Need Opinions Gen V or Gen II GTS

[Deucefour]

To those that have experienced both. If you could have only one car, driven on the weekends, nice weather, car shows, events, etc... Would you rather have a Gen II or a Gen V? Seem with prices are what they are both can be had for roughly a 20K difference in price. Thanks!

[ICPREY]

More like $30-40K difference unless the Gen V is a salvage or buy back.

[Deucefour]

Well the B/W GTS are all asking right around the low $50k and if I get one it has to be a B/W and I've seen plenty of 2013's in the 70's. But either way just wondering if I should shell out the extra $$$ for the Gen V.

[viperr]

I had a 1999 RT-10 for 9 years and put 50,000+ miles on it. I drove from Washington State to Charlotte and back and it was run on track a lot. It was bulletproof, but a bit tiring on the road. I got a used 2014 GTS coupe in January of 2016 and have put 9,000 miles on it. I loved the Gen II, but the quietness, the amenities like cruise control and great seats makes it easy to drive 10 hours in a day without killing me. If you put a lot of miles on your car you may like the Gen V, but a B/W Gen II is hard to beat for flash and collectability. As for me I would like to have both, but could only afford one. Nicely equipped used Gen Vs seem to be in the low 80s or high 70s depending on equipment, so it is a big jump from a Gen II which will likely hold it value very well.

[Deucefour]

I had a 1999 RT-10 for 9 years and put 50,000+ miles on it. I drove from Washington State to Charlotte and back and it was run on track a lot. It was bulletproof, but a bit tiring on the road. I got a used 2014 GTS coupe in January of 2016 and have put 9,000 miles on it. I loved the Gen II, but the quietness, the amenities like cruise control and great seats makes it easy to drive 10 hours in a day without killing me. If you put a lot of miles on your car you may like the Gen V, but a B/W Gen II is hard to beat for flash and collectability. As for me I would like to have both, but could only afford one. Nicely equipped used Gen Vs seem to be in the low 80s or high 70s depending on equipment, so it is a big jump from a Gen II which will likely hold it value very well.

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!!

[braunstein82]

Had a 98 gts sold it bought a 14 gts. Selling it and plan on buying another gen 2 and adding a roe. I love the gen 5, it makes great for daily driving and convenience features, but it's not as exhilarating and raw as the gen 2. For double the cost I don't get double the enjoyment. A warranty is nice really nice thou.

[Vipes]

I was dead set on getting a gen II GTS, specifically 96-99 for the forged internals. That was my dream car since I was a kid and nothing was going to stop me. I sold my 94 Supra, got the money together and started shopping. After my first test drive I was let down. The car that I had wanted for a decade just wasn't the experience I thought it was going to be. I knew it was a bare bones, no frills car before the test drive but there were a few things about it that I couldn't handle. The biggest deal breaker was the interior since it was no better than a 94 dodge neon. The gen 5 is just a different experience and so much more refined in many ways. It all depents on what exactly you're looking for in a car and what your priorities are. I don't want to throw away $15k+ for an engine rebuild so the warranty until 2023 peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. I also like a sport car to have a nice stance and the gen 2 sits like a monster truck with the oem suspension but it you lower it to fill the wheel gaps you will not have much clearance from the ground so that was another issue for me. The gen 5 is the first gen that you can daily drive as far comfortabilty (not talking about reliabilty) in my opinion. After previously having an 800+ hp modded car the gen 5 is the first car I've ever had in my life where I don't feel the need to start modding away. The stock 3.55 gears with 645hp really throws you back in the seat and is just the perfect amount of power for a track car. I think you need to test drive both gens and see what you think. There have been a few gen 2 guys go 5 then back to 2 so everybody is different but the majority never look back.

[Fatboy 18]

1 of Each

[Deucefour]

I was dead set on getting a gen II GTS, specifically 96-99 for the forged internals. That was my dream car since I was a kid and nothing was going to stop me. I sold my 94 Supra, got the money together and started shopping. After my first test drive I was let down. The car that I had wanted for a decade just wasn't the experience I thought it was going to be. I knew it was a bare bones, no frills car before the test drive but there were a few things about it that I couldn't handle. The biggest deal breaker was the interior since it was no better than a 94 dodge neon. The gen 5 is just a different experience and so much more refined in many ways. It all depents on what exactly you're looking for in a car and what your priorities are. I don't want to throw away $15k+ for an engine rebuild so the warranty until 2023 peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. I also like a sport car to have a nice stance and the gen 2 sits like a monster truck with the oem suspension but it you lower it to fill the wheel gaps you will not have much clearance from the ground so that was another issue for me. The gen 5 is the first gen that you can daily drive as far comfortabilty (not talking about reliabilty) in my opinion. After previously having an 800+ hp modded car the gen 5 is the first car I've ever had in my life where I don't feel the need to start modding away. The stock 3.55 gears with 645hp really throws you back in the seat and is just the perfect amount of power for a track car. I think you need to test drive both gens and see what you think. There have been a few gen 2 guys go 5 then back to 2 so everybody is different but the majority never look back.

