Fresh Meat

[WestCoastLifestyle]

Hello everybody 👋

I joined looking to gain some knowledge with regards to buying my first Viper. I am torn between buying a gen 2 or a gen 3, I would prefer an 06+ Coupe, but I will have to wait longer to get it. I could afford the gen2 sooner but is not my first choice. There are not any for sale locally so I have not been able to even sit in one, and being 6ft 6in I worry about fitting. I know you can buy seat lowering kits, but it is a gamble to buy the car and hope you fit after lowering the seat.
Being from Canada we do get a fair amount of snow, so would only get to drive for a few months of the year during summer.

[Bill Pemberton]

Actually what is the price range you are looking for, as often folks don't factor in that a newer Snake will likely offer a longer financing period than an older one. Of course , if that is not a consideration , then the area you are looking to pay may determine what model and year you can purchase.

Gen IIs - an RT-10 will run less than a GTS
Gen III - convertibles will also run less than a Coupe , but as you surmised that would only be available in 2006.

[WestCoastLifestyle]

Hey Bill,
Being located in Canada, there are only about 100 listings nationwide for any vipers using the big used car sites. Prices start around $40,000 CAD for the lowest and goes up from there. There are other factors that I am looking at but not finding all the information. First example importing one from the US, I know all the fees and taxes etc that goes along with it, but what I can not find is what parts require replacement to pass inspection (if any). My uncle brought a Corvette (sorry for my laungage haha) across the border knowing only the front bumper needed to be replaced to pass inspection and had a quote already for the work.
If I am looking to stay under the $50,000 CAD mark for my purchase I do have the option of buying one for less that requires body work as I have family members who own a body shop that I could paint/customize the car how I wanted and as I can afford it. End result would be the same cost but it would be more what I want vs what I could afford.
I should probably mention that I am looking to drive this car and enjoy it for the few months of summer we have, and not worry so much about re-sale value

[WestCoastLifestyle]

I see there is a character limit...

[RedTanRT/10]

I see there is a character limit...

No character limit, the system does not like apostrophes.

Looks like it cut you off when you used an apostrophe for can not.

[WestCoastLifestyle]

No character limit, the system does not like apostrophes.

Looks like it cut you off when you used an apostrophe for can not.

Thanks RedTan! Edited original post.

[Gen3CoupeTX]

Decisions, decisions. Good to know there are no bad ones in Viper world. Nonetheless, I'd suggest you hold out until you find what you are looking for. If you were to get a screaming deal on your second choice, maybe. The risk is that you have a cool car, but those moments of wondering if you shouldn't have settled may creep in. Again, both good choices ... But you should do what YOU think best.

[Bill W]

Google “Tall people fitting into a Viper.” I did. Lots of information out there.

[WestCoastLifestyle]

Google “Tall people fitting into a Viper.” I did. Lots of information out there.

I too have done some reading on this, although it is not all apples to apples. Being 6ft 6in sitting beside a friend who is the same height, he appears taller as my legs are longer. Thus fitting in a car would be totally different for two people the same height and similar weight. I read some guys at 6ft 8 were able to fit in their Viper with 2inch seat lowering, and yet other my same height say their legs would not fit... so until I can try for myself with and without a seat lowering kit it is hard to say with 100% certainty.
Also fitting in a car means different things to people, just because the door closes does not mean you fit, some do not like having their knees wedged between the steering wheel and door.

[mattssg]

Hello everybody ��

I joined looking to gain some knowledge with regards to buying my first Viper. I am torn between buying a gen 2 or a gen 3, I would prefer an 06+ Coupe, but I will have to wait longer to get it. I could afford the gen2 sooner but is not my first choice. There are not any for sale locally so I have not been able to even sit in one, and being 6ft 6in I worry about fitting. I know you can buy seat lowering kits, but it is a gamble to buy the car and hope you fit after lowering the seat.
Being from Canada we do get a fair amount of snow, so would only get to drive for a few months of the year during summer.

Maybe I can help with the height.

I'm 6'5 1/2" and have a 2" lowering kit in my gen 4. I fit well.. If I did not have the kit it would be a no go.

At 6'6" you should be fine in a gen 3 with the 2" lowering kit (I haven't sat inside of any gen 2's so I can't personally comment).

I went through the same situation as you are (did not think I could fit, was worried about ordering.) and everything turned out perfectly fine.

The only thing I can add to this is I am aware of a 7 footer who drove a Gen 2 this was on another Viper forum so if you really want the snake don't let your height deter you.

[WestCoastLifestyle]

Maybe I can help with the height.

I'm 6'5 1/2" and have a 2" lowering kit in my gen 4. I fit well.. If I did not have the kit it would be a no go.

At 6'6" you should be fine in a gen 3 with the 2" lowering kit (I haven't sat inside of any gen 2's so I can't personally comment).

I went through the same situation as you are (did not think I could fit, was worried about ordering.) and everything turned out perfectly fine.

The only thing I can add to this is I am aware of a 7 footer who drove a Gen 2 this was on another Viper forum so if you really want the snake don't let your height deter you.

Thanks MattSSG. Got my eyes open for any around here for sale to test fit.