In the Market for a 13 17

[Codybby]

Hi everyone! New to the forums, new to dodge, and new to vipers. I'd love to purchase a gen V right now but prices are all over the place. My budget is low 70's and I want the highest trim package before the ACR which is the GTS I think? Are they're any viper specific issues I should be paying extra attention too while on the hunt?

[PTP]

The packages are not really in a straight tier format of Worst to Best. I'd say they are subjective based on your driving needs. Here is my take on them:

SRT was the most cost efficient model, including non adjustable suspension
GTS is setup more for touring but can still go to the track and be very fast
TA series is a track car with compromises for the street and budget
ACR and ACR-Extreme are street able but designed for the best lap times

[Codybby]

The packages are not really in a straight tier format of Worst to Best. I'd say they are subjective based on your driving needs. Here is my take on them:

SRT was the most cost efficient model, including non adjustable suspension
GTS is setup more for touring but can still go to the track and be very fast
TA series is a track car with compromises for the street and budget
ACR and ACR-Extreme are street able but designed for the best lap times

Ahh okay, well from your discription the GTS would still the best fit for me. This has caught my eye https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6101/overview/

[mak1118]

You forgot the GT

[texasram]

The packages are not really in a straight tier format of Worst to Best. I'd say they are subjective based on your driving needs. Here is my take on them:

SRT was the most cost efficient model, including non adjustable suspension
GTS is setup more for touring but can still go to the track and be very fast
TA series is a track car with compromises for the street and budget
ACR and ACR-Extreme are street able but designed for the best lap times

Also to add theres gtc, gt, ta 2.0, and the monumental number of special editions of the acr

[Mazak]

Hi everyone! New to the forums, new to dodge, and new to vipers. I'd love to purchase a gen V right now but prices are all over the place. My budget is low 70's and I want the highest trim package before the ACR which is the GTS I think? Are they're any viper specific issues I should be paying extra attention too while on the hunt?

Sent you a message.

[Steve-Indy]

Welcome to the forum, Codybby.

To your question "Are they're any viper specific issues I should be paying extra attention too while on the hunt?"...my answer is YES !!!

There are tons of comments in this section involving recalls, engine issues. If you are serious about a Gen V Viper, then you really need to gather a lot more info. Then, you (and only you) can decide if the car will meet your expectations...and judge whether or not you can tolerate a "few inconveniences" that will likely arise.

Best way is to connect with experienced owners in your area. I think you will find them to be very approachable and extremely helpful.

While, in my opinion, all Vipers offer unique driving and ownership experiences, the Gen V cars are are on another plateau. As you can see from my avatar, I speak from direct experience.

Enjoy your hunt while you expand your knowledge of this Beast.

[swexlin]

I second what Steve said. The Gen 5 is a highly rewarding car to drive - but the Gen 5 cars also come with some higher risk and responsibility of ownership, IMO. As Steve also said, spend some time reading the Gen 5 section - especially regarding the engine issues that some of these cars have had. The decide if it may still be the car for you.

[serpent]

Those who've had multiple Gen V's. How is the suspension of the SRT compared to the TA? I know the base SRT doesnt have any suspension settings, while the TA has a street, track setting. Kind of like the GTS, but i think the GTS is the most street friendly.

[Codybby]

From my limited research it seems the 2 big issues is a bulletin on oil consumption and contamination? As I understand, if the car passes the checks you should be good to go?

[Steve-Indy]

The BIG issue is the finite possibility the the engine can fail requiring replacement. It is great to pass the filter exam test...but no guarantee. There have been failures in Gen V Vipers with only a few miles on the odometer few miles and on some up to 9,000 miles.
If you plan to build a monster engine, go ahead. If you plan to race it, go ahead. But if you are a collector, think about potential value loss with a mismatched engine number.

I personally would not buy a Gen V without buying an extended warranty from a Dodge dealer.

Let me add that I am perfectly happy with our 2014 GTS. It is a fantastic machine...and stands apart from all of our other Viper Genserations.

