Might pull the triggert on a 97 GTS...what should I look for?

[Netko]

I am real close to pulling the trigger on a 97GTS b/w with 27k miles. Seller wants $39,900 but I already have him down to $37k. He said the car has no issues other than he "thinks" the a/c needs to be recharged. I drove the car an it felt solid, shifted and idled fine. Only mod is a custom exhaust. Tires are relatively new and have plenty of meat on them.

My question is what should I check over on the car to make sure I am not getting myself into a piece of crap? I have always wanted a 96 or 97 GTS since that was the only two years with the b/w color. I don't want to buy this car on "emotion" and I am not looking to go crazy with building the block and slapping snails on it. (I'm sure everyone said that before...) But I just love the color combo!

What do everyone see the future as in values? I know they have held steady in the high $30k's to low $40k's over the past few years. I remember looking at one back in 04 and they wanted $45k.

Oh and I am coming from a 2004 350Z Roadster with only 14k miles on it. I have an interested party giving me $17k for it.

Hope to join the "owners club".

Thanks...
Netko

[Zmoney]

Just saw a 97 GTS red with 37k miles go for $29k...had exhaust and headers and was so damn clean. It was in so cal but I wanted a RT so I passed on it.


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[MTGTS]

Originally Posted by Zmoney

Just saw a 97 GTS red with 37k miles go for $29k...had exhaust and headers and was so damn clean. It was in so cal but I wanted a RT so I passed on it.


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Cheaper doesn't mean better

[jslimm]

Search 998 frame recall . If it has been done, check to make sure that it was done correctly. The main clue is whether the oil filter can be extracted normally. The original instructions for the recall were wrong, plus, some were just done poorly.

[Alkybanshee]

Originally Posted by Zmoney

Just saw a 97 GTS red with 37k miles go for $29k...had exhaust and headers and was so damn clean. It was in so cal but I wanted a RT so I passed on it.


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Originally Posted by MTGTS

Cheaper doesn't mean better

Plus it's red.

[G-Man]

Your best bet is to have a knowledgeable Viper tech perform a PPI before you commit to a purchase. You could start doing some simple homework of your own by asking the current owner for all past records & maintenance as well as run a car-fax which is still limited info and seldom be your decision maker. Best of luck to you & enjoy your new ride if all checks out!

[Netko]

How many b/w were made in 96 & 97? I know the 96 is the lower volume year and the one collectors want.

[REDSLED]

Originally Posted by Netko

How many b/w were made in 96 & 97? I know the 96 is the lower volume year and the one collectors want.

In 96 only B/W were made. In 97 B/W and Red were produced so total production was split between two colors. Buy a car that you want to enjoy, worrying about its collector value only diminishes the feeling of driver ownership. I would highly recommend a PPI as thr GTSs are getting older and fewer non-molested cars are very hard to come by. Good luck.

[sundiego]

Originally Posted by REDSLED

non-molested cars are very hard to come by.

Says the GTS molester.

[Alkybanshee]

Originally Posted by Netko

How many b/w were made in 96 & 97? I know the 96 is the lower volume year and the one collectors want.

B/W is the second most common color on a GTS to red. Buy the color you like not because of production numbers...

Check this page for reference. Www.theviperregistry.org

[blackmamba]

Alky you know B/W come with 10 more hp than any othet Viper .....lol

[Netko]

Originally Posted by blackmamba

Alky you know B/W come with 10 more hp than any othet Viper .....lol

If I add a Honda Vtec sticker does it add 45whp?

Thanks for the website info. Just gotta find a buyer for my 350Z.

[Netko]

Oh and as for a PPI... My wife works with a lady whose husband is a former Dodge Master Mechanic. Just found out.

[Alkybanshee]

Originally Posted by blackmamba

Alky you know B/W come with 10 more hp than any othet Viper .....lol

Haha, there's been a saying around here for years that if you paint something yellow it'll go .3 faster in the quarter mile!

For the record, when I set out to buy a GTS the only two colors I considered was b/w or yellow.

[viperbaron]

If we consider the law of physics phenomenon of “Red Shift”, the color of Blue would prove superior as the wavelength of Blue is indicative of an object moving away from you faster than Red or other colors. Therefore, I submit, if your Viper is Blue, you are already moving much faster than everyone else.

[dirtbag]

Originally Posted by viperbaron

If we consider the law of physics phenomenon of “Red Shift”, the color of Blue would prove superior as the wavelength of Blue is indicative of an object moving away from you faster than Red or other colors. Therefore, I submit, if your Viper is Blue, you are already moving much faster than everyone else.

That only holds true if the object is moving towards you. For example while looking in the rear view mirror and notice what appears to be a B/W Viper approaching, once it overtakes and accelerates ahead then it magically switches to a R/W Viper.

Having watched endless hours of Discovery HD makes me a certified astrophysicist.

[Netko]

Ok I'm pulling the trigger and putting down a deposit. My wife is cool with the purchase but I want to sell my 350Z before I pay the FUL amount off. I have no place to store two sports cars!!! Lucky for me the GTS owner will store the car for me for the winter free of charge.

[Caesar!]

A 97GTS for $37K!!!

I bought a 1997 GTS in August and I paid much more than that with similar Miles.
Check the Frame, and from what I know recall 998 is needed to be performed.

Look at the side bolsters on the drivers side interior for ware.
Check for anything unusual. Fitment of Hood alignment/doors etc.
Check the reay Hatch Glass and see if the rear window stays up of you have to hold it up the shocks are shot.

Paint quality and engine... No warning lights etc.

Other than that.. What a deal....Scoop it up FAST!

You won't regret it!. It's the Best car to own PERIOD! You will be the envy of everyone (head Honcho on the block) and soon realize how jealous eveyone else will be..
It's insanely Fast, and nothing NOTHING looks like a GTS!!!!

Gen 2 Vipers will be a car that will soon rise in value.

[Netko]

The owner wanted $39,900 and earlier in the summer I low balled him with a $35k offer. I actually thought he sold it already since I didn't see it anymore. Long story short, he casually mentioned he would do $37k and I said ok, we can do that.

I had a certified Dodge Master Mechanic look over the car with a microscope. No precious ECU check codes, newer ties with plenty of meat left. The only issues he could find was a slight leak with one of the valve covers, the rear window shocks need replaced and the A/C needs recharged. The previous owner replaced the compressor and never filled the system up. There is an "incomplete" status on the recall but I plan to have e the local dealer check to make sure it was done to specs anyway.

Car pulls soooo e'fin hard compared to my 350Z. I still have to sell my 350Z vert but it is low low miles and is extremely clean and well taken care of. It might be tough to sell it in the winter but whoever gets it is getting a great deal.

I plan to finish the transfer paperwork next Tuesday since we have a little snow action going on right now.

[Netko]

Oh and the only mods are an aftermarket exhaust. I kinda like that it isn't molested. I prefer to molest it myself LOL