Need Opinions Gen V or Gen II GTS

[TP_ GTS]

When the Gen 6 models come out in 5 years with a mid-engine supercharged V10, the Gen 5 model prices will drop.

Oh man... You've done it now! You just let the cat out of the bag. You forgot to mention mid-engine automatic!

[ViperRyan]

I can't imagine driving a Gen2 every day, but for your purpose it might be the better option. It's a great car to take out on the weekend sometimes, but honestly mine gets crazy hot inside and the A/C barely combats the engine heat the comes through the fire wall on the car. It's nostalgic, but sloppy and quite slow by today's standards. Over the last couple years I almost stopped driving my Gen2 completely. Sure does look great and people will ooo and awe about it any time it's taken out, but maybe I'm just getting old. The Gen5 is everything the Gen2 wanted to be before the technology was around. Honestly, the average person on the street won't be able to tell the difference between the two when it comes to looks even if you set them side by side. The Gen 5 is more expensive now, but likely the base model of the Gen5 will be the same price as a Gen2 in 10 years (just guessing). So if you plan to just bring the car to shows and cars and coffee or on short drives, I'd go with a great condition low mile Gen2 and save yourself the money. Then later if you decide you still want a Gen5, I doubt the price of your Gen2 will have gone down since they really haven't moved in price in approximately 5 years and if anything are going up in price now.

I could be completely wrong, but the way I see it, you can buy a Gen2 now and upgrade to a Gen5 later without losing anything if you decide that you might be missing something. If you get a Gen5, it will likely go down in value (unless you have something like a TA or ACR or collectors editions etc... which it doesn't sound like you're in the market for) at which point if you wanted to get into a Gen2, you'd take a loss on your current car and the Gen2 might be more expensive later.

I agree, I wouldn't say the GenII is sloppy. I've driven a lot of cars, and the new GenV as well. For a daily driver the GenV is obviously a better choice, and for most people they see the GenII and GenV as the same car. I've had people think mine was a brand new Viper, and didn't believe me when I said it was a 2000. I wanted a GenII GTS since I was a kid, I had built it up so much, for so long, and was afraid I would be disappointed. If you go into the car expecting it to perform and be as fast as some of the cars today, then you'll be disappointed. I knew I had driven faster cars, but that wasn't the only thing for me. It was a GTS, so much history/heritage was within that car, and is still one the best looking cars I have ever seen. If you're going purely for comfort/luxury/daily driver, then the GenV is the better choice. If you want a VIPER and to experience what that brings with it, then I would say go with the GenII. Can always upgrade later and not lose money, but I would start at the GenII, if it were me. I wouldn't sell/trade my GenII in for a GenV, something about my GTS than you just can't get in the new ones.

[BrianACR]

I would love to have a Gen5, but give up my GenII to have one? Not gonna happen! I love my '01.

[daveg]

Like others, you will never pry my Gen II away from me. even after driving a few Gen V's now... Still love my car more...

[Mazak]

Wow, I got snake bit when I got a Gen 3 . Had many since as well as Gen v's. Never had a Gen. 2. Maybe I should look into one of them. Did not realize they were loved this much.

[Patentlaw]

And to answer the person that said that finding the car is half the fun......I don't know about that. If you are looking for a specific car, the wait can be long......very long. It's not much fun......

[SlowPoke McGee]

Thanks for the info bud! It really kinda comes down to do you want new refinement and comfort, or that old classic raw type of experience. I'd like to have both as well, scared if I wait on the Gen 2 they will rise in value too fast and I will be kicking myself! I really need to just go ride/drive both and see what really makes me smile more!!

If you're looking for a raw experience may I suggest the Gen 1.

[Viper 95 Kim]

Gen 2, all day long. No BS electronic crap. And the radio works, and the doors don't lock for no reason, and it doesn't not start for no reason, and the engine isn't full of metal, find a nice gts acr and sleep at night.

[Bill Pemberton]

Gen 2, all day long. No BS electronic crap. And the radio works, and the doors don't lock for no reason, and it doesn't not start for no reason, and the engine isn't full of metal, find a nice gts acr and sleep at night.

