[MDW30x]

All:

I am in the process of buying a Viper and have narrowed my search down to a 2000 GTS. I'm aware of the general "issues" associated with 2000 year model Vipers and am ok with the non-forged pistons and lack of ABS. I do, however, have some thoughts about some other things and would love to get some feedback from some folks who have been around Vipers for a while.

The car I'm looking at is currently owned by an older gentleman who is by no means a Viper enthusiast; he just likes nice cars and has owned a wide array over the years (Testarossa, various Jags, etc.). This Viper was bought from another private individual who was having financial difficulties.

I went to look at the car and is is very clean inside and out; no signs of unusual wear and tear. However, I did notice some areas that I suspected had been repainted so I took it by a paint shop to have a look. The shop owner said that the hood and driver's door have had paint work done to them but that there were no signs that the car had been in an accident or had been otherwise damaged. The Carfax report shows no insurance claims or accidents nor does a similar report done through another service. In addition to the paint work, I noticed that the passenger side mirror seemed to have a sealant (or something) around the leading edge where the mirror mounts to the car. Lastly, the passenger side rocker panel shows a bit of "uneveness" in the paint at the point where the panel curves from vertical to horizontal.

Are these things I noticed (the paint, etc.) red flags that should make me run or am I being overly concerned? The seller seems like an honest guy but I'm cautious as these cars aren't cheap!

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Regards,

MDW