Potential owner looking for advice

[Chiliphil1]

Hello we everyone, I'm phillip from Georgia. I've been in love with vipers since I was 7 years old and first saw one. My mom worked for a Chrysler dealer at the time and actually checked me out of school one day because one had arrived at the dealer and I loved them THAT much!

Anyway, I'm about to be 31 and MAY soon have the opportunity to make my life long dream a reality. I've studied these cars since the beginning and felt like I knew a lot but now that I may be able to buy one I have begun doing more research than ever and I have come up with a couple of questions. I hope that it's ok for me to ask here. If not I apologize.

Firstly, as pure instinct when I think of buying a Viper the 1st gen immediately comes to mind as the one I want. I like the smooth hood, 3 spoke wheels, side exhaust, the gray interior with non airbag wheel, just everything about it. However, through my research I have seen that it's nearly impossible to find body parts for them and if anything ever happened it would pretty much be an automatic total loss, that bothers me because it's not something I would want to let the insurance company scrap but it seems that even if I wanted to repair it myself i wouldn't be able to. That's an issue to me and I wonder if it's a big enough issue to skip a gen 1/2?

Also, for the time being I also own a BMW 3 series and my wife has an explorer, those are our current dd vehicles, so the viper would be an "every time I can" car which would probably see many days driving to work, many times running errands, etc. basically I would like it to be the primary dd vehicle for me, also within a couple of years I have a daughter who is turning 16 and I want to give her the bimmer, so unless I happen to buy another car the Viper would be my only ride by then. With those in mind should I look more at the SRT range? Seems like everything I read says the SRT is superior in every category, except for looks if you ask me.

Local to me there are 4 that I am looking at. 1 is a 94 with the soft top only, 1 is a 97 GTS lowered and gorgeous, there's an 01 with hard top, and an 04 with some engine work and exhaust. They're all within the $40k budget I'm trying to stick with. As mentioned above, the 94 is my first choice but given how I want to drive I'll need a hard top and glass windows and that should be $3k +/- and (shoot me) but I'd like to do intake, header, and exhaust if it isn't already done on the one I buy. Anyway, so, the 94 is first pick, the 01 I like because it has actual roll up windows and the hard top, just don't like the GTS wheels, vented hood, and rear exhaust but maybe I could live with it. Then probably the GTS because it's absolutely beautiful and it's still a 2nd gen, final choice would probably be the SRT because the look just doesn't speak to me like the earlier ones BUT that is by far the nicest of the bunch. It already has all of the work done to it which I would want AND it's super clean and low miles.

Should I reconsider the order of my list? Anything you guys can add I would love to hear.

Thank you!!!

[99RT10]

Where in GA are you? I am in Alabama and if you want to see a GTS and RT up close, I would be happy to go over them with you and what to look for. PM me.

Are you looking for a mostly stock car or do you want a modified one?

[Chiliphil1]

Where in GA are you? I am in Alabama and if you want to see a GTS and RT up close, I would be happy to go over them with you and what to look for. PM me.

Are you looking for a mostly stock car or do you want a modified one?

I tried to pm but I'm on my phone and I don't see a way to do it?

Anyhow, I'm just about in the middle of Atlanta and Macon in a town named barnesville. I would love the chance to see the cars, I've seen both in person before but I've only ever been able to sit in an SRT when I was a dodge tech, never gotten to ride in any! It would be awesome to be able to see them up close.

As far as what I'm looking for, doesn't really matter. I plan to do basic mods when I buy one of they're not already done. Nothing crazy just headers, exhaust, and intake. No FI or anything like that. Maybe a cam, if I ever have to go into it.

[slowhatch]

Emotionally, I could understand the tug of the gen 1 and 2s. However, your mention of daily driver makes me want to heavily recommend a gen 3 (2003-2006) for your $40k budget. You should be a able to find a very nice car for that money.

The best recommendation though is for you to find, and drive, all 3 cars. I think a test drive will tell you all you need to know about which way to go.

[Chiliphil1]

Emotionally, I could understand the tug of the gen 1 and 2s. However, your mention of daily driver makes me want to heavily recommend a gen 3 (2003-2006) for your $40k budget. You should be a able to find a very nice car for that money.