[texasram]

From my limited research it seems the 2 big issues is a bulletin on oil consumption and contamination? As I understand, if the car passes the checks you should be good to go?

From what has unraveled so far, its almost an irrelevant test

[swexlin]

From my limited research it seems the 2 big issues is a bulletin on oil consumption and contamination? As I understand, if the car passes the checks you should be good to go?

Unfortunately, not. I agree with TexasRam, I think R28 (the oil contamination recall) means little. There have been cars that passed R28, and failed after. It is no guarantee. My car passed R28, and I luckily was issued the extended warranty from FCA. So I check my oil, and keep it serviced and up to date. Most of the engines that have failed went with almost no miles, to a few thousand. One member here however, had his engine fail at 12,500.

Other issues with the cars:
1. oil cooler lines seep (this has been an issue since 2003 at least), but not a deal killer - they all do it sooner or later (mine already have)
2. noisy rear diffs, some here (including mine) have been replaced under warranty
3. window regulators (also an issue for years) although the Gen 5s seem a little better
4. oil consumption - some of us (me included) use 1 qt per 1000 miles, which FCA says is acceptable. I dunno....

That being said - all this falls into the background when you get in the car an drive. It really is an amazing machine.

[Magzx12r]

Those who've had multiple Gen V's. How is the suspension of the SRT compared to the TA? I know the base SRT doesnt have any suspension settings, while the TA has a street, track setting. Kind of like the GTS, but i think the GTS is the most street friendly.

The SRT suspension setting is between th TA street and track settings.

[Codybby]

Unfortunately, not. I agree with TexasRam, I think R28 (the oil contamination recall) means little. There have been cars that passed R28, and failed after. It is no guarantee. My car passed R28, and I luckily was issued the extended warranty from FCA. So I check my oil, and keep it serviced and up to date. Most of the engines that have failed went with almost no miles, to a few thousand. One member here however, had his engine fail at 12,500.

Other issues with the cars:
1. oil cooler lines seep (this has been an issue since 2003 at least), but not a deal killer - they all do it sooner or later (mine already have)
2. noisy rear diffs, some here (including mine) have been replaced under warranty
3. window regulators (also an issue for years) although the Gen 5s seem a little better
4. oil consumption - some of us (me included) use 1 qt per 1000 miles, which FCA says is acceptable. I dunno....

That being said - all this falls into the background when you get in the car an drive. It really is an amazing machine.

Ahh, what a bummer. I just sold my C6Z because I didn't like waiting for a dropped valve, I try to avoid cars with these types of known issues. Next on my list is a Hellcat.

[DZnutz]

Doesnt matter whether its known or not, any car can fail at any time.

my brand new 3 series was bought back because of an issue they couldnt fix... it happens to EVERY make and model

[SRT_BluByU]

Ahh, what a bummer. I just sold my C6Z because I didn't like waiting for a dropped valve, I try to avoid cars with these types of known issues. Next on my list is a Hellcat.

Here's the big difference.. The 13-14 Vipers have 10 year- 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. Most of the failures (if not about all) have happened under the 20k mile mark. So not much to be worried about (unlike the vales and rockers in the LS7). If you like to mod the car pick one up over 20k miles for best piece of mind. It seems many think one of the primary issues is casting sand not properly washed out of the block at assembly and the plant installed a special block washing station sometime in 2014-2015 (can't remember exactly). After loads for miles and oil changes it's likely most of the crud has been cleaned out.

1/qt per 1000 miles seems to be about the usual consumption for such a large all forged motor (8.4 liters which holds 11 qts). It either case , viper or hellcat, you can't go wrong. Just ask yourself are hand built exotic road racers more appealing to you than assembly line monster drag races.. Both are cool.. Both are fast.. Both are fun. Just what suits your style and personality.

[poptarts]

go srt for what it sounds you want.... i wish i did srt.

[serpent]

^ Any reason you arent liking the TA?

[SRT_BluByU]

SRT started as the striped down track model. It's the lightest if configured that way and has the highest top speed.. no areo To slow it down. Manual seats, std coilover suspension, etc.. the niceties add weight.