Ironically funny. Instead you have leaky head gaskets, doors that are constantly misaligned , cracks in the hoods ( Gen 1s ) , tranny issues, dead batteries and leakage, radio that works only that it turns on but it sounds like crap, bubbling on the side sills, unadjustable and leaky shocks, frame recalls, misaligned hoods, engines that run hot on track or in traffic, constant check engine lights, water pump concerns, etc.

Every year has little concerns and we forget to remember them as the years go on, but overall I would take any year of Viper over a Vette, Porsche, etc. Heck, we can make it more than three laps around a track before the engine goes to limp mode due to overheating ( current Z06 ) , we did not replace virtually every single motor due to fire hazard like the GT3, and the roof didn't go flying off a Viper on the track like it did on older Z06s.

The best year of Viper to buy is the one you like the most, and all the conversations and comments from all of us are largely irrevalent - get what you enjoy, there are so few ever built they are all likely to be a stable investment, as far as any automobile ever is.

[AZTVR]

[BrianACR]

Gotta agree with Bill, the best year of Viper is the one you want the most!!

[Red Snake]

Gen II. Mines not going anywhere.

[Zach]

I've spent some seat time in a Gen 2, a very short time in a Gen 4, and some time in the Gen 5. I think the biggest decision is whether you want a modern car or a classic car. The Gen 2 ownership experience is that of a classic car, Gen 5 is a modern car that in most cases will still have a warranty. I've wanted a Viper since I saw the first concept car when I was 8, and I'm interested in owning the most modern example. I have old cars already and am not interested in adding to the maintenance/restoration burden. The Gen 5 has the aesthetic presence of the Gen 2 with modern tech and a warranty, Gen 3 and 4 didn't interest me. I bought my car to drive and plan to drive it often, plus a Gen 2 in Texas summer heat isn't something I'm interested in.
I didn't buy my car to resell, but I purchased now because I see the Gen 5 going the same way as the Ford GT. I don't think they'll make another example with this formula (big displacement, naturally aspirated, proper 6 speed), so I wanted to purchase an unmolested example while the values are still reasonable.
Again, there's a two-decade difference in technology between the Gen 2 and Gen 5. You just have to decide whether you want an early 90's car, or something modern. Both are fantastic cars in their own right, but very different ownership experiences.

[ViperJon]

I didn't buy my car to resell, but I purchased now because I see the Gen 5 going the same way as the Ford GT.

And you were doing so well to this point.

[mattssg]

I'd say you can't go wrong with any gen!

[Red Snake]

I've spent some seat time in a Gen 2, a very short time in a Gen 4, and some time in the Gen 5. I think the biggest decision is whether you want a modern car or a classic car. The Gen 2 ownership experience is that of a classic car, Gen 5 is a modern car that in most cases will still have a warranty. I've wanted a Viper since I saw the first concept car when I was 8, and I'm interested in owning the most modern example. I have old cars already and am not interested in adding to the maintenance/restoration burden. The Gen 5 has the aesthetic presence of the Gen 2 with modern tech and a warranty, Gen 3 and 4 didn't interest me. I bought my car to drive and plan to drive it often, plus a Gen 2 in Texas summer heat isn't something I'm interested in.
I didn't buy my car to resell, but I purchased now because I see the Gen 5 going the same way as the Ford GT. I don't think they'll make another example with this formula (big displacement, naturally aspirated, proper 6 speed), so I wanted to purchase an unmolested example while the values are still reasonable.
Again, there's a two-decade difference in technology between the Gen 2 and Gen 5. You just have to decide whether you want an early 90's car, or something modern. Both are fantastic cars in their own right, but very different ownership experiences.

Gen II GTS is 96-2002. Thats late 90's and early 2000s, not early 90s.

And they tried to make Gen Vs look like Gen IIs for a good reason. Gen II GTS is THE signature "look" when most people think of a Viper.

You can get a late model look alike, or you can get the real thing lol.

[Zach]

Gen II GTS is 96-2002. Thats late 90's and early 2000s, not early 90s.

