11K on my Porsche having fun last year.

Doesn't sound like you are that into the Viper. It seems like any 'new car' will fit the bill as another toy.

If you really want one, there are plenty of ways to make it happen. If you are letting the local Dodge/SRT dealers stop you...well, as I said....you didn't want it bad enough.

Matt

[Policy Limits]

Funny I wasn't allowed to test drive a ZR1 or a then new Gen IV. But I test drove a 1/4 mill Ghost a 1/4 mill McLaren and I test drove my Maserati after we pulled it off the showroom floor and then I purchased it.

American companies have it all wrong from sales, service, quality control, to marketing.

[Taximan1]

I'm sorry. Lets face, Anyone who NEEDS a test drive in order to buy a viper, is not going to buy one anyway.. I've had 9 vipers, bought and sold. Never drove one before buying. Never had a buyer ask for a test drive either.

If your looking to test drive a viper, to ensure the car is mechanically sound, there are inspections for that.

If your looking to test drive it, to see if you like it? your looking at the wrong car...

If dealers let Joy riders test drive. Now they have to explain to a real buyer, why their "new" car has 50 miles on it, instead of 3, and likely have to discount further. Thats without even touching upon the liability issue of something with this kind of power. I dont blame them one bit.

[VRYALT3R3D]

Reality is, I don't need a car that bad....like my Wife says "there's always another car".

Who knows maybe in 2015-2016 it will be a completely different program?

This is only for fun, but I put 11K on my Porsche having fun last year.

I think a lot of you are missing the OP's point. He owns a Porsche that he is satisfied with. He doesn't like the high maintenance though and wants something more unique. He doesn't need a Viper, and he doesn't need to sell his Porsche. He believes(and I would as well) that if a dealer is difficult about allowing a test drive, this would be a prelude to the treatment he would get in servicing his Viper. Which is a giant turn off. Test driving a Viper is the only way for him to decide if the Viper is best for him. Magazine tests don't mean much, actually driving the car does.

FWIW, I had two dealers offer me a test drive. I didn't need to even ask, and I accepted. One dealer even offered to drop off the Viper at my work or my house. I would personally never buy a car without a test drive. I was looking at the GT-R and I was close to purchasing one but after driving it, I knew it wasn't the car for me. Test drives are important. The OP is SRT's new target customer. The OP has insurance so I don't know why there is such a big deal giving him a test drive. If Viper owners don't need test drives, lets cut out the middleman and buy from the manufacturer direct.






We asked to take the red SRT out for a test drive. He said flatly no.

Which dealer if I may ask? PM if you don't want to make it public.

[ViperSmith]

Alright, we get it already. You have the definitive answer(s) as to why Gen V's are "rusting on dealer lots" across the country. But how the hell can you be so damn certain? Many of these dealers, whom you are so quick and determined to fault, have sold thousands of cars and hundreds of Vipers. How many have you marketed and sold?

You'll just assert that all these "high brow" dealers who don't allow potential buyers to test drive a Viper are in business to store and rust their Viper inventory? They're not in the business of sales and marketing? Do ya think there just MIGHT be some alternative reasons why so few dealers (of Viper and other exotics) allow test drives? I'm not even suggesting that you're entirely wrong, but how about you back up a half step and consider that your singular and dogmatic opinion as to how to save SRT may not be the only view. Especially since I would have to guess that most SRT dealers have both, more inve$ted in and experience with the sales of their cars.

Just sayin ...

The three local dealers to me have brand new 2013 Vipers sitting in their showrooms collecting dust. None of them allow anyone to test drive.

So, clearly what they are doing is working quite well, seeing as they have sold exactly zero Gen V Vipers, right?

I never said once this will this "Save SRT" - no, but it won't hurt. Not allowing test drives drives people away. It doesn't earn a single sale. There is a reason SRT is doing their drive event, because they know getting people behind the wheel helps move cars. If dealers were doing what they were supposed to do, SRT wouldn't have to. Clearly, since SRT is doing it themselves, they see the need for it. If SRT didn't see the need, the events would not be occurring.

The "omg too powerful" reason is a joke. With ESC the car is much safer. Dealers are insured. Drivers are insured. There is no reason not to allow it today if someone is serious about buying.

I think sales have been decent for the car being on lots for 10 months, but they should be better.

Views like this:


Doesn't sound like you are that into the Viper. It seems like any 'new car' will fit the bill as another toy.

Are antiquated and drive people away. Viper fans should be encouraging not "you don't get it leave" when someone is trying to get behind the wheel. We should be helping bring people into the fold, not drive them away because you are a manly man and manly men buy cars without seeing them or driving them.

It shouldn't be difficult to part with $100,000+ in 2014, when there are plenty of cars collecting dust on showrooms around the country. Period.

[VRYALT3R3D]

Funny I wasn't allowed to test drive a ZR1 or a then new Gen IV. But I test drove a 1/4 mill Ghost a 1/4 mill McLaren and I test drove my Maserati after we pulled it off the showroom floor and then I purchased it.

American companies have it all wrong from sales, service, quality control, to marketing.

The problem is dealers think these cars are trophies. I would think these dealers want them off their floorplan ASAP instead of rotting on the lot. Driving the car generates much more excitement then sitting in it or reading a magazine about it. Experiencing, engaging, and indulging yourself to the Viper pretty much seals the deal for perspective customers as far as I am concerned.

[Policy Limits]

Guess its difficult for dealers to have a demo if they only have one or two allocations though.

SRT exclusive dealerships are needed to cure the general poor sales experience of generally no test drives to the general poor service experience of having anxiety about giving your six figure toy to a "Viper tech " who works on Darts and has never worked on a gen v viper before. Where is the consumer confidence? What good is the warranty if you're afraid to use it?

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Mods please close this thread....thanks!

(BTW, It's not about the NSX, it's the experience)


Shucks..... my offer to help in PacNW resulted in your very-next-post to "please close the thread." I hope that means you found a ride/drive? Be careful on cold pavement. Reallly careful! My offer still stands ....

[Newport Viper]

I think what you will see in the future is about 80 Viper dealers at best.

Dealers don't want to hear this but, these cars should be available for purchase online. Yep Online. Just like amazon.com. Who just walks into a Viper dealership and just buys one ....7%-10% maybe? What's the point of that? Hey honey, I know we can in for a mini van but maybe we should take that Viper home too.... Yeah right....

The days of a ANY car dealership should be over. Who wants the hassle? They aren't your friend. They should be turned into glorified repair shops at best for the manufacturer.

I would never walk into one ever again if, I could just order online.

Maybe one day a drone will just fly my next Viper to my house, straight from Detroit. (Pick it up for repairs too.)

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/130605170428-dominos-pizza-drone-delivery-00002722-620x348.jpg

[46hemi]

I cant believe people actually defend the dealers not allowing a test drive of a 100k car before buying it. I for one did not test drive before buying my GenII but I could definitely understand wanting to. Its a lot of money and test drives are a cost of doing business unless your demand is high enough to turn people away because someone was standing behind them with a check in their hand. Getting people to drive them would only help sales and positive buzz. Contrary to what many people say I do not think they would get a flock of joyriders looking to film the next fast and furious on their gopro.

