Thanks for all the comments, even the smartass ones above.
Well, here's my uneducated/rookie critique of the cars. First I drove the 2003 SRT. It's red, stock. It was very clean, 15k miles. Upon starting it up, it had a very clunky deep growl, kind of even had a back and forth shimmy like an old big block. The shifter was very stiff and if I remember reading other post, I think I read others talking about this. Clutch was stiff and drive didn't engage until about out 3/4. With the salesperson in the car, we drove on normal streets before taking it out to the interstate. Wow, what power when hitting the acclerator in 2-4 gear. I was trying to take all this in but we got back to the dealership before I really got to get a feel for the car. I had just gotten out of two hour car ride in a Cadillac CTS so the Viper ride was very different. They got the car at an auction. They are a dealer that just deals in Exotic cars. It was checked out at the local Dodge Dealer with certified Viper Mechanic and I got the paperwork on what was done to it. Nothing major. Car fax and all was good.
Well, off to the other dealership about an hour away. This was the White/Blue 96 RT-10. It had been in the showroom with all pictures but they had it out when I was coming. The GM who I had been talking to on the phone was not there and another salesperson who I had initially contacted was there. He didn't know much about the car. He said no one had driven the car but the GM and used car manager. It was very clean, only 10K miles. It was all stock except the extra side stripes. When I asked this guy could I take it for a drive, he looked at me like, "are you serious". He said he would be right back. He finallly came back with the keys. He seemed scared to get in the car. This car didn't have the deep growl like the 2003. It idled very smooth compared to the 03. Shifting was very smooth and easy. Clutch seemed to engage earlier. Upon hitting the road, I think the salesman was scared we were going to damage the car. He didn't say one word the whole ride. He was so nervous that he made me nervous in the car. No interstate was nearby and trafffic was decent so I just go to get on it a couple times and power and acceleration was good. It didn't quite have the punch of the 03, but I actually thought the power was smoother. Besides the ride being stiffer and feeling every bump, it was quiter and smoother than the 03. The windows were off too. I liked the "look" of the RT as it looks "meaner" than the 03.
Well, they tried to sell it to me on the spot but I declined. Decent price difference between the 2 so it certainly was a nice car and I could certainly "make do" with it. I actually liked the raw unrefined car. I got them to put in the slide windows when we got back. I thought they were really cool, but I'm sure over time they might get old.
So, the other dealer had told me to come back after driving the RT if I wanted to drive the SRT. I called and said I would be there in an hour. When I got there she came out with the keys and said, "if you feel more comfortable without me with you, take it out and stay as long as you want". I was like..ummmmm yea sure. So, off I went. I stayed gone about 20 mins. I really tested the acceleration on the interstate. Wow, in 3 and 4th gear when you hit the accelerator, WOW. In stop and go traffic it's a much louder and rougher idling car than the 96. I have heard big blocks with "clunky" cams and this sounded like that. I think I read the Gen II were clunky, but this car was way lounder and deeper than the 96.
I also drove a V12 Ferrari 456 to compare. Both Viper were better.
Thank for reading and any comments are appreciated. No definate decision, but the power of the 03 was really impressive. Call me crazy, but I actually thought the ride of the 96 was better.
Hey I know what was paid at auction. What do I offer?? A friend of mine gave me the last months auction sales. This car sold two weeks ago. It has been checked by the local Dodge dealer. They were 10k overcost. They dropped to 6k over already. I want them to make a profit ( I'm a business owner myself) but what a fair profit.
Wanting them to make a profit off you may be noble where you come from, but I say fuck that!! Lowball them bitches!! Clearly people aren't lined up to buy it if they already lowered the price by 4K...just my 2cents...
They just got it on the lot 5 days ago. Was at the Dodge dealer getting checked out and some thiings fixed. Well, I know they spent $350 on inspection and another $400 for repairs. Well as a business owner who deals in retail, I know if I don't make a profit, I don't get to buy a Viper. Didin't know what might be "fair" or reasonable in the used car business.
Why do so many people have to make smartass comments on here? Sorry some of us are new to all this and just trying to learn. Hard to know people's personality from a post, but sometimes it comes across as someone being a dick and not just joking.
Why do so many people have to make smartass comments on here? Sorry some of us are new to all this and just trying to learn. Hard to know people's personality from a post, but sometimes it comes across as someone being a dick and not just joking.
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