New Member from the UK

[Jay]

Hey guys,

Just signed up to this forum, I'm keen on purchasing a Viper, probably a Gen3/2006, in the next year or so but I want to know what I'm getting myself into!

I currently drive a 996 Turbo, which is great fun, but a bit too refined. Previous to that I mainly drove Miata's, Turbo/Supercharged track cars which gave me the sense of raw machine.

I guess I'm just trying to say hi, and hopefully get to know you guys a bit better!

[Fatboy 18]

Hello and Welcome to the forums, we also have a UK section here too, Check it out here
https://driveviper.com/forums/forums...Kingdom-Region

Barry Adams the VOA UK Prez is also organizing a meet for Non members and Members called the Luton Lunch, here http://thefancott.co.uk/contact-us/ Its in April but he has not put down what day yet?

We are still working out event dates at the moment but be sure to keep popping back to see whats going on.
Just looking forward to some better weather so we can get the cars out again.
Cheers Mark
UK VP

[sonicbloo]

Hi Jay

I'm in the UK and have a 2006 first edition coupe, as far as I know there are only 2 first edition cars in the UK and the other one is for sale http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...a-2006/6855063

why are you so specific about the year? and do you want a coupe or convertible?

From 2003-2005 the 3rd generation 8.3 litre had 500bhp and was available as a convertible only
2006 was coupe or convertible with the same engine
No Vipers were made in 2007
From 2008-2010 the 4th generation 8.4 litre had 600bhp and was available as a coupe or convertible

Good luck with your search, a coupe will be harder to find in the UK - there seem to be more convertibles, and importing is not really viable at the moment due to poor exchange rates

Oh, and get a carfax check done on any potential purchase, a UK check will not show any accidents before it came to our country

[Jay]

Hi Jay

I'm in the UK and have a 2006 first edition coupe, as far as I know there are only 2 first edition cars in the UK and the other one is for sale http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...a-2006/6855063

why are you so specific about the year? and do you want a coupe or convertible?

From 2003-2005 the 3rd generation 8.3 litre had 500bhp and was available as a convertible only
2006 was coupe or convertible with the same engine
No Vipers were made in 2007
From 2008-2010 the 4th generation 8.4 litre had 600bhp and was available as a coupe or convertible

Good luck with your search, a coupe will be harder to find in the UK - there seem to be more convertibles, and importing is not really viable at the moment due to poor exchange rates

Oh, and get a carfax check done on any potential purchase, a UK check will not show any accidents before it came to our country

Yeah to be honest I'm after the coupe I think, which I believed to be made in 2006 only? That one you linked is lovely, but 1200 miles? Hasn't even bedded in!!

It's a shame about the exchange rate, but I often see the cars going for significantly cheaper out there, and I believe it costs around £3-4k to import it over right? So it may still be viable.

How do you find the Viper on the English roads?.. One thing I'm worried about is the constant reviews from people who say not to drive it in the wet, which obviously rules out 90% of the days in the UK!

[sonicbloo]

Yeah to be honest I'm after the coupe I think, which I believed to be made in 2006 only? That one you linked is lovely, but 1200 miles? Hasn't even bedded in!!

It's a shame about the exchange rate, but I often see the cars going for significantly cheaper out there, and I believe it costs around £3-4k to import it over right? So it may still be viable.

How do you find the Viper on the English roads?.. One thing I'm worried about is the constant reviews from people who say not to drive it in the wet, which obviously rules out 90% of the days in the UK!

2006 was the 1st year of the coupe, then the 4th Gen was available 2008-10 as I said in my last post. The Gen 4 looks visually the same apart from (a better looking in my opinion) hood/bonnet, and has the obvious mechanical improvements (and typically higher value)

£3-4k? Sadly not. Here are some rough figures.

Take for example a $50k USD (£41k @ todays rate) coupe

Shipping cost £2000

10% import duty £4100
20% VAT on ALL the above (even import duty is subject to VAT!) £9420

sub total £56520

Light conversion to UK spec, IVA test, registration £1000?
US costs (transport to docks etc) £500

Your £41000 car now stands you at £58000...........!!!!!!

I've imported 2 Mustangs in 1998 and 2005 and the main consideration is the exchange rate. I got $1.9 to £1 in 2005, so my 2 year old $18000 Mustang was over here and on the road for £14k when UK dealers were asking £20k for the same car.

