Real World Prices

[sonnyboy]

I am shopping for my first Viper; likely to be a Gen 3 or 4 convertible.

The asking prices I'm seeing online are consistently much higher than the Hagerty value guide. For example, Hagerty lists a 2004 convertible in #3 condition at $35,400 but I cannot find anything listed below $41,000. Hagerty lists a 2009 convertible in #3 condition at $47,000 but I cannot find one listed below $62,000. (#3 condition is where the majority of very nice but drivable cars fall).

Is the Hagerty price guide unrealistically low or are sellers coming off their asking prices this much? What are these cars really selling for these days? I don't want to get ripped off. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

[ViperSRT]

Well, I am not selling but I wouldn't sell my supercharged Gen 3 (2003) for much under $50k. One owner (like all of mine) and kept in very good condition. A friend just sold his Gen 3 with Gen 4 Prefix engine upgrades for $54k. The anti Gen3/4 pundits here and on Facebook devalue them but they are worth it. My $0.02.

[commandomatt]

I am shopping for my first Viper; likely to be a Gen 3 or 4 convertible.

The asking prices I'm seeing online are consistently much higher than the Hagerty value guide. For example, Hagerty lists a 2004 convertible in #3 condition at $35,400 but I cannot find anything listed below $41,000. Hagerty lists a 2009 convertible in #3 condition at $47,000 but I cannot find one listed below $62,000. (#3 condition is where the majority of very nice but drivable cars fall).

Is the Hagerty price guide unrealistically low or are sellers coming off their asking prices this much? What are these cars really selling for these days? I don't want to get ripped off. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

As with any guide, don’t take them to seriously. Sometimes they are high, sometimes low.The market can shift faster than what the guide can react to.

Give yourself a budget range and then start shopping. If you are wanting this car to be around for a long period of time then spending a bit more will be well worth while

[viperBase1]

yeah Haggerty is unrealistically low. So is Carfax and other places that try to provide valuations on Vipers.

Last I checked, CarGurus stopped trying to estimate the value of Vipers altogether.

[Viperenvy]

As commandomatt stated, any pricing information is based on points in time. Hagerty is on the path to better understand Viper, the 5 Gens, and the models. It takes time to build deep understanding, but they have started with the VOA's help.

As Hagerty's own statements indicate (https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/About-our-prices), the peer-to-peer sales, not public (on internet or dealer) account for a large portion of sales. Sometimes those are higher, sometimes lower than market.

The Gen IIIs have taken criticism for styling and that has lowered prices. However, automotive history is littered with similar stories of the cheapest being the fastest increase in prices. Porsche 914 and 912 come to mind. With the massive uptick in Gen II and Gen V prices, Gen III and IV will be pulled up.

Hagerty number 3 and 4 Vipers are perfect for mods. They are beyond collector desires and driven/enjoyed. They are looked at for the potential to modify in every way. Some may have been modified and the cost of the mods is not reflected in Hagerty pricing. With buyers looking for cheaper options, the demand may be pushing prices up. The prices you mentioned are still cheap for the horsepower and limited production.

Lastly, when I bought my Vipers, I made a simple graph of miles vs price with a trend line. I could then add context to Vipers above or below the line with accidents, salvage, mods, originality, number of owners, documentation (from purchase or modification work), and current owner impressions. It took 10 months for the first one and 13 months for the second. But that was after asking a lot of questions here, seeing a half dozen Vipers, and talking with a dozen or more sellers one the first purchase.

Take your time. Buying into the spring is more difficult than buying into fall and winter. Know what you are getting. If it has been modified, really know what you are getting. Over heating, leaks, engine reliability issues, etc. will kill enthusiasm and passion quickly.

Call your local Regional President. Get introductions to owners who have Vipers you are looking for and go visit.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Enjoy the search! It a lot of fun - owning can be 10Xs better

[13COBRA]

Guides aren't real money.

Prices are dictated by real money.

You're about 18 months behind getting a screaming deal on one.

[Fatboy 18]

Fact is all Viper prices are moving up, Some not as fast as others but they are moving up rather than down.
Good for us owners, (but I bought my car because I wanted it, so if prices move up, fine but i'm not selling).

[Vipervin]

Guides are pointless typically since they are quickly outdated. Viper prices are up due to covid and just general appreciation. I was looking at Gen 4 models a year ago and just bought a Gen 3 this year because of how much they've appreciated