This is exactly what Im afraid of. I know without a doubt if I get a stock GEN II I will have to start modding right away, and as far as I can tell parts are few and far between. If I wasnt stuck on this rock in the middle of the ocean and could get back to civilization I would just go test drive!! lol. Thanks for your insight man I appreciate it very much.

1 of Each

Well that is the long term goal! Right!!

[OneofOneViper]

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.

[Stealth78]

To those that have experienced both. If you could have only one car, driven on the weekends, nice weather, car shows, events, etc... Would you rather have a Gen II or a Gen V? Seem with prices are what they are both can be had for roughly a 20K difference in price. Thanks!

A. You are comparing the most expensive GenII to pretty much the least expensive GenV (not the model but the price range you mentioned).
B. If you have the funds for either how is this really a question???

[gfviperman]

I find the Gen II has roomier interior ...

Put a cruise control on it ... really improves long drives ...

[venum4u]

Currently own both, 02 GTS and 13 GTS, if i were to let one go it would for sure be the 2013. GEN II GTS is hard to beat, mine also have H/C, exhaust and headers.

[slitherv10]

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.

Agree on all points here.

If you plan on racing everyone on the street and want an out of the box car...Gen 5. If you want the look, the collector, the old world muscle, the icon of Vipers, then you go Gen 2.....if you still want the power your just ad it and your well ahead of the Gen 5.

If your 80 years old and the ride quality, push buttons,AC blowing freezing cold, luxury leather and cruise control then get a Caddy CTS-V. Funny that everyone of past and present has always quoted that the Viper is a raw performance machine that should have been kept that way, unfortunately, dodge listened to a few 80 year olds and put their money into amenities and less on the dramatic performance differences that the Gen 1 and Gen 2's had that sold like hot cakes and were the talk of the town for years and years.

I took a Gen 5 out for a spin to buy on and keep my Gen 2 and decided to throw my money into something different with power and amenities and keep only 1 Viper....my gen 2.

[Deucefour]

I'm getting the feeling that the GEN II is still the King of The Road in this matchup!! It's what I've had my heart set on for a very long time too, so more than likely thats still the direction I will go! Thanks for all the insight guys!

[TP_ GTS]

Agree on all points here.

If you plan on racing everyone on the street and want an out of the box car...Gen 5. If you want the look, the collector, the old world muscle, the icon of Vipers, then you go Gen 2.....if you still want the power your just ad it and your well ahead of the Gen 5.

If your 80 years old and the ride quality, push buttons,AC blowing freezing cold, luxury leather and cruise control then get a Caddy CTS-V. Funny that everyone of past and present has always quoted that the Viper is a raw performance machine that should have been kept that way, unfortunately, dodge listened to a few 80 year olds and put their money into amenities and less on the dramatic performance differences that the Gen 1 and Gen 2's had that sold like hot cakes and were the talk of the town for years and years.

I took a Gen 5 out for a spin to buy on and keep my Gen 2 and decided to throw my money into something different with power and amenities and keep only 1 Viper....my gen 2.

I do not own a Gen V but have driven a few while trying to decide if it was something I wanted to add to the stable or replace my Gen 2. However, I kept coming back to the same conclusion as you mentioned. I guess, I'm just a fan of the "This thing drives RAW" feel that I get and the timeless - nostalgic look with the Gen 2. Let's face it, we drive these things because they are fun and put BIG SMILES on our faces no matter what. Both achieve that for me. One in a more refined way than the other but the end results are the same. It would be a tough call if I did not already have a Gen 2. I would probably have brought the Gen V if I never owned a Gen 2 and was looking today (What you never had you never miss kind of thing...LOL). A few of my fellow "Posse" guys who drive corvettes, camaro's are on the edge and will jump to the dark side one day. They desire the Gen V as it provides them with (performance levels aside) the comforts similar and in some areas exceed what they have today with their C6. They also desire a warranty as they are not the "do it yourself fix/mod" guys. Also at the price point a CLEAN low mile Gen 2 is going for today, it's pretty close to what their current C6 value (non Zo6) is for an older car. Some people struggle with that if they are selling or trading. If it's another toy ... you are adding.....then who cares. So with the cost of the car, the mods desired (If you're into that), cost to have someone do the work if you do not do it yourself can be a factor. If you want, desire or need Warranty and do not wrench on your own cars, the Gen V is probably your best bet. Just don't line up against a modified Gen 2

Either way... you can't go wrong.