I've only ever driven 1 Viper, so don't know if its typical, it is scary on bumpy country roads with plenty of 'wander', but I'm hoping new front tyres will make a difference. I really have to hang onto the wheel at the mo'. On nice smooth roads it is brilliant. No problems in the wet either, just go easy on the throttle.

Good luck and I hope I haven't spoilt your dream or burst your bubble!

[Jay]

There is a facebook group but its a closed group run by Barry Adams. If you contact Barry he may allow you to join it? Sorry I can't be more helpful but I have no interest in Facebook.

I don't do facebook so regularly post here

There is also a Viper section on the UK Pistonheads Website but that too seems very quiet nowadays.
You can contact the UK Viper club via email contact@driveviper.co.uk
or drop me a PM here with your email address and I will send you out the latest email I sent out to members so you can get a grasp of whats going on.

As for driving Vipers in the wet....Er yes, if you boot it you will end up facing the wrong direction, the torque is the thing, but what it all comes down to is the width of the rear tyres, the tires have a hard time pushing rain water out from under them and if you hit surface water the car will aquaplane. Thats when cars with thinner tyres will speed past you.

But in the dry the cars take on a whole different game.
With the Pound now being so close to the Dollar, Importing a car is much more expensive than it used to be. Also a car will need an IVA test, an MOT, registering with the DVLA, and paying for licence plates and Road tax. Import duty (Based on Bill of Sale).

A few of us have used a company called Kingstown Shipping, they were very helpful and can guide you through the whole thing.
Of course it all depends on your budget. There are sometimes cars for sale by club members that never even get into the classifieds as a friend knows a friend etc etc.

2006 was the 1st year of the coupe, then the 4th Gen was available 2008-10 as I said in my last post. The Gen 4 looks visually the same apart from (a better looking in my opinion) hood/bonnet, and has the obvious mechanical improvements (and typically higher value)

£3-4k? Sadly not. Here are some rough figures.

Take for example a $50k USD (£41k @ todays rate) coupe

Shipping cost £2000

10% import duty £4100
20% VAT on ALL the above (even import duty is subject to VAT!) £9420

sub total £56520

Light conversion to UK spec, IVA test, registration £1000?
US costs (transport to docks etc) £500

Your £41000 car now stands you at £58000...........!!!!!!

I've imported 2 Mustangs in 1998 and 2005 and the main consideration is the exchange rate. I got $1.9 to £1 in 2005, so my 2 year old $18000 Mustang was over here and on the road for £14k when UK dealers were asking £20k for the same car.

I've only ever driven 1 Viper, so don't know if its typical, it is scary on bumpy country roads with plenty of 'wander', but I'm hoping new front tyres will make a difference. I really have to hang onto the wheel at the mo'. On nice smooth roads it is brilliant. No problems in the wet either, just go easy on the throttle.

Good luck and I hope I haven't spoilt your dream or burst your bubble!

Thank you for breaking that down, I completely forgot about the various taxes - I've been looking at getting an old 240z which are exempt from them due to their age!

Having had a closer look at the market and it seems that a Gen4/5 is out of my price range! Realistically I'd be looking to spend £30-40k, which seems to put me in Gen2 territory?

Where's the best places to look? Have had a look at pistonheads, eBay and carsandclassic..

[Jay]

Hello and Welcome to the forums, we also have a UK section here too, Check it out here
https://driveviper.com/forums/forums...Kingdom-Region

Barry Adams the VOA UK Prez is also organizing a meet for Non members and Members called the Luton Lunch, here http://thefancott.co.uk/contact-us/ Its in April but he has not put down what day yet?

We are still working out event dates at the moment but be sure to keep popping back to see whats going on.
Just looking forward to some better weather so we can get the cars out again.
Cheers Mark
UK VP

I've seen that section, unfortunately it seems very quiet! Is there any other areas that are a little more active? Facebook groups etc? ..

That Pub is little over an hour away from where I'm based, so I may well be able to go for the meet! I'll certainly feel a lemon knowing nothing about the machines though!

[Fatboy 18]

I've seen that section, unfortunately it seems very quiet! Is there any other areas that are a little more active? Facebook groups etc? ..

