Looking for original Blue Gen2 GTS

[pullin-gs]

1st post. :-)
I just sold my '63 split-window vette. I've always wanted a Viper, so timing is good for me to get one now.
I'm looking for a Turn-key low-mile unmolested original Blue GTS. Have cash for right car.

Thanks. PRB

[BrianACR]

Good luck with your search! There are some nice cars in the classifieds.

[daveg]

I assume you are referring to a 96 or 97 B/W?
Define low miles

[JimJoeBob]

Define low miles

Lol the big one. Viper community low mileage or regular 20 year old vehicle low mileage.

[pullin-gs]

<20K miles.
Blue/white
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!
FYI my 1960 vette was manual-everything! She drove like a 60-year old truck on a good day.
v/r,
P

[viperman4125]

>20K.
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!
FYI my 1960 vette was manual-everything! She drove like a 60-year old truck on a good day.
v/r,
P

There are alot out there prices are all over the board.
BTW test drive the 96, may not much different that your 63.
I have a 94,

[capevettes]

Welcome aboard. I chimed in on your thread over on the Corvette Forum. You came to the right place. I will keep my eyes open for you. Good luck.

[daveg]

....BTW test drive the 96, may not much different that your 63.
I have a 94,

Hugh difference between the 2 (especially Gen II GTS) .. As far as the way they drive and comfort, the best comparison is there is no comparison... Ask me how I know.
Paul (caevette) can offer more insight since he is the "Vette" man.
Paul, I'm getting thirsty!!!!

[AviP]

>20K.
Blue/white
I'm looking forward to driving a luxurious and well-behaved car!

Dude, you are in the wrong place. The GTS is not luxurious at all. It's plastic crap inside. And it's not well-behaved either. It is a beast to drive. But it is also a blast. Just keeping the expectations right.

[pullin-gs]

Dude, you are in the wrong place. The GTS is not luxurious at all. It's plastic crap inside. And it's not well-behaved either. It is a beast to drive. But it is also a blast. Just keeping the expectations right.

In comparison to a 1960 vette?
PS, PB, AC, suspension, PW, alarm, passenger-side mirror, PM, adjustable steering, windshield washer, etc. .......yes, luxurious.

Correction: <20K miles, not >20K is my target.

[1BADV10]

Welcome to VOA. Plenty of b/w's out there to choose from and its definitely a buyers market now with vipers. As for a "well-behaved" viper....no such thing, they are a beast but that's what makes them so dang fun to drive!!

[Bill Pemberton]

Definitely not a buyer's market now, high quality Snakes are quite stable and moving up at a moderate pace .....it is becoming more and more a seller's market. Not out of line now, but many cars are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago and an unmolested 96/97 is quite hard to find. Even if one is found , reconditioning can be pricey also , as you are dealing with a 20+ year old car. You will find some of the essence of your Vette, but there is definitely a major change going to the Viper - it will ride better , handle better and definitely be easier on your back.

Do your due diligence and get the car on a lift , as that is where most of the unforeseen costs arise. Many will have older rubber on them also, so keep in mind finding tires for the car can be tough.

Best Regards,
Bill Pemberton

[1BADV10]

Definitely not a buyer's market now, high quality Snakes are quite stable and moving up at a moderate pace .....it is becoming more and more a seller's market. Not out of line now, but many cars are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago and an unmolested 96/97 is quite hard to find. Even if one is found , reconditioning can be pricey also , as you are dealing with a 20+ year old car. You will find some of the essence of your Vette, but there is definitely a major change going to the Viper - it will ride better , handle better and definitely be easier on your back.

Do your due diligence and get the car on a lift , as that is where most of the unforeseen costs arise. Many will have older rubber on them also, so keep in mind finding tires for the car can be tough.

Best Regards,
Bill Pemberton

I'd say the Viper (nice shape) is at or very near the bottom of its depreciation thus making it a buyers market. The car has a very good chance of steady increase in value...as you say, they are selling for more than they did 2-3 years ago.

[Bill Pemberton]

Throw in the adjustable pedals and you have a veritable luxo barge !!!

[harley56]

Not sure of your location, or desired purchase price.............

This one is overpriced, but if motivated may come down. https://reno.craigslist.org/cto/d/19...510299092.html

Here's another ad says hood decals can be removed. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...483598954.html

Viper Exchange also lists two as incoming, both have approx. 12K miles.

Good Luck!