A simplistic solution could see Fiat creating a "test drive" program specifically for the Viper. For every verified test drive of a VIN the dealer gets a spiff credited to the invoice when they sell it up to 10k or something. This gives the dealer the peace of mind that with every test drive, the car becomes cheaper to buy for the next prospective purchaser. If these cars are discounted enough people will buy them especially with a few hundred demo miles on them and a full warranty from day one. They could require a salesman ride in the car which would limit the nonsense. Obviously if you are the first test driver and you buy it (which would happen) then no harm no foul and people post on the boards how great the SRT dealers are. Win-Win.

Either way with these cars sitting the no test drive thing is ridiculous and should be addressed at Fiat, not the dealer level.

[Policy Limits]

I think what you will see in the future is about 80 Viper dealers at best.

Dealers don't want to hear this but, these cars should be available for purchase online. Yep Online. Just like amazon.com. Who just walks into a Viper dealership and just buys one ....7%-10% maybe? What's the point of that? Hey honey, I know we can in for a mini van but maybe we should take that Viper home too.... Yeah right....

The days of a ANY car dealership should be over. Who wants the hassle? They aren't your friend. They should be turned into glorified repair shops at best for the manufacturer.

I would never walk into one ever again if, I could just order online.

Maybe one day a drone will just fly my next Viper to my house, straight from Detroit. (Pick it up for repairs too.)

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/130605170428-dominos-pizza-drone-delivery-00002722-620x348.jpg

True story. What a waste of fuel and resources for my car to have traveled from Detroit out West only to be taken 1400 miles back East. Some guys even showed up at CAAP to drive it home and were still charged shipping cost. Hmmm..

[slitherv10]

Funny I wasn't allowed to test drive a ZR1 or a then new Gen IV. But I test drove a 1/4 mill Ghost a 1/4 mill McLaren and I test drove my Maserati after we pulled it off the showroom floor and then I purchased it.

American companies have it all wrong from sales, service, quality control, to marketing.

Did you test drive the Gen 5 before buying it?

[Policy Limits]

No I took a six figure chance I'd like it. The chance was based on months of online research. I also never test drove the Lamborghini before driving it; same chance, same research, only more extensive.

The no test drive on the V I bought out of state wasn't a deal breaker but the lack of one on the in state Gen IV I shopped for back in 08 definitely cost them the sale.

[Policy Limits]

Btw the dealer that didn't allow the drive was Central Chrysler in Norwood MA; I returned 5 years later to check out their two gen V's. ropped off with $25k juice on sticker. The Launch Edition was listed for $165,000.00

LMFAO

[Policy Limits]

****just checked their website and according to that, it's still there listed for sale! A year later!

[No hemi]

From what i see he was just blowing smoke, after jon offered him a way to have the test drive he asked to have the thread closed, and never responded again, which tells me he was just trolling around and found a way to create some controversy, for me i couldn't care less if he bought a lambo or a eg hatch( which is probably what he has) it's always been a matter of how much you want the product and how much you believe in it, if you are scared buy a vette, if you really want a Viper , you would just buy it and enjoy it.

[MI Viper]

I guess it depends on the dealer, and who you know there. My little podunk SRT dealer has (3) Gen V's sitting in their showroom, and I went by on my birthday, with my Gen IV and title in hand, and tried to put a deal together on a Gen V. They, were opening the showroom doors to roll 1 out for a test drive. I respectively declined until we could work on the $$'s, which we couldn't make work, so i went home with my Gen IV. They still call me about 1 month asking when could I come back in to work out a deal.

BTW, I flew to WY to test drive our Gen IV before I closed the deal. Personally, when I spend this kind of coin, no test drive or sea trial, no sale....

[Hothonda]

From what i see he was just blowing smoke, after jon offered him a way to have the test drive he asked to have the thread closed, and never responded again, which tells me he was just trolling around and found a way to create some controversy, for me i couldn't care less if he bought a lambo or a eg hatch( which is probably what he has) it's always been a matter of how much you want the product and how much you believe in it, if you are scared buy a vette, if you really want a Viper , you would just buy it and enjoy it.

Lots of mind readers on this site.

[ACRucrazy]

I didn't test drive either Viper I bought. Sure it wasn't a brand new Gen V but the first time I drove a was after I forked over good money for a Gen IV. If you truly want a Viper you don't need a test drive. I can see wanting to drive one, but not driving one would not turn me away from buying. IMO either you are a Viper owner or not.

Look at all the people spending 1.5 times new on a used Ford GT without driving or sitting in one.

[GhostStalker27]

Hell, I know someone who was told they couldn't test drive a new Mustang GT...so he said screw it and bought a Jeep Wrangler.

That being said, you don't need to test drive a Viper - their awesome. I didn't test drive mine and it was 15 years old.

[GhostStalker27]

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/P1020039_zpsa4c367bd.jpg~original

I work with a girl that has the same car!
http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j400/ghoststalker27/VW_4269NewBeetle2011_zps13366fff.jpg (http://s1083.photobucket.com/user/ghoststalker27/media/VW_4269NewBeetle2011_zps13366fff.jpg.html)


Nah haha I'm playin, Porsche is nice

[VRYALT3R3D]

Lots of mind readers on this site.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/P1020039_zpsa4c367bd.jpg~original

Sweet 911!

[Hothonda]

The 911 (991) is great, but I keep looking at this photo of Randy Probst....sweet:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/2014-SRT-Viper-TA_zps3d2ed259.jpg~original

Had an Orange M3....hard to hide

[ACRucrazy]

The 911 (991) is great, but I keep looking at this photo of Randy Probst....sweet:


I agree, that's way more badass than a Beetle. ;)

[TrackAire]

I'm sorry. Lets face, Anyone who NEEDS a test drive in order to buy a viper, is not going to buy one anyway.. I've had 9 vipers, bought and sold. Never drove one before buying. Never had a buyer ask for a test drive either.

If your looking to test drive a viper, to ensure the car is mechanically sound, there are inspections for that.

If your looking to test drive it, to see if you like it? your looking at the wrong car...

If dealers let Joy riders test drive. Now they have to explain to a real buyer, why their "new" car has 50 miles on it, instead of 3, and likely have to discount further. Thats without even touching upon the liability issue of something with this kind of power. I dont blame them one bit.

First I must explain I am not the kind of guy to buy every Viper generation made just because it is a Viper. Although I love my Gen 4, it does not automatically mean I would buy a Gen 5 because it is the next in the continuation line. I know others here would, but I only buy what I want, regardless of the manufacturer. If cross shopping a Gen 5, I might be looking at a Porsche GT3, GTR, Z06/ZR1, etc. Am I supposed to pick the Gen 5 just because it is a Viper without some sort of comparison?.....not me and neither would 95% of the other potential petrol heads buyers out there.