The best recommendation though is for you to find, and drive, all 3 cars. I think a test drive will tell you all you need to know about which way to go.

Thank you for that advice, I will absolutely do that when the time comes. It may sound dumb but I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around the idea of owning a Viper, but not the one I've always dreamed of. It's an odd thought. The daily thing is flexible, at least while I have the bimmer and there's nothing to say that in 2 years when I pass it along I can't buy a beater to dd if the Viper doesn't work out for that but I definitely want to have as much seat time as humanly possible in it.

[slowhatch]

Thank you for that advice, I will absolutely do that when the time comes. It may sound dumb but I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around the idea of owning a Viper, but not the one I've always dreamed of. It's an odd thought. The daily thing is flexible, at least while I have the bimmer and there's nothing to say that in 2 years when I pass it along I can't buy a beater to dd if the Viper doesn't work out for that but I definitely want to have as much seat time as humanly possible in it.

Drive one, see how you feel.

Supercars are like people that you look up to, but have never met. Many times, the real deal doesn't live up to the mile high expectations set forth by your imagination.

[OneofOneViper]

For daily driver, hands down the Gen 3 2004 will be the best option. That being said, I wouldn't touch a Gen 3 with a 20 foot pole. Performance wise it's decent, but there is no appeal aesthetically and let's face it--when you buy a viper it should make a statement. Being as this may end up being a daily driver, I would recommend going with a Gen 2 GTS. Gen 1's are great to take on a ride every now and then or sit in a collection to look at, but I can't see driving one of those regularly.

[Chiliphil1]

For daily driver, hands down the Gen 3 2004 will be the best option. That being said, I wouldn't touch a Gen 3 with a 20 foot pole. Performance wise it's decent, but there is no appeal aesthetically and let's face it--when you buy a viper it should make a statement. Being as this may end up being a daily driver, I would recommend going with a Gen 2 GTS. Gen 1's are great to take on a ride every now and then or sit in a collection to look at, but I can't see driving one of those regularly.

My thoughts exactly! The gen 3 while still a mean car and don't get me wrong they look wicked just doesn't scream Viper to me and I feel like I would be so disappointed looking at the models of gen 1/2 cars around the house and then looking out the window and seeing a gen3 but if it's that huge of a difference for the drivability it may be a sacrifice I have to make. The RT had always been my dream car but I don't think I would be too letdown with a GTS either.

Thank you for your advic.

[02rt10]

In your budget for daily driver gen3 is best option. That being said I'm not a big fan of gen3s.... Second choice would be the 01 because of ABS etc...

If you think you would be in a position where you can add another daily driver at some point, after you let the bimmer go, you should get the car of your dreams...which sounds like its an early gen1.

[Fatboy 18]

As a daily driver the gas milage would suck and you may get tired of filling up! I also think you would loose the wow factor pretty fast. Others here summed it up between looks of Gen II / 3 IMO
I love my Gen II GTS but there is no way in hell I would want to commute in it daily.

[Ginja]

I own a Gen 2 and a Gen 3 and I find it really interesting that almost everyone I meet will prefer one or the other based on looks alone, almost always I'll find when I open the garage door people are not wowed by both but just one in particular - so view the comments above in this context - its personal preference and about what YOU like

As an owner I love them both equally. The Gen 2 is like driving a cartoon and the Gen 3 like driving a bonefide sports car. The Gen 2 is quick and loud, the Gen 3 is fast and refined. I love the 3 being a vert, easy to drive and with a Corsa the noise is amazing. I love the looks the 2 gets (and the shaking heads from the old people locally who don't appreciate the noise from its straight pipes) but its harder to drive and not possessed of any superior build quality!

As you'll be a younger owner (and this shouldn't be a consideration just yet) but the Gen 3 has ISOFIX. If you ever plan on kids being able to fit the seat AND disable the airbag will be a big bonus

Oh, and I have commuted in my Gen 3, but not in my 2...

[Chiliphil1]

In your budget for daily driver gen3 is best option. That being said I'm not a big fan of gen3s.... Second choice would be the 01 because of ABS etc...