[Vipes]

Ahh, what a bummer. I just sold my C6Z because I didn't like waiting for a dropped valve, I try to avoid cars with these types of known issues. Next on my list is a Hellcat.

Why? When you have warranty. Also, these issues have happened to a more than a usual amount of cars but it's not the majority, more like 10-15% if I had to estimate. I've only had one minor issue for my 2015 in 4,000 miles and I've never had to add any oil. The minor issue involved getting it fixed at no cost in about the time I ate lunch next to the dealership. To be honest, I expected to have a lot more kinks to iron out for a hand built exotic car. Knowing what I know now, I would have bought a 14' even if the motor was about to pop just so I could possibly get a brand new 2017 motor for free and an upgraded 10 year warranty at no charge. If you're worried about avoiding something like that then have the oil tested before you buy. The diff and other issues still don't involve the majority of cars and can be fixed in a few hours at no cost. My buddy has had to take in his brand new Huracan almost every month since he's had it. I couldn't imagine settling for a land yacht hellcat because I was afraid of the possibility of making a couple walletless trips to see the Viper tech. The car has been beyond amazing for me. My only complaint is that it's hard to go anywhere without being swarmed by viper paparazzi.

[Codybby]

Why? When you have warranty. Also, these issues have happened to a more than a usual amount of cars but it's not the majority, more like 10-15% if I had to estimate. I've only had one minor issue for my 2015 in 4,000 miles and I've never had to add any oil. The minor issue involved getting it fixed at no cost in about the time I ate lunch next to the dealership. To be honest, I expected to have a lot more kinks to iron out for a hand built exotic car. Knowing what I know now, I would have bought a 14' even if the motor was about to pop just so I could possibly get a brand new 2017 motor for free and an upgraded 10 year warranty at no charge. If you're worried about avoiding something like that then have the oil tested before you buy. The diff and other issues still don't involve the majority of cars and can be fixed in a few hours at no cost. My buddy has had to take in his brand new Huracan almost every month since he's had it. I couldn't imagine settling for a land yacht hellcat because I was afraid of the possibility of making a couple walletless trips to see the Viper tech. The car has been beyond amazing for me. My only complaint is that it's hard to go anywhere without being swarmed by viper paparazzi.

I wasn't aware of the 10 year warranty, so I'd be covered for a while. The Viper dream lives on! I'm searching hard for one, if I could get the one I posted a link to earlier for 72k or so I'd be all in.

[Mark1107]

Some 13-14 have a 10 year warranty not all of them.

[Vipes]

I wasn't aware of the 10 year warranty, so I'd be covered for a while. The Viper dream lives on! I'm searching hard for one, if I could get the one I posted a link to earlier for 72k or so I'd be all in.

Good to hear! Maybe they will go for that, in the description it says 75k so that's close. Yes, like Mark said, only some 13 and 14's received the 10 year but it's based on VIN so you can find out pretty quick. Also, if it has the 10 year it starts from the in service date which may be until 2027 if that car hasn't been registered before. Also, I'm in the process of shopping for an extended warranty and the longest you can buy is an 8 year from the date it was first put in service which is really only 3 additional years on top of the factory 5 year powertrain. Once you are in extended warranty time frame there is a deductible that applies, $100 is typically the lowest. There is no deductible cost if the car has the factory R28 10 year warranty.

[swexlin]

Doesnt matter whether its known or not, any car can fail at any time.

my brand new 3 series was bought back because of an issue they couldnt fix... it happens to EVERY make and model

Go read the Hellcat forums, they have their own issues including: leaking radiators, oil cooler line seep (same as us) whiny diffs (same as us), and superchargers going bad and needing replacement. All that being said, they are, like us, cool cars.

I do like my Track Pack car. Like as mentioned above, it's the lightest! With leather seats, I do have a bit of luxury however. I also received the 10 yr. warranty. Make sure the car you're looking at is stock, if not, then warranty concerns come into play.

And DZ, not sure how I quoted you. Meant to quote the OP.