I disagree with the notion of "if you have to test drive it, you're looking at the wrong car."

I've driven Gen 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's. The Gen 5 is a different beast. It has other attributes that none of us has ever experienced before in a Viper. Lots of electronic features, luxury items, adjustable suspension, etc. If I'm buying a Gen 5, I want to see if I like the features and feel it is worth it to me....especially if I'm cross shopping other brands.

I drove a Gen 5 at the all access Bay Area event. Great event, great cars but the worlds worst test drive.....heavy San Jose traffic made for a useless test drive. Stop and go driving in 1st and 2nd gear and more concerned about other idiots on the congested highway than being able to concentrate on the car and its features and benefits. I left that event feeling I would actually have to have another test drive under better conditions to see if I actually would consider buying the car.

I have no problems with a dealer taking a refundable deposit before allowing me to drive a Gen 5 or any high end car. If I did decide that the car might be the "one" but I was not 100% sure after the 3.7 mile test drive, then I would spend the money and rent one from an exotic car outlet for the day or 24 hour period. That will tell you if you really want the car or if its not right for you. My wife and I rented a Maserati GranTurismo for a couple of days to see if we liked it. Totally different outlook when you can drive the car where you want, how you want and check out how it looks sitting in your garage. Well worth the investment if you're not 100% sure about a vehicle.

Lastly, I have never seen an PDI where I did not find issues on a used car that was missed during the inspection. Although a PDI is strongly recommended on a used car, don't be surprised if you find issues. On a new Gen 5, other than obvious damage to the paint or interior, a PDI is not too helpful on a brand new Gen 5 since it will still be under warranty.

Cheers,
George

[6th-Element]

Funny I wasn't allowed to test drive a ZR1 or a then new Gen IV. But I test drove a 1/4 mill Ghost a 1/4 mill McLaren and I test drove my Maserati after we pulled it off the showroom floor and then I purchased it.

American companies have it all wrong from sales, service, quality control, to marketing.


I think they profiled you,

they figured you could drive the old lady cars, just not the high powered sports cars, LOL




Just kidding with you!

[Policy Limits]

Actually I pulled up to the Gen IV in a then new C6 vert, which was ballpark in similarity

They just don't get it

[Moodie]

I think I need to take Jon B up on his offer! It's a plane flight to go see a gen5 in state or out of state. I totally agree with hothonda. Some of us are the kind of guys who like to know what we are buying. I won't buy the new trail rated arctic cat until I get to drive it and that's only 12g. For me it's not about the cash it's about the touch and feel.

[Bitten]

I got to thinking about this, because so many of you wouldn't buy with out a test drive, but now that I think back in 93 I bought my first new vehicle a Ram Charger and had it dealer transferred without ever driving it, I have had 2 Z28 Camaro, 2 Corvettes one a Z06, and 3 Vipers in the last 20 years that I never test drove before buying. It never bothered me, but I am not picky, I drive a 2 door Rubicon with a 6 speed as my daily.

I guess graduating from performance cars up the chain, I never felt I needed a test drive. I did drive my husband's truck to a Porsche dealer in New Orleans one day and they le me take a test drive in a 911, and I scared the shit out of the salesman who told me he drove a Ford minivan as his daily.

[ViperSmith]

I got to thinking about this, because so many of you wouldn't buy with out a test drive, but now that I think back in 93 I bought my first new vehicle a Ram Charger and had it dealer transferred without ever driving it, I have had 2 Z28 Camaro, 2 Corvettes one a Z06, and 3 Vipers in the last 20 years that I never test drove before buying. It never bothered me, but I am not picky, I drive a 2 door Rubicon with a 6 speed as my daily. So if you want a rugged, rattling,

There are plenty here that would and have. I had never driven a high performance car before (over 300HP) and ordered the Gen V sight unseen (hadn't seen one in the flesh)

But I really wanted one.

If someone is on the fence, a test drive should seal the deal. As we all know, when you get behind the wheel the car is just amazing.

[commandomatt]

Views like this:



Are antiquated and drive people away. Viper fans should be encouraging not "you don't get it leave" when someone is trying to get behind the wheel. We should be helping bring people into the fold, not drive them away because you are a manly man and manly men buy cars without seeing them or driving them.

It shouldn't be difficult to part with $100,000+ in 2014, when there are plenty of cars collecting dust on showrooms around the country. Period.

You are not getting my point (what a surprise)......if someone is truly looking for a car like the Viper, and lets a couple of bad dealers turn him off, then he is clearly not all that interested. I am sure the OP has read plenty about it...checked out some forums and most likely got enough good feedback to move forward and then what ?....turns away because a dealer didn't let him drive one !!!! So he is willing to miss out on this car experience because of some dealers ? Sounds like he needs to do some more research about the car and then if he decides he really want to learn more about it, then go get it done. Find a dealer that will in fact let him drive one (plenty of them have been mentioned) and then get the car if its everything he hoped it would be. If not...go get something else

The bad dealers are ultimately the ones loosing out as they miss the sales. So let them get stuck with the cars....why do you worry about that ?

People need to grow up, quit acting like spoiled kids not getting their way. If a dealer don't treat you with respect, then find someone that will and quit whining about it.

Matt

[Bitten]

You are not getting my point (what a surprise)......if someone is truly looking for a car like the Viper, and lets a couple of bad dealers turn him off, then he is clearly not all that interested. I am sure the OP has read plenty about it...checked out some forums and most likely got enough good feedback to move forward and then what ?....turns away because a dealer didn't let him drive one !!!! So he is willing to miss out on this car experience because of some dealers ? Sounds like he needs to do some more research about the car and then if he decides he really want to learn more about it, then go get it done. Find a dealer that will in fact let him drive one (plenty of them have been mentioned) and then get the car if its everything he hoped it would be. If not...go get something else

The bad dealers are ultimately the ones loosing out as they miss the sales. So let them get stuck with the cars....why do you worry about that ?

People need to grow up, quit acting like spoiled kids not getting their way. If a dealer don't treat you with respect, then find someone that will and quit whining about it.

Matt

I agree, I also think their are CAR people and non car people. I want to drive something that challenges me to be a better driver, that takes my breath away and maybe even scares me a little. My husband has an 87 Buick Grand National in the garage that probably runs a 10 second quarter mile ( he hasn't tracked it since the engine build) that is a scary car! My point being that I didn't ever think any of the cars I bought without a test drive would disappoint me.

With the Gen 5 I think I knew it wouldn't disappoint me and if I could handle 2 Gen 3 cars (one with headers and exhaust up grades) that I would feel comfortable in the car. It was in fact surprisingly satisfying to drive the car home. I am very glad that I was the first driver on both of the Vipers that I purchased New and that I got to assist with the PDI on both.

[Policy Limits]

Ill bet 90% of supercars & exotics in general are purchased by out of state buyers sight unseen. I've done this several times from several different dealers in different states. But for the 10% who buy local it would be nice to have the opportunity to test drive.

