Looking to get a Viper: Gen 2 + DD or only Gen 5

[Bugman Jeff]

I DD my Gen II in the summer months, 40 miles a day. Unless you have a pristine super low miles car, there is no good reason not to use it daily.

[Creatre]

It's nice having a car to drive on crappy days and have the convenience of a quiet/easy driving car sometimes. It's also nice not to have to replace consumable as much (tires, brakes, oil, etc). It helps keep the Viper stay clean and in great condition. However, with that said, the Gen V is a great car and if it fits your budget and you can deal without having the extra space, then go for it!

[v10enomous]

I arrived at the conclusion that I need a Jeep, a GenII and a GenV. I need my Jeep to pull my boat and ATV trailers and negotiate boat ramps and OHV parking areas plus I travel good distances to some of those destinations so a modern, reliable and comfortable vehicle is a must. Since both Vipers are weekend cars I enjoy them equally. If I had to DD one of the Vipers it would be the GenV. If I could only have two vehicles it would be the Jeep and the GenII.

[viper_eddie]

Nice set up and toys, v10enomous!

Can you give me a breakdown of the pros and cons in your opinion of both the Gen II and Gen V? Since you have both it seems like you'd know well.

It's interesting to see the responses of others; basically if you own or have owned a Gen II, you will recommend it. If you own a Gen III or Gen IV then you're more inclined towards the Gen V

It reminds me of the 911 debate; if you're an old school air-cooled kind of guy, that's what you'll go for. If you have one of the newer ones, you will recommend those.

Overall, not a bad choice to have and I'm sure I can't go wrong with either. The dealer said he would have some numbers for me today (I think they would take low to mid 70s for a new 2013) and I also texted the ACR guy and told him for 43k I'll probably take it.

In case anyone is interested, this might potentially be a good deal, the guy wants 30k.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Viper-...US_Cars_Trucks

[v10enomous]

Nice set up and toys, v10enomous!

Can you give me a breakdown of the pros and cons in your opinion of both the Gen II and Gen V? Since you have both it seems like you'd know well.

I don't track my cars so they are purely just weekend cruisers but I'm sure that people would steer you toward a GenV for that. Like I said I enjoy both the GenII and GenV equally. My GenII is a 98 so it doesn't even have ABS and it has a catback exhaust with no cats so I love the way it sounds. The two are very similar in many ways and yet very different in other ways. They both have great styling but it's amazing how some folks clearly prefer the looks of the GenV and some the GenII. Looks are pretty much a tie in my mind. To me the GenII is pefect for the reason I bought it. I wanted something that had a raw feel like an old muscle car but was more drivable and dependable and would cruise at today's much faster highway speeds. The Genv on the other hand still has some of that raw feel but it's just a better car for longer outings and more routine use. You really don't want to get caught in the rain in either car but a GenII is a handful but maybe that's not a big deal where you live. The main reason I bought the GenV is that while the GenII has been absolutely bullet proof I just like the idea of having a newer car for the reliability aspect. A 17 year old car even with only the 37k miles I have on it is still a 17 year old car. Overall they are both so awesome in their own special ways that I can't picture parting with either one.

[slitherv10]

Gen2 and the Wrangler is what seems to be the answer to your style and needs. I have a Gen 2 and own a Gen 4 at the same time and the ride is very different. Gen 4 feels tighter and more effortless or current to drive, and the Gen 2 feels more raw and fulfilling. I love driving my Gen 2 and thus sold my 4 just a few weeks ago. I wouldn't sell my Gen 2 for nothing. There will always be a faster and better racehorse but at the end of the day you have to love what you have. That will last forever. Speed and technology will continue to provide us with bigger and better. Own what you love not what is loved.

[vipertank]

I have a gen 2 and a wrangler...but my wrangler is from 2004, when they were much more, um, like a "Jeep" than the 2007-present version(not knocking the newer ones off-road capabilities), but they are not as simple and are more for the luxury jeep segment. That said I wouldn't daily drive either the Wrangler (newer or otherwise) or the Viper...cause sometimes on the road you DON'T want to stand out (Viper stands out) and you DO want to be able to control your car on the highway for 1 second of distraction (jeep cannot), and you just want to go over speed bumps without a care, park next to whoever, get dents, rust, road salt all over the car and be totally ok with it while enjoying complete anonymity on the road. My choice: Toyota Corolla. Honest, inexpensive, doesn't ask for anything in return transportation. And I never have to worry about ending up on YouTube cause I was filmed by a person hanging out in my blind spot. Got the budget for 3 cars???

