Potential owner looking for advice

**Special Ed** · 03-20-2017

Originally Posted by plumcrazy

quoted for later use to bust your chops

This

**drewsss** · 03-20-2017

Gen 2 GTS.

There...I said it.

**Chiliphil1** · 03-20-2017

Originally Posted by plumcrazy

quoted for later use to bust your chops

Noted. Seriously though. I know this from my BMW. Just the basics and I'm good. Plus I'm too poor to make a money pit out of it!

**Vprbite** · 03-21-2017

Originally Posted by 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...

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** · 03-21-2017

Originally Posted by Vprbite

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** · 03-21-2017

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

**Chiliphil1** · 03-21-2017

I think I've made my descision. At least for the time being. I am still a couple of months or so away but all of the advice here and just thinking through what it would be like to live with I have decided that I am probably just going to skip the gen 1, even though it's my favorite the idea of not even being able to roll down the window if I need to really makes me realize that it just isn't going to work for me.

With that said, I am leaning heavily toward a gen 2 coupe. My thinking is this, I don't see doing too much driving with the top down, even with a sunroof I never open the thing. So, the coupe is first and then it would be a gen 2 RT, then a gen 3. The only thing about the gen 2 RT is that I just would have to keep in mind that if I wanted to go somewhere without the top it would literally be without the top, so suprise rain storms would be a major issue. I think most likely I would just always have the top on. With the 3 none of that would be an issue but my preference for the earlier models keeps it to last on my list.

Anyway, thanks again for all of the advice, I think I have a clear grasp on it now, just still have to make up my mind on that gen 2/3 thing and I need to drive them both which I will do. After that it's just finding the right one, I've located other places to buy them and am seeing some great prices out there. If my budget ends up being what I hope it will be then I will have many options.

Oh, also, I've been looking at parts just to make sure of what I am getting into and other than tires and body parts everything else seems pretty cheap? Is that right? Lots of oil but it seems like the you can get it cheaply at walmart however all of the basic parts are not very pricey.. I like that. Back when I was looking at P cars that was not the case at all!

**Vprbite** · 03-21-2017

Parts cheap? Ummm...that depends. On a lot of factors.

Maintenence is pretty straightforward and cheap compared to other cars of this performance level.

Many parts are shared with other cars (things like AC dials or a wiper motor perhaps ) and people on here can help you avoid the "viper tax" as all things for a viper are marked up

I would say other parts like interior and exterior panels are NOT cheap and don't expect them to be. It is simply an issue of supply.

I call Jon at partsrack for parts, as I find him to be the best source and he always gets parts to me within a day or two.

**1BADV10** · 03-21-2017

yes but with the gen 2 RT/10 the soft top folds and fits in the trunk so if you have the hard top off on that perfect day to cruise topless and a rain cloud appears....whip out the soft top and your good to go!! just say'in....

**Chiliphil1** · 03-21-2017

Originally Posted by Vprbite

Parts cheap? Ummm...that depends. On a lot of factors.

Maintenence is pretty straightforward and cheap compared to other cars of this performance level.

Many parts are shared with other cars (things like AC dials or a wiper motor perhaps ) and people on here can help you avoid the "viper tax" as all things for a viper are marked up

I would say other parts like interior and exterior panels are NOT cheap and don't expect them to be. It is simply an issue of supply.

I call Jon at partsrack for parts, as I find him to be the best source and he always gets parts to me within a day or two.

Of course, I just meant your basic wear parts, plugs, oil, brakes. Everything except the tires. I know there are pricey things, like the $600 fuel pump but from what I'm seeing the thing won't sink me with every repair. I'm also an ASE tech, so I'll do the wrenching, that should save a bit as wel.

Originally Posted by 1BADV10

yes but with the gen 2 RT/10 the soft top folds and fits in the trunk so if you have the hard top off on that perfect day to cruise topless and a rain cloud appears....whip out the soft top and your good to go!! just say'in....

Good point, do they come with both? The ones I see have a hard top with no mention of the soft top. That's definitely going to sway the descision.

**02rt10** · 03-21-2017

Gen 2 rt10 came with both soft & hard tops from factory when new.... I'm sure a lot of them get misplaced over the years. I've only used my softtop once, I don't even keep it in the car.
Ask the seller as they may have both...

**1BADV10** · 03-21-2017

Originally Posted by Chiliphil1

Of course, I just meant your basic wear parts, plugs, oil, brakes. Everything except the tires. I know there are pricey things, like the $600 fuel pump but from what I'm seeing the thing won't sink me with every repair. I'm also an ASE tech, so I'll do the wrenching, that should save a bit as wel.

Good point, do they come with both? The ones I see have a hard top with no mention of the soft top. That's definitely going to sway the descision.

Both tops are available for the gen 2, I think factory is a soft top with a "bubble top" hard top option. I bought mine with a soft top and just now got a hard top from autoform. Its the best of both worlds!!!