[ViperSmith]

You are not getting my point (what a surprise)......if someone is truly looking for a car like the Viper, and lets a couple of bad dealers turn him off, then he is clearly not all that interested. I am sure the OP has read plenty about it...checked out some forums and most likely got enough good feedback to move forward and then what ?....turns away because a dealer didn't let him drive one !!!! So he is willing to miss out on this car experience because of some dealers ? Sounds like he needs to do some more research about the car and then if he decides he really want to learn more about it, then go get it done. Find a dealer that will in fact let him drive one (plenty of them have been mentioned) and then get the car if its everything he hoped it would be. If not...go get something else

The bad dealers are ultimately the ones loosing out as they miss the sales. So let them get stuck with the cars....why do you worry about that ?

People need to grow up, quit acting like spoiled kids not getting their way. If a dealer don't treat you with respect, then find someone that will and quit whining about it.

Matt

No, your point is quite clear.

He shouldn't have to do a lot of leg work to part with six figures. Most people aren't going to do that. I am not quite sure why that is lost in translation. To me it is a simple concept.

Contacting three different dealers and that not working is just, well pathetic. It isn't like there is a 2 year waiting list.

If I treated my customers with this attitude, I'd be no where. I guess it is a philosophy on business.

Clearly Ralph sees this as a problem because they are putting on the Drive events.

[Policy Limits]

Gotta beg to spend six figs in this economy; now that's outrageous. And they wonder why they were in Bankruptcy

[slitherv10]

Were all different animals and what makes us tick does not necessarily translate to the next guy. That's why we have gambling, stock markets and rich folk, poor folk, successful companies and better Lawyers, doctors etc,,..you get my point..
This debate can go on forever.
Why you would want a test drive, why you buy site unseen and why you feel you want to be served a coffee and donut when looking for a buyers experience is obviously a personal trait within ourselves.

If the OP wants a test drive and that is what it will take for him to get into one, then, that is his prerogative. What gives us the right to judge his decision? Respect his needs and wants and just give an unbiased opinion.

The Porsche is undoubtedly a great car, and yes resembles a Beetle and in fact, in the 80's the Turbo cars seats had VW on them if I remember correctly and some parts were interchangeable.
If you have driven all gens as someone said above and have driven many sports cars and are a true petrol head, then I would say you don't need an introduction via a test drive when fact is this car is undisputed track winner. What exactly are you trying to compare when this is a better car all around. Otherwise it would not set the records time and time again at Leguna. The car will outperform any of the other competitors as has been proven. So your comparing what between them, how comfortable the ride is...lol..come on..I hope your not buying a car of this magnitude because it has comfortable seats and a 18 speaker stereo.

[commandomatt]

No, your point is quite clear.

He shouldn't have to do a lot of leg work to part with six figures. Most people aren't going to do that. I am not quite sure why that is lost in translation. To me it is a simple concept.

Contacting three different dealers and that not working is just, well pathetic. It isn't like there is a 2 year waiting list.

If I treated my customers with this attitude, I'd be no where. I guess it is a philosophy on business.

Clearly Ralph sees this as a problem because they are putting on the Drive events.

So while you are stuck with your thoughts on how things should be...consider this:

- The Gen V Viper is a pretty good car....we can probably agree on that, right ?

- There are some really bad dealers that haven't figured out how to deal properly with the customer looking for the Viper.....we can most likely agree on that as well.

So the question is...do you think the OP, or anyone like him in the same situation, should try to figure out how to get his ass in the seat to experience the car ?....or should he throw in the towel and just forget about it because the dealer didn't meet his expectations ?

So stop your relentless pursuit of complaining about the dealer experience and lets focus on what it sometimes takes to get something that is worth while.

I don't think most of the dealers are right in the way they treat the possible Viper buyers...but this is now actually reality. So if you get stuck on that, then the Viper will in fact fail...so rather than allowing the substandard dealer (not the car) to sway you in the wrong direction, find someone that is willing to offer you the service you deserve and then make the decision based on that experience

....and while this is all taking place maybe SRT, with some aggressive measures, can figure out how to better the buying experience overall (and I agree 100 % about making it a direct buy from the factory) for anyone interested in the Viper.

Matt

[1ststrike]

It's not so much the horsepower it's the low end torque this is the issue. There are a few of the high volume dealers that will let you drive them.

[05Commemorative]

I'm sorry. Lets face, Anyone who NEEDS a test drive in order to buy a viper, is not going to buy one anyway.. I've had 9 vipers, bought and sold. Never drove one before buying. Never had a buyer ask for a test drive either.

If your looking to test drive a viper, to ensure the car is mechanically sound, there are inspections for that.

If your looking to test drive it, to see if you like it? your looking at the wrong car...

If dealers let Joy riders test drive. Now they have to explain to a real buyer, why their "new" car has 50 miles on it, instead of 3, and likely have to discount further. Thats without even touching upon the liability issue of something with this kind of power. I dont blame them one bit.
Why is this unique to the Viper? Why is it acceptable? Why does Porsche not have a problem letting the car sell itself?

Totally confused with the logic. you think ok to purchase a 100k car without a test drive? Even if I had 9 vipers before, I would want to test drive the 10th before I paid good money for it. Never had blind faith in Dodge regardless of how much I wanted the car.

[05Commemorative]

I am blown away by folks responses on this topic. Not sure how folks can slam a guy because he wants to test drive a 100k car before he buys. Someone said he might be a troll and not serious? because he wants to test drive a car?

sure, the Viper is special, but many special cars exist out there today. (ie, it is not that special...)

Just in the past two weeks, I test drove a new 911 4S and a 2013 GTS. The Porsche dealer handed me the keys and let me drive the car home, show my wife and bring back in two hours. Only new one they had on the lot. Only required a copy of my drivers license. Then went to dodge dealer. After they charged the battery to open it, they started it. Did not allow me to test drive unless I agree to purchase. Remember, a 2013 that has been on the lot for 8months. I left immediately. They called two days later to say I could test drive, but the salesman had to be with me. He let me do whatever I wanted with it which was good.

At the end of the day, loved both cars for different reasons. 911 is a better built car, it just is. Viper is more exciting but my biggest question is could I purchase a coupe. (have conv now).

My point being, I am a serious buyer for either. To suggest otherwise because I test drove both is crazy. The dealer experience was awful at Dodge and I got the test drive. It was awful compared to the experience of the Porsche dealer. Think about it, I had that 911 sitting in my garage for an hour just checking it out. I suspect if the Dodge dealer had done the same with the Viper sitting in my garage, I would have never taken it back and just sent them the money.

Also, to somehow suggest if you are not a Viper fanatic, then must not be interested is wrong. Dodge dealers just need to get good at profiling the serious potential buyer. Problem is they have no capacity to even know who that is.

Again, I guess I am shocked at how many of you purchased a car without driving it first. Difficult for me to process why, but to each his own.

