New Owner Questions

[Otis Campbell]

I found my car, and God willing, it will be in my driveway next weekend. I've settled on a 2006 Coupe in blue. As a first time Viper owner, what should I expect from friends and family? We own a small business, and do better than most financially, but we don't show it. We live a very modest lifestyle, with a Durango, a Dakota, and a Ford Escape. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy. This will be the first "flashy" item we've ever bought. Will people suddenly treat us differently? Do people automatically assume you're a snob when you're seen driving it? When you stop for fuel, or park it and get out, do people stop and want to talk about it? This will be the first Viper in my town, so I'm sure most people will probably think it's a Camaro or Corvette. Lots of diesel trucks here, if you know what I mean. I would just like to hear some of your experiences the first few weeks/months of Viper ownership.

[sonicbloo]

Good choice of car and color

Don't give a damn about what others think. Most 'non car folk' won't know or care what it is, kids and car enthusiasts will love it.

I've only ever had positive comments here in the UK

Good luck and enjoy it!

[Ninjakris]

2006 Coupe's are a great way to get into the viper world. I'm very similar with not being a flashy person... other than the viper. People will ask questions, especially at gas stations. Just be humble and try to not care what people think of you. Come up with an answer when people ask how much it cost, because I guarantee they will ask. When I had my 06', I usually answered: about the same as a nice truck. Another cool thing you can do is go on eBay and buy a bunch of viper hot wheels and keep them in the trunk. When a kid ask's about the car or is really interested, give them a toy car. I cant tell you how excited small kids get when I do that. It means so much to them.

[Otis Campbell]

That's a great idea! I think I'll do just that! Thanks!

[Creatre]

I usually just say it's only a 2006 (or 2005 in my case), it's old! Most people don't really care to be honest, I've not had any issues (or at least that anyone has said to my face).

[BlknBlu]

People are snobs, not cars. One's demeanor dictates how they look at you.

Bruce

[Bryan Savage]

I found my car, and God willing, it will be in my driveway next weekend. I've settled on a 2006 Coupe in blue. As a first time Viper owner, what should I expect from friends and family? We own a small business, and do better than most financially, but we don't show it. We live a very modest lifestyle, with a Durango, a Dakota, and a Ford Escape. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy. This will be the first "flashy" item we've ever bought. Will people suddenly treat us differently? Do people automatically assume you're a snob when you're seen driving it? When you stop for fuel, or park it and get out, do people stop and want to talk about it? This will be the first Viper in my town, so I'm sure most people will probably think it's a Camaro or Corvette. Lots of diesel trucks here, if you know what I mean. I would just like to hear some of your experiences the first few weeks/months of Viper ownership.

1) Prepare to have your picture taken a lot, and prepare for people on the highway to "linger" next to you while they look at it.
2) Cars on the highway may chase you at high speed to catch up, but not pass you, so they can look at it. You may be the cause of small traffic jams.
3) People will ask you to trade it for their 1996 Taurus that's parked at the next gas pump over.
4) People will ask you what kind of car it is.
5) People will ask you which motor you have and if it's the V12 one.
6) People at stoplights will ask or gesture for you to "light 'em up".
7) People will chase you down on the highway and then want to race.
8) Police will enjoy pulling you over, because they also want to see the car. (Don't give them an excuse)
9) People, especially younger ones, will listen to everything you say, assuming that because you have a dream car, you've "made" it in life.
10) People will ask you about the costs (insurance, tires, maintenance, purchase price, etc)

From my super-limited experience, Viper people don't have a snobbish or prickish reputation that Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari, BMW, [insert brand here] do. I've always felt that Vipers were something that weren't bought as a status symbol, weren't bought for your non-car-person spouse to drive, weren't borrowed by your spouse to go get groceries, and weren't bought because you're having a midlife crisis. Vipers are something else. The owner knows they're a little hot, uncomfortable, unforgiving, and loud, and we like it that way. Hell, we want it that way. Therefore, we're friendlier than most. Let people sit in it. Pop the hood. Rev the motor. Make people smile and you'll make life easier for all Viper owners.

Welcome to the club!!