[Helo Steve]

H

I have a gen 2 and a wrangler...but my wrangler is from 2004, when they were much more, um, like a "Jeep" than the 2007-present version(not knocking the newer ones off-road capabilities), but they are not as simple and are more for the luxury jeep segment. That said I wouldn't daily drive either the Wrangler (newer or otherwise) or the Viper...cause sometimes on the road you DON'T want to stand out (Viper stands out) and you DO want to be able to control your car on the highway for 1 second of distraction (jeep cannot), and you just want to go over speed bumps without a care, park next to whoever, get dents, rust, road salt all over the car and be totally ok with it while enjoying complete anonymity on the road. My choice: Toyota Corolla. Honest, inexpensive, doesn't ask for anything in return transportation. And I never have to worry about ending up on YouTube cause I was filmed by a person hanging out in my blind spot. Got the budget for 3 cars???

You just described my stable! I have a Gen II and a Corolla! Gotta get to work, park in a bad spot, not worry about leaving your car somewhere, be incognito on the road? The Corolla has you covered!

Want to go out for some insane fun when the weather is nice? Gen II Viper!!!

Perfect matchup for me!

[vipertank]

Helo Steve, nice! Maybe next time there is a Viper event but the weather stinks we can all cruise our Corollas! Lol

[viper_eddie]

Thanks to everyone for the input, really appreciated and it did help. I am trying to finalize this week between the 2 Gen IIs I've found and will keep everyone updated.

[viperboon]

i think is is worth an extra $2,000 to be happy and get what you want, or some one els will buy that can buy the time you decide. if you louse it go with the gen 5, i just got one just recently gen2 friken amazingn still in shock love it and my licence is supended for only a few more days, how long will i keep it this time not sure,

[AZTVR]

i think is is worth an extra $2,000 to be happy and get what you want, or some one els will buy that can buy the time you decide. if you louse it go with the gen 5, i just got one just recently gen2 friken amazingn still in shock love it and my licence is supended for only a few more days, how long will i keep it this time not sure,

xsellnt. mst well gud car did that !

[viperboon]

xsellnt. mst well gud car did that !

what ? you lost me i am guessing "must sell good car did that? not sure thow...

[TitleMine]

Would you rather have a DD and a Gen 2 or only a Gen 5?

Probably going to be flamed for this, but here's my opinion.

I used to think the idea of owning one mega car that could do everything was the be-all and end all, no more.

One, a Viper is a Viper, it's not a 911. A 911 can vanish in a Whole Foods parking lot without too much fuss unless it's an RS. That means your blood pressure is constantly going to be up anytime you're somewhere and you can't see it. It also limits where you can visit by its design. You have to scratch certain restaurants and stores off your list if you're driving it, because they have really high/janky driveways.

The worst thing, though, is that despite being mega reliable, the Viper somehow plays by the mileage rules of true supercars, unlike Vettes and GTR's and 911s, which generally play by the rules of high end sports cars.

Here's what I mean:

A 2007 911 Turbo with 60,000 miles on it? Cool beans, normal depreciation, but still worth $60-64K.

A Dodge Viper with 60,000 miles on it? You couldn't give that away, even with a clean title.

And this is what sucks, unless you plan to keep your Viper until the wheels fall off, you are gonna lose, and lose big, if you rack up casual miles on it driving places to work, etc. those miles are going to take a massive bite out of your value (justified or not), and IMO, the enjoyment you're going to get from being stuck at a light and just trying to make it to the office won't be NEARLY enough to make up for the money you're losing on depreciation.

Get a regular commuter car and a Gen II, or a beater (<$6,000, you can get a nice Honda or Toyota) and a Gen V, but I would never DD a Viper, even though you definitely can, and would definitely love it, unless money was absolutely, positively no object, like you have a high five-figure monthly income or something, or your commute is a stone's throw, like <8 miles.

The other option is to get a high mileage one. Once it has 35,000 miles on it, it's a wash, the next 20,000 miles won't make much of a difference on the value.

[slitherv10]

Probably going to be flamed for this, but here's my opinion.

I used to think the idea of owning one mega car that could do everything was the be-all and end all, no more.

One, a Viper is a Viper, it's not a 911. A 911 can vanish in a Whole Foods parking lot without too much fuss unless it's an RS. That means your blood pressure is constantly going to be up anytime you're somewhere and you can't see it. It also limits where you can visit by its design. You have to scratch certain restaurants and stores off your list if you're driving it, because they have really high/janky driveways.