[Patentlaw]

So while you are stuck with your thoughts on how things should be...consider this:

- The Gen V Viper is a pretty good car....we can probably agree on that, right ?

- There are some really bad dealers that haven't figured out how to deal properly with the customer looking for the Viper.....we can most likely agree on that as well.

So the question is...do you think the OP, or anyone like him in the same situation, should try to figure out how to get his ass in the seat to experience the car ?....or should he throw in the towel and just forget about it because the dealer didn't meet his expectations ?

So stop your relentless pursuit of complaining about the dealer experience and lets focus on what it sometimes takes to get something that is worth while.

I don't think most of the dealers are right in the way they treat the possible Viper buyers...but this is now actually reality. So if you get stuck on that, then the Viper will in fact fail...so rather than allowing the substandard dealer (not the car) to sway you in the wrong direction, find someone that is willing to offer you the service you deserve and then make the decision based on that experience

....and while this is all taking place maybe SRT, with some aggressive measures, can figure out how to better the buying experience overall (and I agree 100 % about making it a direct buy from the factory) for anyone interested in the Viper.

Matt

Totally agree. When I got mine, I had to go to Ohio from NJ. I did not let that stop me. Reality is reality. If they don't want you to drive the car, then the heck with them. Find someone who will. Why would you want them to make any money off of you if they are going to treat you like that? Life is full of people who put problems in front of you.

There was another thread on the other site that talked about everyone coming down here to Texas to purchase cars. Another individual complained about the dealer experience. The law of supply and demand (and cash) rules. Let the dealers who don't service their potential customers fail.

[Bitten]

Why is this unique to the Viper? Why is it acceptable? Why does Porsche not have a problem letting the car sell itself?

Totally confused with the logic. you think ok to purchase a 100k car without a test drive? Even if I had 9 vipers before, I would want to test drive the 10th before I paid good money for it. Never had blind faith in Dodge regardless of how much I wanted the car.



I think that dealers may be gun shy. In 2006 our local dealer sold 6 cars ( very small dealer) 3 of 6 cars totaled and one fatality. Maybe dealers even with the new electronic nannies are worried about liabilities, or adding depreciation to new Vipers on their showroom floor.

If you have owned a Viper and been a member on a forum for any length of time, I am sure you have heard the horror stories of " I brought my car to get an oil change and the service guy totalled my car"



I can tell you that no one drives my Vipers except me and my husband. Never! Ever!

[VRYALT3R3D]

People need to grow up, quit acting like spoiled kids not getting their way. If a dealer don't treat you with respect, then find someone that will and quit whining about it.

Matt

I think the OP is more concerned about the service he would get serving the Viper.........

It isn't really convenient to drive a hour+ everytime you need your Viper serviced to find a "good" dealer.

[V10LEE]

I never test drove my Gen V, ACR, or Z06. Just drove it off the lot..:)

[johniew398]

I never test drove my Gen V, ACR, or Z06. Just drove it off the lot..:)

Almost sounds like a mirror of my cars except for: never test drove my Gen V, ACR, C6 Z06, ZR1 and the only reason I test drove the C5 Z06 was because my wife was with me and couldn't believe I wasn't going to drive it before I bought it.

Sorry for getting a little off topic but I remember in 1967 I went with a buddy of mine up to Burkburnett, TX and we stopped at a Chevy dealer. He told one of the sales guys he wanted to test drive a new Camaro. The guy flipped him the keys and we returned the car 30 minutes later after burning through a half tank of gas and you could smell the tires when we pulled back on the lot.

[Bitten]

I think the OP is more concerned about the service he would get serving the Viper.........

It isn't really convenient to drive a hour+ everytime you need your Viper serviced to find a "good" dealer.


That's why you marry a car guy who has more tech experience than the Viper Tech.

[SLViper]

Everybody knows what the Viper is and what it can do. I seriously doubt anyone who can afford one, And really wants to buy one, would be so disappointed with the "dealership experience" (read did not kiss my a$$ enough) with a test drive etc. they just won't buy one. I have zero interest in buying my Next New Viper with (test-drive) miles on it. I don't like spending time at my Dodge dealership! My Mercedes & Caddy Dealers have wonderful amenities, Starbucks, pastries, etc. I don't like hanging out there either. BTW Vipers just need gas and oil changes so you are not going to be seeing the dealer anyway. Wish I could say that about my other vehicles. If you really wanted the Viper you would be driving one instead of posting silly excuses!

[05Commemorative]

Everybody knows what the Viper is and what it can do. I seriously doubt anyone who can afford one, And really wants to buy one, would be so disappointed with the "dealership experience" (read did not kiss my a$$ enough) with a test drive etc. they just won't buy one. I have zero interest in buying my Next New Viper with (test-drive) miles on it. I don't like spending time at my Dodge dealership! My Mercedes & Caddy Dealers have wonderful amenities, Starbucks, pastries, etc. I don't like hanging out there either. BTW Vipers just need gas and oil changes so you are not going to be seeing the dealer anyway. Wish I could say that about my other vehicles. If you really wanted the Viper you would be driving one instead of posting silly excuses!

This has to stack up as one of the more insane and insulting posts seen in some time.

"everybody" knows what the viper is and can do? wow... Starting off a response like that puts it in the insane category

"anyone" that can afford one and "really wants to buy" one would buy one without a test drive? wow... Is the concept exist of someone interested, is shopping, but needs to drive to see what it is about. Did every first time Viper owner know what it was going to be like? seriously? This puts it in the extremely rude category

a test drive = dealer kissing my ...? wow... I am not sure, seems both insane and rude

Somehow, a test drive of the product (which is a thing you drive) in your mind is somehow like pastries and amenities at a Mercedes and Caddy dealer? again, wow... Ok, just insane

I guess people should be extremely thankful when the dealer lets them drive that cheap dodge dart or Jeep or Ram, because as we know, "Everyone" knows what those cars are about. Come on.

[SLViper]

This has to stack up as one of the more insane and insulting posts seen in some time. (really?)
"everybody" knows what the viper is and can do? wow... Starting off a response like that puts it in the insane category
(Insane is letting someone drive a 640 HP street legal race car that does not know what it is)
"anyone" that can afford one and "really wants to buy" one would buy one without a test drive? wow... Is the concept exist of someone interested, is shopping, but needs to drive to see what it is about.
Did every first time Viper owner know what it was going to be like? seriously? (yes) This puts it in the
extremely rude category
a test drive = dealer kissing my ...? wow... I am not sure, seems both insane and rude (test drive etc.)
Somehow, a test drive of the product (which is a thing you drive) in your mind is somehow like pastries and amenities at
a Mercedes and Caddy dealer? again, wow... Ok, just insane (comparison to lowly Dodge Dealership)
I guess people should be extremely thankful when the dealer lets them drive that cheap dodge dart or Jeep or Ram, because as we know, "Everyone" knows what those cars are about. Come on.. (you brought up Dart Jeep or Ram). Relax just my humble opinions!

[Hothonda]

Again everybody...thanks for the succinct feedback.