If you think you would be in a position where you can add another daily driver at some point, after you let the bimmer go, you should get the car of your dreams...which sounds like its an early gen1.

Thank you for that advice. That's definately where I am teetering at the moment. The Gen 3 is a total trade off for comfort/driveability. The gen 2 may be the best answer because it's got the slight refinements but it's still an original viper at heart. I also really like the idea of the roll up windows on that one.

As a daily driver the gas milage would suck and you may get tired of filling up! I also think you would loose the wow factor pretty fast. Others here summed it up between looks of Gen II / 3 IMO
I love my Gen II GTS but there is no way in hell I would want to commute in it daily.

TRUE, gas mileage is a thing to think about as well. I did fail to mention above that I am an avid motorcyclist, so there is that option for saving fuel.. Beilieve it or not my 3 series only gets about 24 combined (I know, the viper is far worse) but I don't have that far of a drive (about 20 miles each way 90% higway) so, I have options and don't do any big city commuting. Hopefully it is something I can live with. I think the fuel is an assue regardless of year though, correct? Worse case I'll buy a '93 civic to go along with it, 1 with 10 MPG and one with 50!!

I own a Gen 2 and a Gen 3 and I find it really interesting that almost everyone I meet will prefer one or the other based on looks alone, almost always I'll find when I open the garage door people are not wowed by both but just one in particular - so view the comments above in this context - its personal preference and about what YOU like

As an owner I love them both equally. The Gen 2 is like driving a cartoon and the Gen 3 like driving a bonefide sports car. The Gen 2 is quick and loud, the Gen 3 is fast and refined. I love the 3 being a vert, easy to drive and with a Corsa the noise is amazing. I love the looks the 2 gets (and the shaking heads from the old people locally who don't appreciate the noise from its straight pipes) but its harder to drive and not possessed of any superior build quality!

As you'll be a younger owner (and this shouldn't be a consideration just yet) but the Gen 3 has ISOFIX. If you ever plan on kids being able to fit the seat AND disable the airbag will be a big bonus

Oh, and I have commuted in my Gen 3, but not in my 2...

Great points. You nailed it of course, the gen 3 is a car that I go out of my way to stare at when one comes around, I think they are gorgeous and just amazing to behold. However, the previous models invoke my "inner child" when I see them I become giddy and start to drool for one reason or another. I think that in the grand scheme of things I would be happy with either but my gut tells me gen 1/2 and my mind says gen 3! I do have kids and my son is as much of a gear head as I am, so I KNOW there are going to be lots of rides in the right seat, that ability to turn the airbag off may indeed be a big deal..

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to reply to my questions. The viper community seems like a great place to be and I cannot wait to join the ranks!!

Oh, BTW if it helps, here are the cars I am looking at..

Now, don't you guys go buy them out from under me now

1997 GTS
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/6042773582.html
2001 RT
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/ctd/6035307121.html
1993 RT
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/6037754947.html
2004 SRT
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/ctd/6024997021.html

[Vprbite]

I own a Gen 2 and a Gen 3 and I find it really interesting that almost everyone I meet will prefer one or the other based on looks alone, almost always I'll find when I open the garage door people are not wowed by both but just one in particular - so view the comments above in this context - its personal preference and about what YOU like

As an owner I love them both equally. The Gen 2 is like driving a cartoon and the Gen 3 like driving a bonefide sports car. The Gen 2 is quick and loud, the Gen 3 is fast and refined. I love the 3 being a vert, easy to drive and with a Corsa the noise is amazing. I love the looks the 2 gets (and the shaking heads from the old people locally who don't appreciate the noise from its straight pipes) but its harder to drive and not possessed of any superior build quality!

As you'll be a younger owner (and this shouldn't be a consideration just yet) but the Gen 3 has ISOFIX. If you ever plan on kids being able to fit the seat AND disable the airbag will be a big bonus

Oh, and I have commuted in my Gen 3, but not in my 2...

