Anyone daily driving a gen II

[SRT_BluByU]

Wondering if anyone is daily driving a gen II? Hows it been working out for getting parts and maintenance.. also how long have ya owned it?

[M5toViper]

Tough proposition. It's not very comfortable and the mileage blows.

Get a fast German sedan for a daily

[LATAMUD]

I bought a second Viper a few years ago to hold me over while I was working on the first one. Stock 97 GTS daily driving, for the most part loved it. Took it on a few long trips, 8-10 hour road trips. The 97 GTS doesn't have ABS and that is the major reason for getting rid of it. The 2006 I replaced it with, I daily drove as well. Bought with 22k miles and sold with around 34k miles Daily drove for 12 consecutive months, owned it for about 3 years. I had to replace the slave cylinder so ended up changing the clutch. Cig lighter went out so I didn't have a way to charge my cell phone on long trips. It has a fusible ink I never found. Because no ABS, I had a few close calls, once with a Ferrari. Took it to the Tail of the Dragon twice, drove it hard and didn't lose it.

2000-2009 I daily drove 4/5 speed beater 65/66 Mustangs, 63/64 Falcons, 65 Barracuda. So daily driving a 97 anything was a step up for me.

[dave6666]

Have had it for 15 years and although I have multiple vehicles / multiple toys I drive my Gen 2 all the time. Contrary to all of the drama queens that bought theirs thinking that buying cars is an intelligent investment, I actually enjoy driving mine and could care less what it's value is. Also, very few parts are hard to find. More garage queenie cupcake drama from the few.

[Old School]

Not a Gen2, but I daily drive my Gen3. MPG's not a big deal, gas is relatively cheap these days (get mine at Sam's) so now is the time to daily drive something like this. One of the larger expenses is tires, a result of a generally aggressive driving style. Put 20k on mine last year.

[plumcrazy]

I used my 98 gts for a daily driver during the summer a few years. Loved it

[AviP]

I used to drive it daily in the early years but don't anymore, partly because I need 3 or more seats most of the time. I do envy the daily drivers as I never wanted it to sit in the garage most of the time. Owned it since brand new. Kids have started getting into college and it will become a daily driver again at 25 years old. I don't care about parts as long as duct tape is available. And if the rough ride and mileage bother you, get a Prius or wait for a Cybertruck.

[COI]

Contrary to all of the drama queens that bought theirs thinking that buying cars is an intelligent investment, I actually enjoy driving mine and could care less what it's value is. Also, very few parts are hard to find. More garage queenie cupcake drama from the few.

As usual, what does any of this have to do with the OP's question?

[FrankBarba]

I've got a 96 GTS. Owned since new, drive when I have time so far only 8,000 miles,
always changing fluids spring and fall no matter how many miles i've put on her for the year.
I enjoy driving mine, still gets lots of thumbs up and still get me excited when i press on the gas.

[plumcrazy]

As usual, what does any of this have to do with the OP's question?

cause most here think it should be wrapped in bubble wrap and put away for future generations. its just a dodge, drive it and enjoy it.

[capevettes]

My 2001 GTS is not my daily driver, but I drive it almost daily when the weather isn't awful. I drive it almost 5,000 miles a year. Very reliable with an almost bullet proof drivetrain.

So, sure, it could be your daily driver. Are there more comfortable or fuel efficient alternatives? Absolutely, but they may not give you as much pleasure.

[COI]

cause most here think it should be wrapped in bubble wrap and put away for future generations. its just a dodge, drive it and enjoy it.

Not sure what quantifiable data you have to say "most here think it should be wrapped in bubble wrap." If you have such data that can back up the claim then share it. The Viper community is getting smaller every day. Why people want to further alienate another owner and potential member is beyond me. Furthermore, the OP never asked a question about garage queens so the reference was unnecessary and irrelevant.

The Viper is as good a daily driver as any other car. Not so great in the driving rain but otherwise it is a lot of fun. The main issue is finding a qualified service technician and replacement parts for a Gen I or II. It's not impossible but it's not as easy as a late model sedan. Lots of constructive comments that could be made. Most of the other respondents offered good insights.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Wondering if anyone is daily driving a gen II? ...................Hows it been working out for getting parts and maintenance.. .............also how long have ya owned it?

I have 52,000+ miles on my 1996 GTS. Been driving it frequently since 6/8/1996....the first retail GTS out the door at CAAP. Drove almost daily first 2-3 years.....

I dont have trouble finding parts, some new, some used.


Buying a 23+ year old car for daily driving is an informed-judgement call. Your SIZE MATTERS as to daily-driving comfort. It does not even have ABS. A/C is crappy in HOT climates.

[M5toViper]

E63S or M5 is perfect

Just sayin'

[LegionofDoom]

I have a mostly stock 2001 GTS I have been dailying for about 6 months. I live in the SF Bay Area, so temps and rain are typically manageable year round. I do about 60 miles round trip each day, sometimes heavy traffic. Fuel economy dips pretty low with lots of traffic, but isn't all that bad if you are just cruising on the highway. Found a tip on putting a cheap McMaster check valve in A/C vacuum line to keep blower door open, big improvement to A/C function. (https://motoiq.com/project-viper-gts...maintenance/7/)

I've been gradually been going through the car, including maintence items (plugs, fluids, rotors & pads, mounts, u-joints) and some age related issues (rear hatch detatchment from lift struts and latch, stainless oil cooler lines rubbing a hole in each other, accessory belt tensioners) but haven't had any major issues. Still chasing a squeak in passenger dash area that fades as car warms up.

I think that driving the car frequently has helped to identify and fix issues, and nothing has been particularly difficult to do, including finding parts. I find the car pretty comfortable, and don't mind the ride or noise. I do worry about getting hit in traffic, especially sitting so low. Headlights from behind at night can be pretty intense, as you sit below most vehicles' cutoffs. Lots of thumbs up and people happy to see the car on the road. And there is no better therapy after a long day than a couple of empty on ramps

[Matt Dillon]

I used to drive my 00' pretty much everyday taking my son to school & picking him up (if it wasn't raining) just because All of his Buddies thought he was so Cool with his dad picking him up in a Viper! That's been several years ago & since then he's Graduated & I've bought a few more toys including a Gen. V so I don't drive it as much these days! But I would also think the time of the year would matter Especially if you live in the South during the summer months cause it get's Very Hot & Humid so you Definitely need to have a good AC which is usually hard to find in a Gen II. The MPG & the ride is another issue but it's a VIPER!

[lane_viper]

Glad to see guys out there enjoying their Vipers.

[Skidmark]

My 99 GTS has 56k miles so it was probably daily driven by one of the previous owners, but I couldn't see doing it because of the gas prices. Mine also has a B&B exhaust, so combined with my age, not daily driveable.