Past experience tells me I'll wind up where I'm supposed to be!

"At the end of the game, the Pawn & King go back in the same box"

-Italian Proverb

For Fun:

Here's one for all the NSX fans (2015 it's on it's way)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNLivZG8KiY

[Policy Limits]

How often have these types of threads ended with the person stirring the pot never buying the car?

Remember that troll srtviper from the other site? Ahh memories...

[Hothonda]

How often have these types of threads ended with the person stirring the pot never buying the car?

Remember that troll srtviper from the other site? Ahh memories...

Why the ugly condescending tendencies?

[Policy Limits]

Just making an observation. It's a beautiful one in my eyes. Aesthetic value is inherently subjective though.

[LLEBMA1]

I drive my Gen V and it is my Customer Demo

You're along way away my friend - but you could fly down and drive mine! We have no 2nd sticker and I sell my cars at invoice ........ Maybe that will repay the airplane ticket!

[Policy Limits]

Selling at invoice is a great deal. How do u make money? On dealer cash back?

[Space Truckin]

Everybody knows what the Viper is and what it can do. I seriously doubt anyone who can afford one, And really wants to buy one, would be so disappointed with the "dealership experience" (read did not kiss my a$$ enough) with a test drive etc. they just won't buy one. I have zero interest in buying my Next New Viper with (test-drive) miles on it. I don't like spending time at my Dodge dealership! My Mercedes & Caddy Dealers have wonderful amenities, Starbucks, pastries, etc. I don't like hanging out there either. BTW Vipers just need gas and oil changes so you are not going to be seeing the dealer anyway. Wish I could say that about my other vehicles. If you really wanted the Viper you would be driving one instead of posting silly excuses!

After reading the OP's, I too sensed he was just looking for a reason not to own a Viper. Having owned an NSX and Porsche, VERY nice cars but not even in the same league/ ballpark it is comparing apples to oranges. IMO :rolleyes:

[Coloviper]

I only have one question for the OP. Have you ever owned an American vehicle of any manufacturer? I am willing to bet that is a no, considering you current choice and past choice in vehicles. That is okay but it is clear if you have not owned one and this is a step you may have considered because you are curious, however you were never really prepared to make. The new NSX should be a great car but a completely different driving experience, more in line with what you really want. NSX show car looked good but suspect the Japanese car manufacturer committees will nutter it before release. It will be dependable for sure but willing to bet not a lot of test rides in that one either.

Any vehicle or thing in life, if you want it bad enough, you find a way to just make it happen and run over obstacles in the way. I just don't think you really wanted it, regardless of a test ride which was offered by a few. A flight to take someone up on the test ride to see if it is what you really want on a 6-figure car, is a "Happy Meal" cost in the equation. In other words, it is insignificant.

[Hothonda]

Geeze, the Dodge brand ambassadors (anti sales dept's) are at it again......you are all shooting blanks gentlemen.

[MI Viper]

I drive my Gen V and it is my Customer Demo

You're along way away my friend - but you could fly down and drive mine! We have no 2nd sticker and I sell my cars at invoice ........ Maybe that will repay the airplane ticket!

HH,
But here is your opportunity to drive a GEN V, and get a great deal.... I know it is a PIA to have to fly down there, but that is what I did with our 09, I flew to Podunk WY to test drive our car, before I closed the deal on it. Heck, I believe some of the Big Snake dealers will even pay for shipping your new car home... And for me, that was a $2,000 cost adder, shipping our car to FL.
Hope this helps.
MI V.

[BlknBlu]

I have to admit, I bought my first Viper with no test drive, but it did not matter to me. I have Mopar blood running thru my veins and have had so many Dodge Muscle cars in my life, that i knew a Viper was for me. Each Gen has it's own quirks and has evolved a lot with the newest version, but all Vipers really have the same vibe in a test drive except each year they become a bit more refined as technology changes and HP increases. It is good to see folks joining the forum and ask questions when one is truly interested in shopping for a Modern supercar persay and wanting to know about Vipers. Hothonda, please look past some of the reotorical remarks from others, but we have had a past of really helping others out for them to just kick the tires and bash our lovely Viper community.

welcome to the forum and good luck

Bruce

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

And on a POSITIVE note, if you DO drive a G-5, (and can afford it) you will REALLY WANT IT ! Best Viper Ever.....

[Hothonda]

I have to admit, I bought my first Viper with no test drive, but it did not matter to me. I have Mopar blood running thru my veins and have had so many Dodge Muscle cars in my life, that i knew a Viper was for me. Each Gen has it's own quirks and has evolved a lot with the newest version, but all Vipers really have the same vibe in a test drive except each year they become a bit more refined as technology changes and HP increases. It is good to see folks joining the forum and ask questions when one is truly interested in shopping for a Modern supercar persay and wanting to know about Vipers. Hothonda, please look past some of the reotorical remarks from others, but we have had a past of really helping others out for them to just kick the tires and bash our lovely Viper community.

welcome to the forum and good luck

Bruce

Thanks Bruce,

but.....

What is it with this place anyway? Is this forum a boot camp for some dorky redneck initiation rites in order to learn about stuff - how to buy - where to buy, advice on dealing with Dodge dealers, i.e. the non-existant test drives, the car itself, IOW measured to be worthy of owning a the new Viper. Man what a disappointment & turn off. I personally could care less that Jimmy know it all didn't need a test drive on any of his dozen Vipers. Or why don't I fly someplace...who zooming who anyway? It's only a frigging car that they maybe will make thousands more of - special editions and all! If the locals don't want to sell them - hey who cares? $ goes one direction. If they like to worship it every morning when they open the showroom front doors who loses?

OK how do I feel right now?...I own a great car in my 991S PDK. Had it a year - 2nd Porsche. The new NSX is coming in 15 months, but not sure they'll compete with the best anymore. At the same time I'm a car guy that hopefully still has a few special cars left in my future. The Gen V Viper has me intrigued, but it's not only the car for me...it's interaction with the other owners & what I do with the car that completes the package. Was that way with 16 years of NSX(s) ownership - attending many of the annual NSXPO love fests held at tracks across the US. Usually 150-200 cars.

The only negative I voiced on this forum is the way Dodge dealers where I live operate. I asserted my position the best I could when keyboard commandos jumped on me, but 1st impressions have been frustrating. For me I look at the total package when I buy a car - WTF would the service be like since they're managed by same group? All starts upstairs right?

I've owned a ton of US made cars & trucks- both for personal & business (muscle cars -Royal Pontiac Bobcat GTO's + '69 Yenko Chevelle, Corvette & others in there too). No US cars in recent times because I felt they they were junk. Most Americans did agree.

Call me thin skinned , but I'm not seeing much future w/the Viper crowd. I'm in this for a good time. So far lots of negatives for me. BTW Jon - it's none of your business what I can or cannot afford...ha!