Good luck.

[slothman]

get the gen 2

genV is bad ass (i still want one) ...however, they are not done depreciating yet. I think in a few more years they will be 40-50k

[99RT10]

get the gen 2

genV is bad ass (i still want one) ...however, they are not done depreciating yet. I think in a few more years they will be 40-50k

Yeah, no. I am betting they won't go below the high $58-9s at best for a no issue/storied car. The Gen 2s are starting to go up. Lets give it a few years, I bet ALL Values will rise 10-20% minimum. Buy'em now while you still can.

[Deucefour]

get the gen 2

genV is bad ass (i still want one) ...however, they are not done depreciating yet. I think in a few more years they will be 40-50k

Yeah I believe the same thing. I've got my Gen II search in full effect!

[slothman]

well, the first 3 years are the biggest depreciation hit. I still the newer vipers will drop a little bit. I don't care, I got my gen2 haha.

[OneofOneViper]

Yeah I believe the same thing. I've got my Gen II search in full effect!

They will never be 40-50k. They're engines cost 32k alone new. As a parts car they are worth that. Any good clean title good condition gen5 will never go below 50k, even base model.

[Deucefour]

They will never be 40-50k. They're engines cost 32k alone new. As a parts car they are worth that. Any good clean title good condition gen5 will never go below 50k, even base model.

Either way the market swings on the Gen 5 I think there will be more variety to choose from once the 2017's are a few years old and people start to sell their 1 of 1 cars. They are all a finite commodity now so prices could go through the roof. Only time will tell. But I think since I've always wanted the Gen 2 even before the Gen 5 came a long I am going to go that route first. Who knows, I may hate having a Gen 2 and go back to wanting a Gen 5.

[OneofOneViper]

Either way the market swings on the Gen 5 I think there will be more variety to choose from once the 2017's are a few years old and people start to sell their 1 of 1 cars. They are all a finite commodity now so prices could go through the roof. Only time will tell. But I think since I've always wanted the Gen 2 even before the Gen 5 came a long I am going to go that route first. Who knows, I may hate having a Gen 2 and go back to wanting a Gen 5.

I don't see any problem with that logic. Good luck looking for your new car. The hunt is half the fun... actually it always seemed so slow when you know what you want and it's just not for sale or at a reasonable price.

On a side note, I've owned vipers a long time now and I can honestly say that nothing has been as special as the Gen 5. I think it will be hard to get people to part with their 1 of 1's. They were really able to do a lot of personal customization. The 1 of 1 program just made these cars feel that much more sentimental playing on the buyer's emotions. I know some will sell but it'll likely be the same ones up for sale being passed around because most will keep them and like myself, Gary Woods, etc... there is no intention of ever selling the car. The car will get passed down to future generations to stay in the family.

[Deucefour]

I don't see any problem with that logic. Good luck looking for your new car. The hunt is half the fun... actually it always seemed so slow when you know what you want and it's just not for sale or at a reasonable price.

On a side note, I've owned vipers a long time now and I can honestly say that nothing has been as special as the Gen 5. I think it will be hard to get people to part with their 1 of 1's. They were really able to do a lot of personal customization. The 1 of 1 program just made these cars feel that much more sentimental playing on the buyer's emotions. I know some will sell but it'll likely be the same ones up for sale being passed around because most will keep them and like myself, Gary Woods, etc... there is no intention of ever selling the car. The car will get passed down to future generations to stay in the family.

Yeah I hear ya! Hunting has been fun, frustrating, and everything in between. Been searching since January. I personally wouldn't ever sell a 1of1 either but theres always someone who will need a reason to sell. Divorce, death, sickness, loss of job, etc... So there will be a few out there at minimum. Going to be interesting to watch the future of the Dodge Viper and where it all goes from here.

[ssmith71]

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