[pullin-gs]

Thanks Harley. Great leads.
I'm looking at one tommorrow.....I dont think it will pan out thoughrice is high. But what the heck, I have a free morning/afternoon to check it out.

[ACRSNK]

Not sure it’s a Buyer’s market, but there are plenty of B/W’s out there to choose from. If you ask me, I suggest expanding your search to include Gen II ACR’s. Good luck in your search. I’m sure you will find something nice.

[ssmith71]

My 65 vette drove nothing like my 96 Viper. Partly because of the vette being convertible, but the frame flex and skinny tires made going around corners very entertaining.

[pullin-gs]

I looked at a nice low-mile Viper GTS 1996.
Car checked out clean. Seller is a 100% trustworthy.
18K miles. Car finish is wonderful and orginal. No-hit.
I think the price is on the high side though.

PS Pully already done.
Looks/Feels/drives like a solid car.
Has expected Viper gaps variances.
Hood excellent.
Recalls up to date.
Doors hanging nicely. They close tight with little effort.
Very very little bubbling on kick panels.

Issues:
Needs tires (age-cracks)
The interior (dash) could be better...seems like it has tiny pits on plastic dash pad. Has some deeper scratches (broken radio replaced w/OEM radio...very sloppy job).
One of the wheels has curb-rash.
Inside driver door black latch trim is lose.

Nit: Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

[JimJoeBob]

For 56K? Hell for that price the damn radio replacement job should've been better than shoddy and the door trim should be tight. Tires are super common to be old. I've seen that everywhere.

[pullin-gs]

For 56K? Hell for that price the damn radio replacement job should've been better than shoddy and the door trim should be tight. Tires are super common to be old. I've seen that everywhere.

Agree....but I can fix that. The surface rust on screws/fittings I can not fix though.
I expect car was stored underroof and never driven in rain....the rust is because of high humidity in garage sometime over the past 22 years.
v/r,
P

[AviP]

I drive my 97 B/W GTS in the rain whenever possible. In fact I enjoy it in the rain since it is easier to control the wicked power slides. Bolts are rusted but then again I've never cue-tipped it. I fear once I start, then I'll enjoy it less. So dirty and rusty it shall be. To the end!

[ACRSNK]

I looked at a nice low-mile Viper GTS 1996.
Car checked out clean. Seller is a 100% trustworthy.
18K miles. Car finish is wonderful and orginal. No-hit.
I think the price is on the high side though.

PS Pully already done.
Looks/Feels/drives like a solid car.
Has expected Viper gaps variances.
Hood excellent.
Recalls up to date.
Doors hanging nicely. They close tight with little effort.
Very very little bubbling on kick panels.

Issues:
Needs tires (age-cracks)
The interior (dash) could be better...seems like it has tiny pits on plastic dash pad. Has some deeper scratches (broken radio replaced w/OEM radio...very sloppy job).
One of the wheels has curb-rash.
Inside driver door black latch trim is lose.

Nit: Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

Price is high. A member on here sold a really nice 2 owner B/W with 18K miles for $45K a couple months back. Think he was originally asking low $50’s. Don’t jump on the first car you see and don’t be afraid to make reasonable offers. Worst that can happen is the Seller says no. There are plenty of nice ones to choose from. Be patient, but also be prepared to pull the trigger when you do find the “right” car as Vipers, all Vipers that are priced right don’t last.

[harley56]

"Various under-hood steel clips, screws,fittings, and bodywork fasteners have patina rust (dull brown)...not pitted, but not shiny.
Same with underside hinge bolts and other underside fasteners.
This bothers me. I want/expect shiny. Is this unreasonable expectation for 56+K '96 GTS?
Everything else is fixable (wheel, tires will set me back 1.5K.... interior I can live with).

Your expectations are not unreasonable - This one is overpriced!!

[Steve-Indy]

pullin-Gs, I applaud your eye and wish you luck in your search.

Realistically, I doubt you will find an un-restored 96/97 in the state you are seeking...regardless of price. I have seen and examined two Vipers in this age range (one in a museum) with less than 10 miles each...both of which would fail your stated requirements. Vipers "are what they are". I have seen these cars coming off of Reliable Carrier trucks with some of these cosmetic situations already in progress. By the way, I have been under scores of Vipers...and, we have a couple of our own.

I would suggest that you look for a straight Viper, preferably one owner with low mileage. Then, as you get to know that car in your own garage and have taken care ALL of the mechanical issues, fix it up/refurbish anything/everything that you like. Best of luck in your hunt.