[Policy Limits]

You should see the other viper forums LOL

Seriously, true car guys can appreciate all great machines for what they are. Love the NSX, always have. In my college days I used to zip around campus in my red 300zx with T-Tops; man what great times in such a fun ride! The P car is a marvel of German engineering and hence reliability. I shopped a C4S against a Granturismo Sport for a fun daily. It was a close call but I chose the latter. Love the new 991 Targa.

The Gen V stands alone. It's unfair that it is frequently compared to the corvette. I've owned a corvette too, and other than them both being American, it's apples and oranges; the Z06 & ZR1 are a different story but they strongly resemble the dime a dozen base.

Viper isn't American muscle, it's not necessarily an exotic. It's a stand alone supercar with a lot of character. The stealerships are frustrating. From sales to service and that's unfortunate. But the good news is once you have it it's easy to work on it or u can have your personal mechanic do it if you're lazy like me.

Call Bill Pemberton at Woodhouse. He has several nice examples in inventory and actually owns and races his very own ACR; it doesn't get much more authentic than that.

[Newport Viper]

You should see the other viper forums LOL


Ha! Now that's funny!

[Coloviper]

And there you have it......"No US cars in recent times because I felt they they were junk. Most Americans did agree."

As I stated, it is okay to not own American, but there usually is a big bias as to why not. Yes you are right some were absolute junk but most have seriously improved since late 90's some have not. I have friends that will own nothing but Japanese and German vehicles and sorry but those friends are snobs (NOT saying you are). That is their choice but the clear impression they leave with their demonstrated and expressed attitudes.

I love my Viper and Saleen but we also own two Cayenne Turbos for daily driving. Put 106K miles on my 06' Turbo S and we have 66k miles on my wife's 04' Turbo. Trucks were really great up to 2 years ago, now they seem to live in the shop and drain the bank account over the stupidest things breaking for no reason at ridiculous prices to fix. Porsche is great through a 6 year certified warranty period. After that, they are complete and utter nightmare, unreliable junk. Thinking about replacing both and will go non-European this time for daily drivers than throw money away to another situation like that.

Having said that, I stand by what I stated. I don't think you were serious at all about a new American vehicle, let alone a new Viper so it begs the question as to the intention of your original post? What advice or outcome were you hoping for? Sorry but first impressions go both ways and your clearly poor attitude in responses and then resorting to running down long time Viper community owners who tried to offer help before getting frustrated with the situation, only verifies that point. Not sure how you felt you were going to get help with responses like that.

Wish you the best with the new NSX or 911 or whatever non-American vehicle you buy next. That is clearly what you are going to do anyway regardless of a test drive, etc.. AND there is nothing wrong with that. Running people you want help from down in a rant, well I don't get that.

[Policy Limits]

Non Junk American examples:

Ford GT
Viper
Falcon F7
ZR1
Prowler
Saleen S7

[Viper Girl]

Guys, I have spoken with the OP, I seriously don't think he is a troll...

Let this thread die off...

Thanks

[slitherv10]

Non Junk American examples:

Ford GT
Viper
Falcon F7
ZR1
Prowler
Saleen S7

You forgot the Plethore as well

Anyways,

For the OP not to buy a car because a few posts have turned him off, well, that is just way too funny.

Then, he starts to put down the American manufacture, this after he was intrigued by the Viper. Now he is not because of social issues.

There's one in every family I guess. I had an uncle like that.
I

[Policy Limits]

Isn't that Canadian though?

Does a Porsche with PDK come standard with a tampon holder? 8-p

[slitherv10]

Isn't that Canadian though?

Does a Porsche with PDK come standard with a tampon holder? 8-p

No, but, they do come with sunglass trays.

[Policy Limits]

Oh good I never know where to place mine. All the more reason to buy the snake: the roof line is so low due to the double bubble, it blocks the sun light...it also blocks traffic control signals..1/2 the fun!

[Timnineside]

I have a policy when selling any higher end car or extremely fast motorcycle. Do your diligence, make sure its something you want, secure your funds. After all this put down a deposit and come see what I have. If it checks out visually/mechanically you pay me. After that you test drive it and its all yours. If you don't like it and don't damage it I will be more then happy to refund 100% of the purchase price (deposit and all). I've never had a person disagree with these terms and never had anyone walk from a deal.

Maybe this is something the SRT dealers want to implement. Pay, drive, return if not satisfied.

-Tim

[ViperSmith]

Oh good I never know where to place mine. All the more reason to buy the snake: the roof line is so low due to the double bubble, it blocks the sun light...it also blocks traffic control signals..1/2 the fun!

trick is traffic lights reflect off your hood ;)

[TrackAire]

The 911 (991) is great, but I keep looking at this photo of Randy Probst....sweet:
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/2014-SRT-Viper-TA_zps3d2ed259.jpg~original

Had an Orange M3....hard to hide

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/P1010560_zpsfcd98145.jpg~original

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/NSXER/P1010596_zps2e8fba61.jpg~original

Hothonda,

I think you've answered your question....once you get an image in your head of a car that you like you've just got to have it. That Gen 5 TA......really, what a beauty. Regardless of the performance, build quality, resale value, etc, you've got to love the looks and feel of a car to really be happy with it. Although the P-cars are great vehicles, I see the looks of the Viper as a sculpture. The last thing I need right now is another sports car, but I will have a first Generation NSX in my stable some day soon. I'd even be happy with an automatic. To me, the NSX is one of the best looking cars ever built, I want to cruise it and be able to admire it. Nearly all the art I own is mobile, lol.

In 2005 my wife and I were car shopping for an Land Rover Discovery for her. We found one that was slightly used, priced right so we decided to go take a look. Called the dealership to make sure it was still there and let them know we were on the way. The salesman said great, see you when you get here. We arrived and the Disco was in the back shop with a dead battery and they had it on the charger. The salesman apologizes and asks if we can wait for 15 minutes or so. No problem, my wife and I start walking around the lot, looking at other vehicles, etc. They had an H1 Hummer sitting there and I was just checking it out, killing time. The salesman comes out and brings the keys and says "take if for a spin to kill some time". Yeah whatever, I never really even had looked at H1's before, they were too expensive and had really never crossed my mind. So my wife and I jump in and we take off. I don't get one block and I look at my wife and she instantly knows we are now buying an H1. I couldn't believe how much I loved the feel, looks and the way the truck drove. Although I did not buy that specific truck (it was an open top), I did buy an H1 Hummer Wagon within 2 months of my first test drive. (It is still my favorite vehicle that I have ever owned). Never wanted or considered an H1 in the least, but because of one stupid little test drive I was fortunate to find an automotive soul mate to add to the stable.

I had to fly to Phoenix to test drive and buy my 2009 Viper. I had to have a red no stripe coupe. Found it, made an appointment, flew in, drove it, loved it, had it shipped home.

Forget what you see and read here or other forums. Forget the advice or opinions. Find a Gen 5. Drive it. If it's right for you, buy it. To hell with what everyone else thinks.

