Was buying a Z06, decided to check out the Gen V. first

[Gadfly]

I think I am about to make a change and buy a Gen V.

I have a couple of quick questions, and I was hoping I could hear from real owners, not the stealership, so please forgive my viper ignorance.


1.) What Trim? It is amazingly hard to find what is the additions in equipment between the base, GT, and GTS on the (terrible) SRT website. Is there a good break down anywhere where I can see exactly what is the difference between trims?

2.) Is there any "must have" options I should be looking out for? (For Example, on the C7 Corvette Z51's you don't get the Performance traction management system unless you have the Mag Ride suspension. So the Mag Ride option is a "must have" that is often left off the car, that has a huge impact on the car's performance)

3.) Price; is there anywhere where I can find reliable Invoice pricing on the cars and options?

4.) Dealer, I am in Dallas, but would buy from any dealer in the country if they can give me the best deal, are there any Viper dealers known for this like there is in the Vette world?


Any and all other advice for a first time Viper buyer is welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

[slowhatch]

Give Bernie at viper exchange a call, he will take care of you and all your questions.

[99RT10]

Another great person/persons to talk to are Bill or mark at Woodhouse. Awesome guys.

[swexlin]

I was going to suggest contacting Bill Pemberton at Woodhouse as well. He's the man you want to talk to.

[Viktimize]

I think I am about to make a change and buy a Gen V.

I have a couple of quick questions, and I was hoping I could hear from real owners, not the stealership, so please forgive my viper ignorance.


1.) What Trim? It is amazingly hard to find what is the additions in equipment between the base, GT, and GTS on the (terrible) SRT website. Is there a good break down anywhere where I can see exactly what is the difference between trims?

I have no idea what Dodges issue is about informing consumers on a product they are interested in? I had this same issue. I found this options list here to compare the SRT and GTS. I saw one that included the GT as well, but I forgot to bookmark it, and god forbid I could find the damn thing again.

http://www.drivesrt.com/assets/docs/...per-GTS_FA.pdf



Personally I feel like the 2 mode suspension is a must have option. You can only get that on GT and GTS. Only way to get it on an SRT is with the TA package.

For resale value, I feel like the Laguna interior package is also must have. It is available on GTS, and I thought you could get it on GT, but not positive.

Only way to get a power passenger seat is in the GTS.

HK high performance audio is a must if you ever listen to music at all.

To me it seems like if you just want a straight performance car for tracking and whatnot, then I would get the TA/TA2.0. If you just HAVE to have a Viper but every penny counts, then I would get the SRT. If you spend more time using the car as a car, for road trips, errands, etc, then I would get the GTS. The GT seems like it is an in between car that allows you to get a few key options from the GTS but still save some cash.

That's my 2 cents anyway. At least it is something for you to consider other than "refer to dealer".

[Stealth]

Find a loaded 2014 GTS you like and get a smoking deal!

[ViperGeorge]

The GTC cars let you pick your color (from 8000 or so choices), stripe configuration, stripe color (again from 8000 or so choices), interior trim, stereo, wheels, tires, aero level and more.

[Viper vince]

Try Roanoke John Gastman

[KB Viper]

I think I am about to make a change and buy a Gen V.

I have a couple of quick questions, and I was hoping I could hear from real owners, not the stealership, so please forgive my viper ignorance.


1.) What Trim? It is amazingly hard to find what is the additions in equipment between the base, GT, and GTS on the (terrible) SRT website. Is there a good break down anywhere where I can see exactly what is the difference between trims?

2.) Is there any "must have" options I should be looking out for? (For Example, on the C7 Corvette Z51's you don't get the Performance traction management system unless you have the Mag Ride suspension. So the Mag Ride option is a "must have" that is often left off the car, that has a huge impact on the car's performance)

3.) Price; is there anywhere where I can find reliable Invoice pricing on the cars and options?

4.) Dealer, I am in Dallas, but would buy from any dealer in the country if they can give me the best deal, are there any Viper dealers known for this like there is in the Vette world?


Any and all other advice for a first time Viper buyer is welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

if you are a hard core track guy get a TA. if you want one with stripes or more luxury one get a GTS with all 3 carbon packages. if you plan on driving it a lot get a GTS with laguna interior, the dual mode suspension for me was a must for me.

[viper_eddie]

If you're open to a new 2014 model, there are still plenty of GTS models which are unsold. You can get those at quite some savings compared to MSRP. There are even a few 2013s left over if that works for you.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Gad

If you were considering the Z06 you probably want the TA 2.0, or a 2014 TA if you can find one. Maybe maybe not ! More creature-comforts would be found in a loaded GTS.
And you can add the TA package. ABSOLUTELY choose the dual-mode suspension. (Or plan to add an aftermarket suspension if you are a track rat)

You are WISE to be willing to travel to get the best-information, knowledge, and allocation available. I suspect that 3 or 4 dealers sell 60% of the Vipers in the US!

TX - Tomball, Houston; Bernie Katz 804 399 0477 bernie@tomball-dodge.com
IL - Roanoke in Roanoke (Chicago-ish) John Gastman 309 303 1464 vipersrus@mchsi.com
NE - Woodhouse in Blair (Omaha) Bill Pemberton (402) 592-1000 BillPemberton@Woodhouse.Com

Also a confident nod to Paul at Normandin Dodge in CA pauln@normandin.com

Sad to say that after 23 years of Vipers in Dodge dealers, only 10% of the salesman know what the hell they are talking about..... The exceptional dealers are noted above.