And they tried to make Gen Vs look like Gen IIs for a good reason. Gen II GTS is THE signature "look" when most people think of a Viper.

You can get a late model look alike, or you can get the real thing lol.

Nothing in the Gen 2 moves it away from being an early 90's design, mechanically or interior wise. If you just want to look at it, buy a Gen 2. If you want to drive it, buy a Gen 5.

And you were doing so well to this point.

So you don't think the Gen 5 will appreciate over time? That's fine. I just wanted to snag a low mileage car now because they won't always be so readily available, and I'm doubtful that they'll be available at today's prices. Whether that plays out or not doesn't really matter, as I bought the car because I wanted it, not because I'm looking at it as an investment.

[ViperRyan]

Gen II GTS is 96-2002. Thats late 90's and early 2000s, not early 90s.

And they tried to make Gen Vs look like Gen IIs for a good reason. Gen II GTS is THE signature "look" when most people think of a Viper.

You can get a late model look alike, or you can get the real thing lol.

BOOM lol

[Junkie]

Absolutely no comparison IMO

While the Gen2 is a fantastic car and was a monster in its day. The Gen5 is better at literally everything. More comfortable, more power, better brakes, nicer interior, functioning AC lol, while I know looks are subjective...the Gen5 is IMO the best looking Viper ever

I've owned a Gen2, Gen4, Gen5 TA and now Gen5 ACR-E

[ACRSNK]

The Gen V is definitely a lot more comfortable and a whole lot faster, but there is something about a Gen II GTS that is just perfect. As stated above, there is a reason the look of the Viper went back to that of the Gen II GTS. The Gen II in my opinion is a timeless classic. The car will always look beautiful from every angle. While the Gen V is a lot more car in a lot of ways, driving the Gen II gives you a different and at times more enjoyable experience then the Gen V. Now...if I had to let one go, it would probably be the Gen II. Having way too much fun with the Gen V right now.

Just buy both and that way the only decision you will have to make is which one to take out for a ride. Win Win!

[Skolnick89]

Bought a gen 2 uneducated.
Mine modified suspension, brakes, intake and exhaust.

Love it. My only issue how loud it is with no cats or mufflers. And resonates at certain RPM

That’s OK. Bought a raw car. If I wanted refined would have bought a Vette

[ViperJon]

Gen II GTS is 96-2002. Thats late 90's and early 2000s, not early 90s.

And they tried to make Gen Vs look like Gen IIs for a good reason. Gen II GTS is THE signature "look" when most people think of a Viper.

You can get a late model look alike, or you can get the real thing lol.

And you'll still be able to play your 8 track tapes while holding your Motorola StarTAC out the window.

[AaronFL]

I had two Gen 2's, then went to a '16 ACR, then back to a Gen 2. After the Gen 5, I now realize how crappy the Gen 2 is. But, I love it! Lots more shaking and rawness. Cheap and reliable.

[hummer-addict]

I Love My Gen 2...Hopefully Add A Gen 5 To My Stable Someday!

[Old Surfer]

Careful with the '13 through '14 (and some '15s) Gen Vs. A lot of them had to return to the dealership for possible oil contaminants when the engines were assembled (shavings). Some also suffered from oil starvation with no warning. You had better checked the oil consistently when you bought one or you may have been running it with 3 to 5 quarts low. Look up recall R28 and R29. Make sure that whatever V you buy that both those recalls were completed. Some of them received new engines and extended warranties after an oil test revealed the oil was contaminated. Do your due diligence.

I have a low mile completely stock (other than the Corsa exhaust, skip shift eliminator and power steering pump pulley) '02 GTS factory stripe bumble bee that sits in the garage and just gets taken out to the occasional dinner or cars and coffee. It always draws the biggest smiles and emotions from the crowd. Yes, the V is a much better car in every way, but so are newer Porsches, Corvettes, Challengers, Mustangs and on and on. If I want comfort, I drive one of the German cars I have in the garage. The II is a collectable as far as I'm concerned and will be treated as such. And not because I think they will go up in value, but because the car is IMHO an icon.