Cheers,
George

[SLViper]

Top 10 things I learned about the Viper on a "test drive"
10 holy shit this thing is loud
9 not much room for groceries
8 does not ride as smooth as my Escalade
7 flappy paddles broke off have to shift it myself (USA Junk)
6 holy shit this thing is fast
5 corners like it's on rails
4 gas mileage not as good as a Honda
3 holy shit this thing is expensive
2 has drink holder, but no tampon holder
1 holy shit I mean this thing is Really Really Fast!

[ACRGTR]

My local dealer begged me to test drive both my ACR and GenV TA. Only after driving them did I buy them, before that all AMG Mercedes, sport motorcycles, and a GTR. I test drove every car I have owned without question except my C63 Black Series, which I was lucky to even have a chance to get. I did test drive MANY cars that I thought I would like and greatly disliked them or couldn't fit. One car that I thought I wanted was a Gallardo and after a 30 mile test drive of the salesman trying to point out the positives I absolutely hated the car and would never want to own one....would never have bought a GTR without a test drive either and I didn't like it by looking at it.
I also want a Ferrari 599gtb soon but I am looking for the right one to test drive to make my decision....after daily driving my TA now will the Ferrari feel slow or unimpressive in comparison or will the experience be good enough to cause a purchase...if I don't like it I wont buy it If I like it I will. A test drive makes all the difference.

[fastmd]

The op is serious as we connected on a pcar forum and he was looking for opinions also. At the end of the day it's a dodge/SRT etc and they should allow test drives. I didn't test drive my gen 3 or 4 before buying, but I did test drive the Gen V. I was going back and fourth in Dec on buying a new Gen V or a new 911. The new viper is really good, don't feel it's better than my ACR, my .02c. But dodge dealers in my area are the worst. I get pissed off when I take my cummins into the dealership and dont want to deal with their shit anymore.

Bought 3 new cars in Dec(porsche 911 4S, Audi S6, Mc 12) and SRT lost a sale because of their dealer network, not their product.

[XSnake]

The op is serious as we connected on a pcar forum and he was looking for opinions also. At the end of the day it's a dodge/SRT etc and they should allow test drives.

It's not Dodge/SRT not allowing test drives, it's the dealership themselves. SRT recognized this issue and recently toured across the US with G5's allowing test drives. SRT shouldn't have to do this but they are as they know getting butts in seats will sell cars.

[City]

WTF would the service be like since they're managed by same group?


This is the most insightful language he's posted yet. I would be far more concerned about this issue than a test drive.

Has anyone considered the remote possibility that a few relatively low volume Viper dealers find it more financially prudent to have a Gen 5 in their showroom just for the marketing benefits? Could it be possible that a gorgeous Gen 5 is more valuable as a "show piece" than actually sold?

[Nine Ball]

You guys comparing the 911 test drives vs Viper test drives are just comparing dollar ranges, not exclusivity or rarity. Here are the Porsche 911 production numbers, for the same years Viper were built. They are more or less just as common as Corvettes. One local dealership had a USED GT2 in stock (low miles) and wouldn't allow me to test drive it. But, they were willing to let me test drive a brand new 911T. So, even Porsche dealers can be selective about what they allow you to drive.

Model Year 1992 (N-program)
12,415
Model Year 1993 (P-program)
7,265
Model Year 1994 (R-program)
12,128
Model Year 1995 (S-program)
17,833
Model Year 1996 (T-program)
21,602
Model Year 1997 (V-program)
15,972
Model Year 1998 (W-program)
13,783
Model Year 1999 (X-program)
28,040
Model Year 2000 (Y-program)
20,979
Model Year 2001 (1-program)
27,275
Model Year 2002 (2-program)
33,013
Model Year 2003 (3-program)
29,547
Model Year 2004 (4-program)
26,526
Model Year 2005 (5-program)
28,608
Model Year 2006 (6-program)
36,504
Model Year 2007 (7-program)
38,922
Model Year 2008 (8-program)
34,270
Model Year 2009 (9-program)
27,767
Model Year 2010 (A-model)
20,136
Model Year 2010 R (B-model)
7,161
Model Year 2011 (C-model)
21,724
Model Year 2012 (D-model)
28,398

[ViperGeorge]

Honda, let me apologize if this thread has left a bad taste in your mouth. Please don't let that turn you off to the Viper experience. The cars are really awesome and offer more smiles/miles than most. If you do get one you will constantly be photographed and asked about the car. They are rarer than most anything else with a few exceptions. Ultimately if you buy a Viper do consider joining the VOA. My wife and I have met many great people in the club that share our passion. We've had great times with our local region.

Your concerns about the dealership experience are valid for some but not all dealers. Several dealerships offer world class purchase experiences (Roanoke, Woodhouse, Tomball, Baxter, to name a few) and top notch service. Not sure where you are but local VOA members could point you to a dealer that would take proper care of the car.

[Policy Limits]

This is the most insightful language he's posted yet. I would be far more concerned about this issue than a test drive.

Has anyone considered the remote possibility that a few relatively low volume Viper dealers find it more financially prudent to have a Gen 5 in their showroom just for the marketing benefits? Could it be possible that a gorgeous Gen 5 is more valuable as a "show piece" than actually sold?

Indeed. What good is a warranty you're afraid to utilize? How in the world can u have consumer confidence in a service when the tech admits he's never worked on one before. Which brings us to the other big dilemma of getting buts in seats & cars sold: keeping people in the brand that came over. Think about it.

[Viper_Builder]

Moderators please close this thread. The original poster is just trolling. Just look at his history of the post he has made.

[Revolution]

The main problem I see with everyones "no test drive" mentality is my test drive is what sold me the GTR, Vett and Viper are so close to each other in terms or performance. Test drove a GTR, and a ZR1, then test drove my Viper and bought it on the spot. The main difference between the Viper and all these others cars is how it makes you feel to drive it you don't get that from 2 ft away behind a roped off show room car.

[Revolution]

I have a policy when selling any higher end car or extremely fast motorcycle. Do your diligence, make sure its something you want, secure your funds. After all this put down a deposit and come see what I have. If it checks out visually/mechanically you pay me. After that you test drive it and its all yours. If you don't like it and don't damage it I will be more then happy to refund 100% of the purchase price (deposit and all). I've never had a person disagree with these terms and never had anyone walk from a deal.

Maybe this is something the SRT dealers want to implement. Pay, drive, return if not satisfied.

-Tim

This guy knows how to do business :)

[ViperSmith]

The main problem I see with everyones "no test drive" mentality is my test drive is what sold me the GTR, Vett and Viper are so close to each other in terms or performance. Test drove a GTR, and a ZR1, then test drove my Viper and bought it on the spot. The main difference between the Viper and all these others cars is how it makes you feel to drive it you don't get that from 2 ft away behind a roped off show room car.

I've said all along - there is no way you can drive the car and not like it. End of story

[EdwardETraylorIII]

Arrigo Dodge let me test drive No Problem once they realized I was serious. They were actually willing to let me drive 2 different cars. However, all I needed was one short ride.