Questions before buying my 1st Viper

[Littleoldlady]

Looking at a 2004 Viper SRT10 Roadster. Clean Carfax, per Dealer. 6 prior owners. 29,100 miles. All stock, no modifications. I intend daily use during summer, late Spring, and early Fall. Want to drive it on a track, occasionally. I live in Indiana and not many track opportunities near here, according to research.

1. Does having 6 prior owners raise a red flag for anyone?

2. What modifications are needed for track, yet still able to drive on street?

3. All the discussions about tires has made me a bit nervous. Dealer says he put new Michelin Sport tires all the way around. Besides the tire date code, what else should I know about these tires?

4. I have researched Viper for many months, but can

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Your post cut off mid-item #4.

What else? The PRICE!

Pretty much HPDE track-ready if you get harnesses and do have good newer tires.

6-owners in 15 years is not terribly unusual.....a bit high perhaps.

Carfax: No News is NO NEWS....... It does not mean No issues. Esp if FL and/or KY are in title hissstory.

Lots of active Viper owners in IND area, led by Steve "Uncle Fesster" Fess, who I suspect will pop-in soon. I bet Dr. Steve can get the car inspected too........

Good Luck. [R U from Pasadena?]

"Parked in her rickety, old garage
Is a brand new, Shiny-Red V-10 Dodge"

[Littleoldlady]

My post may have been too long. Some questions were left off. Will try to correct and repost. BTW- asking price by dealer is $40,000. Has been advertised and sitting at dealer for approximately 4 months. If I make an offer, it will be $35,000 and go from there.

[Littleoldlady]

Your post cut off mid-item #4.

What else? The PRICE!

Pretty much HPDE track-ready if you get harnesses and do have good newer tires.

6-owners in 15 years is not terribly unusual.....a bit high perhaps.

Carfax: No News is NO NEWS....... It does not mean No issues. Esp if FL and/or KY are in title hissstory.

Good Luck. [R U from Pasadena?]

"Parked in her rickety, old garage
Is a brand new, Shiny-Red V-10 Dodge"


Thank you for the response. One of my favorite songs and why I chose

[Steve-Indy]

Feel free to call me for general info...and, possible specific info. 317-402-9013. By the way, we also live in Indiana.

[Littleoldlady]

Thanks!

[z20ateU]

40k seems outrageously high.

Also, you need an auto-check as well as a car fax.
Plan on getting a pre purchase inspection done by a 3rd party.

What part of Indiana?

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Feel free to call me for general info...and, possible specific info. 317-402-9013. By the way, we also live in Indiana.

As Predicted! Dr. Steve......

The best call a Hoosier can make regarding a Newbee Viper

[Steve-Indy]

Just for the record, there are PLENTY of opportunities "to drive it on a track" IF you know who is doing what... where... and when. Of course, some restrictions apply depending on one's documented level of track experience. Several venues also exist that provide training...both volunteers and for hire. I would be happy to make appropriate suggestions in this area. Once again...feel free to call me 317-402-9013...Steve Fess.

[fhrzr1]

I bought a 2005 SRT-10 with 3800 miles, 4 years ago.41629 Looks brand new. One owner.
I paid $48000,00. Just for your information.
I think that you can find a better car.

41631

41632

[Viperenvy]

Call Steve if you know what is good for you :p

[Steve-Indy]

Given the original outline of planned utilization for a Viper, this may be a decent car for seasonal daily driving and occasional track use....IF the car passes a rigorous inspection by someone who knows Gen III Vipers and the price can be negotiated down a bit.

While I appreciate the the value of buying a relatively low mileage, one or two owner car, in my opinion, the end use needs to be a major factor in the overall equation.

[Runcharger]

I wanted a nice car. I decided early that I would prefer the better cooling, clutch, trans, diff and the 600HP of a Gen IV but I would have considered a Gen III. Most of the cars I found had mods, accident history or multiple owner history which all raised red flags with me. I wanted a coupe but I called on an 08 Roadster and the conversation went like this;
Has the car ever had any accident damage? No. Are you the original owner? Yes and I'm 74 years old. "I'll catch a ferry and come and see it".
Good cars are out there still but you have to beat the bushes a bit to find them. Different buyers have different needs but I wanted a really clean and unmolested car and I found one. All the tires on my car were about half worn with original date codes and at 18,000 miles I think that was indicative of what I found with the rest of the car. One thing I found was the price between really nice cars and not so great ones wasn't that much and it is better to get the best one you can for the little extra you have to pay.

[Hoonin88]

Soooooo....Did you buy the car? Will there be another viper in Indiana? Will I gain a new cruiser buddy in Indianapolis??

[drewsss]

OP - I sent you some info by PM.