Interesting point. Having owned a 2 and now a 3, I agree that other people seem to like one or the other. When I first got this one a lot of people expressed they liked it way more over my Gen II. I had also heard at a carshow that the Gen II was starting to look "dated." Obviously I disagree. The point is, YOU have to like it. Let the chips fall where they may on what others think. The gen III/IV grew on me over time (plus I'm a coupe guy) and now I love it more than ever.

Definitely no harm, OP, in driving all 3. Gen Is are badass but driving one is a commitment. You gotta love it because of what it is, not in spite of anything. Because it has no windows and no handles, not cause you overlook those things. If you still want raw but the creature comforts of Windows and AC, I think the GTS is the way to go.

Good luck!

[Ginja]

Interesting point. Having owned a 2 and now a 3, I agree that other people seem to like one or the other. When I first got this one a lot of people expressed they liked it way more over my Gen II. I had also heard at a carshow that the Gen II was starting to look "dated." Obviously I disagree. The point is, YOU have to like it. Let the chips fall where they may on what others think. The gen III/IV grew on me over time (plus I'm a coupe guy) and now I love it more than ever.

Definitely no harm, OP, in driving all 3. Gen Is are badass but driving one is a commitment. You gotta love it because of what it is, not in spite of anything. Because it has no windows and no handles, not cause you overlook those things. If you still want raw but the creature comforts of Windows and AC, I think the GTS is the way to go.

Good luck!

I completely agree Vprbite, but then we were going to agree as we have very similar taste in cars The cars seem ageless over here, most likely due to less general awareness of them. People I meet are always surprised one of mine is 20 years old and the other 13. This age gap is obvious when you drive them though! If everything was equal (i.e. likelihood of appreciation/depreciation was irrelevant) and I was buying a Viper now with my experiences and preferences I'd probably opt for a Gen 3/4 coupe of some sort or maybe even one of the UGR (or similar) Gen 3 verts that pop up every now and then...

[1BADV10]

I was in your position last year and did lots of research like your doing, It all comes down to your gut...I wanted the "original rt/10 look" with use ability so I went with the 97 RT/10. Electric windows, hard top, cd player, air conditioned, air bags, ....ect

[plumcrazy]

I basically daily drove my 98GTS putting 40K miles on it in about 4 years (nice weather only). 42 miles to and from work in traffic on the way home and loved every minute of it. id never worry about a gen1 or 2 as a DD unless ice or snow is a factor and in GA, i doubt it is. im actually tempted to buy a gen 1 as use it fairly frequently myself when not using the work truck

[plumcrazy]

dash on that gen1 is hideous

[Special Ed]

I have a GenV and have had a Gen3. Out of the cars you have listed as your choices I would get the Gen2 RT/10. Hands down that is the sexiest car of the bunch and priced right if everything checks out.
Plum is right about the dash in the Gen1.

[Bill Pemberton]

What you have listed , your best bet is likely the Gen II GTS, and since you are from Georgia where the car is located, go view the car and make absolutely sure you get it on a lift. There will likely be things to do on all the cars and keep that in consideration with what you need to invest. Check Carfax or Autocheck also and best of luck ......................

[Lemay88]

Same situation for me, wanted the gen 1 smooth hood but also wanted the a/c and roll up windows of gen2.
Bought a 1997 R/T. On the outside, exactly like a gen1, smooth hood included but with rear exhaust.
Just love my Viper, be prepare for a lifetime experience....

[Steve-Indy]

Reading material:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...er-s-questions

[BrianACR]

I got an '01 GTS three years ago and have been loving it ever since! My kids (9 and 6) ride in it with me all the time. It has a shutoff for the passenger side airbag, so no worries when it comes to that. I chose that model because that was the Viper I fell in love with when I was 12. All Vipers are nice, so go with what you want. Like others have said, if you get a chance to check them all out and drive them, then definitely do that! It will be a big help in deciding which one you like best. Good luck in your search!! Looking forward to seeing what you decide to go with!

[Chiliphil1]

dash on that gen1 is hideous

Agreed! Thankfully it's just stick on decoration, it would be the first thing to go.

[Chiliphil1]

I have a GenV and have had a Gen3. Out of the cars you have listed as your choices I would get the Gen2 RT/10. Hands down that is the sexiest car of the bunch and priced right if everything checks out.
Plum is right about the dash in the Gen1.