The worst thing, though, is that despite being mega reliable, the Viper somehow plays by the mileage rules of true supercars, unlike Vettes and GTR's and 911s, which generally play by the rules of high end sports cars.

Here's what I mean:

A 2007 911 Turbo with 60,000 miles on it? Cool beans, normal depreciation, but still worth $60-64K.

A Dodge Viper with 60,000 miles on it? You couldn't give that away, even with a clean title.

And this is what sucks, unless you plan to keep your Viper until the wheels fall off, you are gonna lose, and lose big, if you rack up casual miles on it driving places to work, etc. those miles are going to take a massive bite out of your value (justified or not), and IMO, the enjoyment you're going to get from being stuck at a light and just trying to make it to the office won't be NEARLY enough to make up for the money you're losing on depreciation.

Get a regular commuter car and a Gen II, or a beater (<$6,000, you can get a nice Honda or Toyota) and a Gen V, but I would never DD a Viper, even though you definitely can, and would definitely love it, unless money was absolutely, positively no object, like you have a high five-figure monthly income or something, or your commute is a stone's throw, like <8 miles.

The other option is to get a high mileage one. Once it has 35,000 miles on it, it's a wash, the next 20,000 miles won't make much of a difference on the value.

That comparison is unrealistic.

Lets take a 2008 Porsche turbo and a 2008 Viper. Porsche price @ 140,000. Viper @ 110,000. That's an Approx difference of 30,000 dollars. A used 08 Porsche today with 60,000 Miles on it would be around 60,000. A used 08 Viper today would be approx. 40,000, where as the Viper engine is sill strong and ready. Big difference in my opinion. A much better bang for your buck on the Viper over the Porsche. All things equal of course.

I personally would have no problem buying a high mileage Viper, where as a Porsche, Yikes!!

[MalingatorGTS]

I have a Gen II and a daily. My daily is a Mitsubishi Montero with 140k plus but has leather and is a bear in the snow when in 4x4. I can drive it and park it just about anywhere and not have a heart attack about a door ding, someone touching it, rock chips, you get the point.

The cheap daily I bought makes it so much easier to enjoy the Viper when I want and where I want. When and if the day comes that it dies, I will buy another 5k SUV that gets me from point A to B. My wife has a 2015 Chevy Equinox so if we go somewhere as a family, we don't show up in my "beater."

I also drive and park in a semi-war zone non-secured gravel parking area in a very urban enviroment daily for work . Many of us just buy "beaters" for that reason.

Sorry got sidetracked. I say buy one, or both and keep a daily.

[99RT10]

That comparison is unrealistic.

Lets take a 2008 Porsche turbo and a 2008 Viper. Porsche price @ 140,000. Viper @ 110,000. That's an Approx difference of 30,000 dollars. A used 08 Porsche today with 60,000 Miles on it would be around 60,000. A used 08 Viper today would be approx. 40,000, where as the Viper engine is sill strong and ready. Big difference in my opinion. A much better bang for your buck on the Viper over the Porsche. All things equal of course.

I personally would have no problem buying a high mileage Viper, where as a Porsche, Yikes!!

I think you're off quite a bit on the 08 viper value. Even with 50k miles it would still be worth $50-53k.

Another question not yet brought up, insurance. If you only drive a Gen 5, insurance will not be cheap. I would bet if you had a weekend car along with a DD, it would be cheaper than just insuring the Gen 5.

[slitherv10]

I think you're off quite a bit on the 08 viper value. Even with 50k miles it would still be worth $50-53k.

Another question not yet brought up, insurance. If you only drive a Gen 5, insurance will not be cheap. I would bet if you had a weekend car along with a DD, it would be cheaper than just insuring the Gen 5.

I don't think I am off the true SALE value at all. Asking value yes....I agree most are asking close to what you quoted, but, sale price...not even close. I had an 08 Vert up for grabs for a whole year on here, autotrader, kijiji and the like with not one bite for 46,000. Not one. I know timinside had his as well for 44 I believe and it finally sold. I had 40K miles on mine. Believe me, I am sure there are one or two suckers who paid over 50 for one a half a year ago or more only to find out now they are losing big dineros now with the re pricing of the Gen 5.
40K for a 60,000 mile 08 is slightly low but mid 40's would not be out of the question if you wanted to sell it. SELL IT, not ask it. I traded mine in and got the tax savings which added to my sale price and I was ok with it. 50-53 for an 08 is way too high right now with used Gen V's with 10K's on them going for high 60's in some cases and soon will if their not. You can already find low 70's deals. Wait a few more months and you'll see them where they belong in the high 60's.