I have NO vipers to sell, but I'd be happy to chat. Especially if you plan to track. JonB@PartsRack.com 360.837.3937

[Aspirations57]

Gadfly,
I was going to order a fully loaded Z06 with Z07 package it was going to run about 108K.I went looking for a GTS fully loaded car and found 3, I had to have a fully equipped car because of all the great options. I went for the NA Viper over the SC Vette, 2014 GTS model, brand new, every option, 156,XXX MSRP bought for 105.6K. There are still some good deals out there on brand new 13s & 14s. Do some searches on Cars.com, Autotrader, etc. I like the dealers mentioned but I would not have got that price from some of the big dealers mentioned. Be ready to pull the trigger when you find a good deal, cash and no trade in helps too. You can find out options available on 13s and 14s by just doing a google search. My GTS was found by a forum member so tell us what you want and you will have 100s of eyes able to help you.
Remember Dodge discounted all 13s and 14s by 15K so the base price on my 2014 GTS went from 122K to 107K. Make sure you ask any seller what the MSRP was before the discount. Good Luck in your search

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

ASP, a great post there

[esm_viper]

I was in the same boat, looking at ordering a loaded Z07. Glad I didn't. I couldn't find a silver 14 GTS so I ordered a 2015 GTC Billet Silver through Bernie at Tomball mostly because of recommendations from Forum members, having a reliable dealership that I can count on for service and parts and it's only a 3 hour drive for me. My car came in around $111k MSRP give or take, hasn't started production yet and I ordered it the first part of March. I went with the GTC because it already came with a lot of the GTS equipment and options but was less $. I got the Napa w/ Alcantara Suede seats, upgraded stereo, Advanced Aero package, Matte Black Sidewinder II's with Corsa tires and the SRT (6 vent) hood.

[Vprbite]

Gadfly, I commend you for coming and asking owners their opinions on which options really make a difference. You are much more likely to come away with a car that has exactly what you want that way without paying for things you don't need/want. I pretty much agree with all the stuff said above. If you aren't super picky about colors, that's where you can find some great deals cause you can get one that slipped through the cracks or the deal fell through kind of thing.

Best of luck. You won't regret it,

[BDZ1984]

Gadfly,

Since you’re in Dallas. Go check out Grapevine CJDR they are a local supporter and I have purchased 3 cars from Dennis Thomas in the last 2 years. One of them being my LE GTS that I got for $102k out the door(September). Dennis is surprisingly informed and up front on prices and I know he has a few left over 14's that just become cheaper with every passing month. The other 3 dealers mentioned above are beyond exceptional to deal with as well!

[Track Pack]

I have a useful attachment covering all standard features/options of base SRT, GT and GTS. Great decision - you will not regret owning your new Viper. PM and I will email it to you.
John

[Track Pack]

By the way, this thread is a great example of Viper owner's passion for their car and the car overall. I think we all enjoy threads like this to share our enthusiasm for the car and we look forward to you posting pics/details of your new Viper and beginning to enjoy the Viper Ownership Experience... Everyone of us can remember the hunt and purchase of our first snake... Cool stuff..

[darbgnik]

IIRC, the major difference between the GT and GTS are that on the GTS, all the interior panels are wrapped in leather as opposed to vinyl on the GT and SRT, whereas the seats are leather in both the GT and GTS. Leather seats can be had in all levels, but are an option on the SRT. This is if I remember it correctly......


But keep in mind, ordering a Viper in GT or GTS doesn't make it a Bentley Continental all of a sudden. It's still a sports car.

[Stealth]

The Leather in the GTS, in addition to being everywhere, is also different leather I believe. The GTS leather also has a diamond pattern on the seats and doors. The GTS also has more sound insulation, etc. Gearing in 5th and 6th (?) is longer on all 2015 Vipers (SRT, GT and GTS), except for the TA 2.0. 2014 GTS cars have full-length stripes vs. partial stripes on 2014 SRT cars and no stripes on TAs. It is almost always easier to get a better deal on a car that is (and has been) sitting on a lot vs. an ordered car. I am not sure they are making 2015 GTS models yet--they started with SRT, TA 2.0 and GT.

I had 3 Vettes (2 Z06s) before my Gen IV Viper and was also looking at the C7Z. I am happy every day that I picked the Gen V Viper over the Z, although both will be awesome performers. Good luck finding the car that is right for you--regardless of make or model!

[Crotalidae]

Agree on must haves: dual mode suspension, 18 speaker system, & make sure if you get a left over 13 it has a back up camera...

Happy hunting from a fellow Texan!!!

[Mazak]

Get the color you want . Do not settle for your second choice because of price !

The Carbon fiber exterior/interior packages look really nice.
Dual mode suspension.
Sidewinder wheels
I like the 6 vent hoods the best , but 2 vents looks fine.

I have a friend who WAS a die hard Vette guy until he saw my Gen V viper .

You will not be disappointed.

[Victxv10]

2014 Red with white stripe GTS with EVERY option available for $105K. PM me for details.

[Bruce H.]

Gadfly from Supraforums? Welcome! If you're still a track rat the TA is best setup for you. I've tracked mine a lot and it has just the right amount of luxury for the street and multi-day road trips. If you're focused on luxury then the GTS might appeal, but some find their leather seats uncomfortable. Two mode suspension does ride very well, even on the stiffer sprung and barred TA, and I'd consider the 5 mode stability/traction essential for high performance driving (TA/GTS/GT/GTC). These are very well built cars, and finished exceptionally well. You'd appreciate them being quite rare, like the Supra, and some of the aspects that make it an exotic also makes it less easy to use as a daily driver (like every other exotic). I finally was ready to part with my TT after 14 years just a couple of months after getting my TA last summer...it's that good!

[Photog1]

Try Roanoke John Gastman

What he said; 800- 541-6858