That Pub is little over an hour away from where I'm based, so I may well be able to go for the meet! I'll certainly feel a lemon knowing nothing about the machines though!

There is a facebook group but its a closed group run by Barry Adams. If you contact Barry he may allow you to join it? Sorry I can't be more helpful but I have no interest in Facebook.

I don't do facebook so regularly post here

There is also a Viper section on the UK Pistonheads Website but that too seems very quiet nowadays.
You can contact the UK Viper club via email contact@driveviper.co.uk
or drop me a PM here with your email address and I will send you out the latest email I sent out to members so you can get a grasp of whats going on.

As for driving Vipers in the wet....Er yes, if you boot it you will end up facing the wrong direction, the torque is the thing, but what it all comes down to is the width of the rear tyres, the tires have a hard time pushing rain water out from under them and if you hit surface water the car will aquaplane. Thats when cars with thinner tyres will speed past you.

But in the dry the cars take on a whole different game.
With the Pound now being so close to the Dollar, Importing a car is much more expensive than it used to be. Also a car will need an IVA test, an MOT, registering with the DVLA, and paying for licence plates and Road tax. Import duty (Based on Bill of Sale).

A few of us have used a company called Kingstown Shipping, they were very helpful and can guide you through the whole thing.
Of course it all depends on your budget. There are sometimes cars for sale by club members that never even get into the classifieds as a friend knows a friend etc etc.

[Fatboy 18]

Barry's Luton lunch is on April 9th Sunday at 12.00

[sonicbloo]

I just did a calculation for the same $50,000 USD car with an exchange rate from 2005 of $1.9 / £1

Instead of £58000, the same car would be under £39000

Just shows.........

[Brad00GTS]

We have a member that is selling a 2006 (final edition blue and white?) with only 800 miles. Of course it is flawless but with your exchange rate and VAT(and you say your health insurance is free) you would probably be around 70,000 pounds.

[sonicbloo]

We have a member that is selling a 2006 (final edition blue and white?) with only 800 miles. Of course it is flawless but with your exchange rate and VAT(and you say your health insurance is free) you would probably be around 70,000 pounds.

It will be a first (not final) edition same as mine Brad.



Trouble is, for $70k you can easy get a low mileage Gen 4, and you are almost into Gen V territory.

[Brad00GTS]

I was saying $55,000 would equate to 70,000 in pounds (I don't know how to make the pound sign). So wouldn't a Gen IV or V be a lot higher than that, closer to 90 or 100?

I thought it was called a first edition, but the plaque didn't say what they were, and I thought since they didn't make an '07 it was final.

It will be a first (not final) edition same as mine Brad.



Trouble is, for $70k you can easy get a low mileage Gen 4, and you are almost into Gen V territory.

[sonicbloo]

FB group is here https://www.facebook.com/groups/37087136347/

Mark, get on it - FB is not as bad as it is perceived. I used to think it was all about people showing off or posting stupid pictures of what they had for breakfast (although some still do !) I never used to bother with it, but in the last couple of years I've made contact with several old friends, made new ones, and found out about a lot of car shows/groups I would have otherwise missed out on.

[Jay]

Barry's Luton lunch is on April 9th Sunday at 12.00

Awesome, I'm fairly sure I'd be able to make that assuming that work duty doesn't call!

FB group is here https://www.facebook.com/groups/37087136347/

Mark, get on it - FB is not as bad as it is perceived. I used to think it was all about people showing off or posting stupid pictures of what they had for breakfast (although some still do !) I never used to bother with it, but in the last couple of years I've made contact with several old friends, made new ones, and found out about a lot of car shows/groups I would have otherwise missed out on.

Many thanks for that, I've requested to join it .. I am in a couple of 911 groups which are often more active on more fluid conversation

[Fatboy 18]

Ha Ha, Nothing is free Brad, we all get shafted one way or another!

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Hi Jay

Welcome to the Viper Nut House... Hope you can make it to the first event of the year ,There should be a variety of vipers there..

Baz

[Fatboy 18]

Hi Jay

Welcome to the Viper Nut House... Hope you can make it to the first event of the year ,There should be a variety of vipers there..

Baz

Er.....Second Event

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Sorry Second.... First outdoors event ....

[Jay]

Other than the US and UK markets, what other markets are worth watching? Or is it fairly quiet in Europe?