Yeah, I think after everything I am leaning toward that one. I can compromise a bit on the cosmetics. The car has the airbag switch for the passenger, glass windows, hard top, it just makes more sense.

Though the others are still tempting.

What you have listed , your best bet is likely the Gen II GTS, and since you are from Georgia where the car is located, go view the car and make absolutely sure you get it on a lift. There will likely be things to do on all the cars and keep that in consideration with what you need to invest. Check Carfax or Autocheck also and best of luck ......................

For sure! The GTS is absolutely beautiful and as I mentioned above, I may go for that 02 mainly that it's $10k less than the GTS which gives me a little "play money" with it and also allows me to hold a little in reserve for repairs, etc. I will however go and see that GTS before I buy any of them, he's an hour or so from me, that will most likely be the first one I see in person and may end up being the one I go home with. The GTS and the SRT aren't TOO far away from each other. I could definately see them at the same time, the '94 is the next state east, and the '01 is in the next state south.. I'll definately look at the locals first but I have no issue with flying into Florida to look at the yellow one.

Same situation for me, wanted the gen 1 smooth hood but also wanted the a/c and roll up windows of gen2.
Bought a 1997 R/T. On the outside, exactly like a gen1, smooth hood included but with rear exhaust.
Just love my Viper, be prepare for a lifetime experience....

Glad to hear! I can't wait for this to happen. The one time I want time to pass a little faster!

Reading material:

https://driveviper.com/forums/thread...er-s-questions

Thank you for that, studied top to bottom.

I got an '01 GTS three years ago and have been loving it ever since! My kids (9 and 6) ride in it with me all the time. It has a shutoff for the passenger side airbag, so no worries when it comes to that. I chose that model because that was the Viper I fell in love with when I was 12. All Vipers are nice, so go with what you want. Like others have said, if you get a chance to check them all out and drive them, then definitely do that! It will be a big help in deciding which one you like best. Good luck in your search!! Looking forward to seeing what you decide to go with!

Thank you! Yep, kids are going to be a big thing. I don't know how my girls are going to be but I know my son is going to beg me constantly to take it out, so I definately need to make sure I plan on that.

I think what I am going to do, since there isn't a LOT of distance between them is to drive the '04 and the '97. A gen 2 and 3, I think from that I should know which I would prefer. If I like the 2 better and don't want to go with that particular one at least I know which I want, if I like the 3 better, then bam there is a great example which I can take home. That one is priced well, actaully below the gen 2 price AND it already has all of the mods. Heads, cam, exhaust, etc plus the ACR paint scheme. I would need to spend zero dollars in mods on that one, just whatever maintenence is needed. On all of the other examples they appear to be stock (except the GTS) and therefore I've got $10k in mods right from the go plus whatever parts need attention.

I hope I am not blaspheming here speaking of mods, but it's in my DNA. I never buy anything without modding it. Just the basics, intake, exhaust, maybe mild engine work (just to get that awesome lope at idle) and that would be it. I know the 450hp is going to be more that I could ever use and I don't need a dyno queen, so stock plus sound is about right for me. Again, on that front the SRT saves me a lot of money by already having that done BUT I'm just not sure if I would want a gen 3. As stated, I'll go drive both and see if the 2 or 3 speaks to me more from behind the wheel and I will go from there.

[Special Ed]

I hope I am not blaspheming here speaking of mods, but it's in my DNA. I never buy anything without modding it. Just the basics, intake, exhaust, maybe mild engine work (just to get that awesome lope at idle) and that would be it. I know the 450hp is going to be more that I could ever use and I don't need a dyno queen, so stock plus sound is about right for me. Again, on that front the SRT saves me a lot of money by already having that done BUT I'm just not sure if I would want a gen 3. As stated, I'll go drive both and see if the 2 or 3 speaks to me more from behind the wheel and I will go from there.[/QUOTE]




When I got my Gen3 I said that 500 HP would be more than I would ever need. Now I have my Gen5 with an arrow pcm with exhaust and around 670 HP and I'm not sure if it is enough. It's addicting.