[Otis Campbell]

Thanks for the replies! Bryan, exactly which part of PA are you in? I'm down here in Bedford!

[Bryan Savage]

Thanks for the replies! Bryan, exactly which part of PA are you in? I'm down here in Bedford!

I'm in Williamsport, sir!

[Bryan Savage]

I just tell people, truthfully, that we have lived below our means, don't take expensive vacations, rarely go out to eat, wear the same cloths for years, and don't have the compulsion to buy buy buy to fill the basement, garage, and storage units full of crap. We make our kids work to pay for half their driving expenses (car loan & insurance) and all gas, tickets, and insurance increase for any reason along with half of college because we work hard for a level of financial freedom that most won't have and our kids can learn to want their lifestyle too.

If you want I can show you how you can sacrifice and afford your dream car too, if you'd like?

Imagine the Allstate commercial - "SILENCE."

I just tell them "Single, no kids."

[Bill Pemberton]

The 13 year old car often silences folks quite well , as often interested questions come from folks thinking the car is much newer. It will help with your customers who still may ask , and the simple answer detailing that it is a older model , will be beneficial. It is understandable that you , as a business owner, realize that some humans are just a bit too concerned about things that often should not concern them, and age usually is a great response to those individuals. Enjoy the car, and join the VOA ( Bryan is a super nice President of Eastern PA, and there is also a Western PA Club) as you are about in the middle of the Clubs in Pennsylvania , so you have two choices. Both are strong Regions and likely it would depend on which one you would have the closest ties to through your business and pleasure.

Feel free to call me for any advice , as I have been around these beasts since the 90s.

Sincerely,
Bill Pemberton
402-677-5864

[chris_lee]

The one comment that always pisses me off... "Must be nice....". I was just told this by a guy that makes 2x as much as I do. I told him, "Dude.. you could buy two of them, you just choose not to".

Other than that, people are REALLY into it. The comment about people taking your picture or video you is totally true. Don't mess up, because your ass will be all over the internet. hahaha. Enjoy it man! Plan on walking into your garage and just looking at it. I still do it.

[swexlin]

99 % of the comments about both I've had - 2003 and current 2013 are very positive.

Enjoy your car!

[BrianACR]

1) Prepare to have your picture taken a lot, and prepare for people on the highway to "linger" next to you while they look at it.
2) Cars on the highway may chase you at high speed to catch up, but not pass you, so they can look at it. You may be the cause of small traffic jams.
3) People will ask you to trade it for their 1996 Taurus that's parked at the next gas pump over.
4) People will ask you what kind of car it is.
5) People will ask you which motor you have and if it's the V12 one.
6) People at stoplights will ask or gesture for you to "light 'em up".
7) People will chase you down on the highway and then want to race.
8) Police will enjoy pulling you over, because they also want to see the car. (Don't give them an excuse)
9) People, especially younger ones, will listen to everything you say, assuming that because you have a dream car, you've "made" it in life.
10) People will ask you about the costs (insurance, tires, maintenance, purchase price, etc)

From my super-limited experience, Viper people don't have a snobbish or prickish reputation that Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari, BMW, [insert brand here] do. I've always felt that Vipers were something that weren't bought as a status symbol, weren't bought for your non-car-person spouse to drive, weren't borrowed by your spouse to go get groceries, and weren't bought because you're having a midlife crisis. Vipers are something else. The owner knows they're a little hot, uncomfortable, unforgiving, and loud, and we like it that way. Hell, we want it that way. Therefore, we're friendlier than most. Let people sit in it. Pop the hood. Rev the motor. Make people smile and you'll make life easier for all Viper owners.

Welcome to the club!!

Lol yes all this! A bunch of the guys I work with think I make too much, but then I told them they paid more for their pickup truck than I did for my Viper. They sometimes have a hard time believing that. But don't worry what others think, as long as you enjoy it!
I find most people are excited to see a Viper out on the streets. I get surprised looks when I inform lookers that mine is 17 years old. It's also fun to know every little detail about the production numbers and little odds and sods about your specific model. It makes people appreciate it a bit more when they hear it from you that "this is one of xxx built in this year". Makes it seem more real and rare to them. More special.
Enjoy your new ride!!