[sonicbloo]

When I was (almost daily!) trawling for one I used to keep my eye on this site http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/se...e&pageNumber=1

Again, pound/euro exchange rates are not what they were a couple of years ago. I don't think you'd save anything at todays rate, plus it's a long way to go to look at a car that may not be as good as you'd hoped. You never know though......

[Jay]

When I was (almost daily!) trawling for one I used to keep my eye on this site http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/se...e&pageNumber=1

Again, pound/euro exchange rates are not what they were a couple of years ago. I don't think you'd save anything at todays rate, plus it's a long way to go to look at a car that may not be as good as you'd hoped. You never know though......

Many thanks! You're right, when adding together the cost of importing and the crappy exchange rate it results in a pretty expensive method.... That being said, there's really not that many for sale in the UK so I'll keep my eye on there too. Thanks

[Jay]

So I've narrowed down my search brackets... It needs narrowing down further but I think I'll use this as a sort of notepad for my thoughts.

I really like the sound of owning a Gen I or II, I'm only ever going to use the car for fun drives when I feel the need to enjoy the car. From what I've read, the Gen II is the best for raw and enjoyable driving, and the later models begin to become refined.

One thing I'm unsure of, is the decision between a Gen II and a Gen III. They appear to be very much the same price bracket, so that's something I'll need to consider.

I think I'm sold on the coupe too, then Gen I convertibles (and am I right in thinking the Gen II looks exactly the same) really don't do much for me... Although the Gen III convertibles are nice, mainly because of the lack of pillar above the seats.

Anyway, here's a car close to my parents home which I may look at towards the end of the month. I don't know if the price is reasonable, but the seller isn't taking a part exchange which makes it trickier to buy.

http://carandclassic.co.uk/car/C832928

[Fatboy 18]

So I've narrowed down my search brackets... It needs narrowing down further but I think I'll use this as a sort of notepad for my thoughts.

I really like the sound of owning a Gen I or II, I'm only ever going to use the car for fun drives when I feel the need to enjoy the car. From what I've read, the Gen II is the best for raw and enjoyable driving, and the later models begin to become refined.

One thing I'm unsure of, is the decision between a Gen II and a Gen III. They appear to be very much the same price bracket, so that's something I'll need to consider.

I think I'm sold on the coupe too, then Gen I convertibles (and am I right in thinking the Gen II looks exactly the same) really don't do much for me... Although the Gen III convertibles are nice, mainly because of the lack of pillar above the seats.

Anyway, here's a car close to my parents home which I may look at towards the end of the month. I don't know if the price is reasonable, but the seller isn't taking a part exchange which makes it trickier to buy.

http://carandclassic.co.uk/car/C832928

That car used to belong the a chap called Dave White who lived down Southampton way. it has added Vinyl pin stripes either side of the main Painted white stripes. the Shift Knob in that car used to belong to me. Its made by MGW who made aftermarket parts for vipers. To be honest with a car like that now its becoming more and more of a classic so it is not a car I would want to do lots of mods on. Barry Adams the UK Prez knows a lot of the history on that car and also knew the previous owner before Dave White. I was speaking to the owner of that car at the Excel London Classic Car Show earlier in the month. The car was also at last years Silverstone Classic where it sat on a podium on the roundabout at the entrance to the infield. (the owners wife has something to do with organizing the Silverstone Classic).

You really need to try out a Gen II and a Gen 3 before making any snap decisions, they are totally different cars. In looks and performance.

[OneofOneViper]

The price seams reasonable to be honest, but I don't know the market in the UK. Given the exchange rates and taxes I would say that is a damn good price. The condition from the pictures appears to be exceptional as well given the mileage.

Owning a Gen 5 and Gen2 myself, I feel the Gen 2 may be a little too unrefined for my taste. They are a lot of fun to drive around, but here in the states any corvette, CTS-V, or any other sports car that is newer will leave the Gen 2 in the dust. It does have a lot of torque and no ABS and you do have forged internals on that unit so if you wanted you could always add a super charger or something later if you wanted more power. The slop between the transmission, differential, and motor is going to be a lot more than what you're used to with your 996. Personally I just couldn't handle driving the Gen 2 around on a regular basis so broke down and got a Gen 5 couldn't be happier.