**Chiliphil1** · 03-21-2017

Originally Posted by 02rt10

Gen 2 rt10 came with both soft & hard tops from factory when new.... I'm sure a lot of them get misplaced over the years. I've only used my softtop once, I don't even keep it in the car.
Ask the seller as they may have both...

Originally Posted by 1BADV10

Both tops are available for the gen 2, I think factory is a soft top with a "bubble top" hard top option. I bought mine with a soft top and just now got a hard top from autoform. Its the best of both worlds!!!

Well, you guys just threw a wrench in the whole thing!

**ViperRyan** · 03-22-2017

I may be partial, but I think Gen II is your best bet. The Gen I is the one I fell in love with as a kid, when the Gen II came out I loved it even more, and when I saw the GTS I lost control lol. I was honestly never really a fan of the Gen III/IV's since I was stuck on the Gen II GTS, that's what a Viper was to me. I think there is no better looking Viper than a Gen II GTS, even the new Vipers went back to that original styling. Gen I/II's have so much more heritage/history to go along with it, with input from Carroll Shelby/Lamborghini, etc.

Not trying to upset anyone on here, as I love all Vipers and everything Viper, to me, when I hear Viper I picture a Blue/White GTS, or a Red RT/10 as the first things that pop into my head. IMHO, with your budget I would go with a GenII GTS or a Gen III. Gen III gives you more comforts, but nothing gets the WOW factor and original Viper feel like a GTS.

Just my 2 cents.......well maybe a little more

**Bill Pemberton** · 03-22-2017

Now c'mon, 1BADV10 , we have to tell the innocent that one can not just whip out the soft top with an RT-10 if it rains. One must first put the crazy toupee together , get it sealed and clamp it down, which if we are all honest , means you will be soaked to the bone by the time you get this monstrosity together, ha.

The best Viper made , is the one you own, so easy to understand Ryan's bias. I think we all have a similar bias , but the best one often is the one that meets both the pocketbook and a very rigorous check!

**ViperRyan** · 03-22-2017

Originally Posted by Bill Pemberton

Now c'mon, 1BADV10 , we have to tell the innocent that one can not just whip out the soft top with an RT-10 if it rains. One must first put the crazy toupee together , get it sealed and clamp it down, which if we are all honest , means you will be soaked to the bone by the time you get this monstrosity together, ha.

The best Viper made , is the one you own, so easy to understand Ryan's bias. I think we all have a similar bias , but the best one often is the one that meets both the pocketbook and a very rigorous check!

That is very true, everyone has different tastes and opinions, just lending mine out lol.

I would recommend, no matter what, if you're able, to swing by a dealer or very knowledgeable tech on Vipers to have the car gone through before purchase to verify all is well.

**ViperRyan** · 03-22-2017

**labtec** · 03-22-2017

I thought the same when I bought my 04....note to self "gee, I'll never put the top down". Once I bought it and warm weather appeared, the top is always down

**Chiliphil1** · 03-22-2017

Originally Posted by ViperRyan

Good gracious, that black '94 is THE car I've dreamt of my entire life. I have a model of that still sitting in my house (along with a yellow one and a blue/white GTS) I've seen them all though, I've been on ebay, auto trader, craigslist, truecar, and several other sites looking daily. Many many out there, good news.

Originally Posted by labtec

I thought the same when I bought my 04....note to self "gee, I'll never put the top down". Once I bought it and warm weather appeared, the top is always down

I'm sure you'll be proven right. I've never owned a convertable but my sunroof cars I open them when sitting still or going slow, never drive with it open. I've ridden in convertables a couple of times and wasn't crazy about it but I also wasn't listening to the 10 cylinder detroit symphony either..

**1BADV10** · 03-22-2017

Originally Posted by Bill Pemberton

Now c'mon, 1BADV10 , we have to tell the innocent that one can not just whip out the soft top with an RT-10 if it rains. One must first put the crazy toupee together , get it sealed and clamp it down, which if we are all honest , means you will be soaked to the bone by the time you get this monstrosity together, ha.

The best Viper made , is the one you own, so easy to understand Ryan's bias. I think we all have a similar bias , but the best one often is the one that meets both the pocketbook and a very rigorous check!

Ok.....I may have made that sound a little better than it really is, lol. Its not that hard to put it together and on though.

**Chiliphil1** · 03-22-2017

Originally Posted by 1BADV10

Ok.....I may have made that sound a little better than it really is, lol. Its not that hard to put it together and on though.

I just wish they still made the 3 piece top, that would solve all problems.

**Ginja** · 03-23-2017

Originally Posted by labtec

I thought the same when I bought my 04....note to self "gee, I'll never put the top down". Once I bought it and warm weather appeared, the top is always down

No rain = top down - plenty of heat in a Viper (no, i've not removed the stock cats yet). I think Bill P has hit the nail on the head though

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