[viper_eddie]

I never updated this thread but figured since I started another thread and since this forum is pretty small, most people would have noticed. I ended up buying a 2009 because I got a killer deal on it. After taking it to an HPDE event I decided I really want a special version Viper. I know it's kind of silly but it's just the way I think.

Somebody should be showing up tomorrow to buy it. I'm going to look at a Gen IV ACR or used 2014 TA. I missed out one orange TA for 85k but mine hadn't sold yet. The new TA 2.0 is about 100k I believe. If I can't find one that I like I will just revert back to the aforementioned 1999 ACR. Maybe after almost a year he'll go down to 43k

A Gen IV with normal mileage is around the 52-60k mark right now from what I've seen. The market for the Gen V (and consequently Gen IV and III) is still not settled because many sellers are still dreaming and asking in the 60s for a Gen IV. I think by the time summer comes along used Gen V SRTs will be in the 65-75k range and Gen IVs in the low 50 range.

[TitleMine]

@Slitherv10, you're right, if, and only if, you have no plans to resell. The market doesn't care about what we think, it doesn't even care about the truth. A high mileage Viper loses value precipitously, like a high-mileage Lambo, even though you and I know that that it's FAR, FAR more reliable.

@99RT10, it's not 2013 anymore. No 08 with 50K miles on it is worth fifty-anything. 08's with <20K miles on them are taking 4 months to sell at <55K.

Eddie is bang-on with his pricing predictions. The Gen IV is in the midst of a precipitous drop in value.

[Bad Apple]

I have had six Vipers. 1994 RT10) / 99 RT10 / 98 GTS Hennessey / 05 SRT10 VCA # 16 / 08 ACR and now have a 2002 GTS # 143. I bought these cars to enjoy. I knew I would lose some money when I would sell them. Do you not think people loose money on a Lambo. The new Vipers has priced them out of their market. These cars are cheap built. I bought my wife a SLK55 Mercedes AMG that has a hard top that lets down with a push of a button. I take out my Viper like I ride my Harley, when the weather is nice. How can a Vette cost half as much as a Viper. Both are union workers. The old Vipers will settle down like the old Vettes. Sure would like to have a nice 63 split window. My first Viper was the 94 and had more fun with it than the others.

[ViperDC]

I think you're off quite a bit on the 08 viper value. Even with 50k miles it would still be worth $50-53k.

Not even close. $40-42k and you would be lucky to get that.

[viper_eddie]

Not sure if anyone cares but thought I should mention it in just in case. Picked up a 1998 GTS this Thursday for relatively cheap but the car does have 40k miles on it. I figured it will be good to keep me in the Viper world until I decide between the Gen 2 ACR, Gen 4 ACR or Gen 5 TA. They're all excellent cars in their own way and this one should help me decide if I want a Gen 2 or not.

I have to be honest, though, the Gen 4 spoiled me a bit. It provides just enough refinement but still an overall raw experience. Only downside is the looks...you don't get the traditional Viper styling. Have only driven a Gen 5 around a block so not enough time there to really tell how I feel about the driving experience. Biggest worry I have about Gen 5s is all that electronic stuff.

[slitherv10]

My hunch...and only a hunch, is that the Gen 3 and 4 cars are stuck in the middle of a Viper identity crisis right now seeing as the Gen 5 has more of the Gen 2 styling in it. The Gen 3's unfortunately lost big value because of that and the Gen 4's are only holding on longer to their price because of the HP and performance aspect. Will they ever be worth what a Gen 3 is? I would say no. Once again because of the Performance they have over the Gen 3. The Gen 2's though will hold their value very well and in my opinion some, and I repeat some, will gain a bit. Which ones? Well we have already seen some years, color combos and limited run cars steady up financially. The Gen 5 will also have its day when the Gen 6 comes out. Hopefully it dos not end up like the Gen 3 and finds a struggle to holds its identity as well. All depends on what Chrysler has in store for the future.

I for one love my 96 and having owed that and a Gen 4 at the same time, I wold pick the Gen 2 all day long. Obviously not because of performance, but its aura and its unique nature that a Gen 2 will in my opinion always hold among the rest.

That being said, the Gen 1's will start to respond soon as well. As the wicked witch of the north said," all in good time my little pretty, all in good time".

[braunstein82]

If you do mind saying, what did you pay for the Gts. I have a 98 with 37k miles. Just curious to know what they are actually being sold for.