I am new to the site. What a great site by the way.
I have decided to purchase a Viper. There are a few within driving distance and my interest. First, I want an open top and I actually think the older RT's look better. My price range is really 30-40K. I am looking at a 1996 RT that's priced at 36K with 10K miles. It's white with blue stripes. I love this color combo. I am also looking at a 2000 RT with 40K miles for 38K. It's Gray. There are a couple 2003 SRT-10s with 30-40K miles for around 42K. They are both red. Too many red Vipers. Lastly is a 2001 RT with 14K miles. Its red and asking 43K.
I have spent hours searching on here for reviews, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. I love the looks of the 1996 and the dealership that has it has worked me a good deal, however I also like some of the newer creature comforts in the newer designs.
I would take a closer look at each of the vehicles your considering and pick based upon the overall condition and history. If none are up to standards, keep looking. More will surely arise.
Hey, thanks. Yea the raw 96 looks the sweetest to me. Love the roadster look over the true convertible in 2003. Just wonder if I end up going with the later model, RT, I'll regret not having roll down windows and door handles, etc.
Are you planing on modding it other than basic bolt ons? I would go with the 96 if you plan on going boosted down the road. Other than that it's mostly personal preference like small interior changes and a minor H.P. bump for the 2003 SRTs.
2001 will have ABS as opposed to the others.
Oh, I questioned the Dodge dealer that's selling the 1996 that only has 10K miles about setting up for a long period of time. They "claim" it's fine. It's their showroom car.
FWIW, I've seen some 50k mile Vipers that were cleaner than some 20k mile Vipers. You will appreciate the real windows in 97+ RT/10 cars vs. the 96 and back cars. And those prices should be negotiable...
I think you can get them down from 36k on the white 96. If its just been sitting in their showroom. They either don't have any interest in actually selling the vehicle or there hasn't really been a market locally .
By the way make sure to check tire dates. Ive seen some really old tires on vipers.
The 96 is a local trade in. What do you think I should offer? Based on the Carfax they got the vehicle end of January. 4 owners. They have put it on ebay, autotrader, and craigslist. They went from wanting 39K for it to 36K.
The 96 is a local trade in. What do you think I should offer? Based on the Carfax they got the vehicle end of January. 4 owners. They have put it on ebay, autotrader, and craigslist. They went from wanting 39K for it to 36K.
The 1996 RT is the bastard of the RT/10's because it has the 1996+ up chassis but the Gen 1 motor and a goofy computer setup compared to the 1997+ up RT's.
I would go with a 1997+ up RT before I would even think of touching that q996 RT.
Go with a Gen2 car 96-02 for the GTS (hardtop roof) 97-02 for RT's. Gen 2 cars will driver better and have more options should you decide to have upgrades done in the future.
97 Gen 2 is the route I went. Bullet proof motor, best looking and I got one hell of a deal by plopping cash in front of the former owner. He wanted $39k, valued at $42k I got mine for $37k. Hard to say no when a person is forced to sell.
Hey, thanks. Yea the raw 96 looks the sweetest to me. Love the roadster look over the true convertible in 2003. Just wonder if I end up going with the later model, RT, I'll regret not having roll down windows and door handles, etc.
I own a gen1 and have also been day dreaming about power windows. I will say theres something about owning a raw, legitimate sports car. But I bet power windows and some amenities are nice :-) I'm on the fence. Love my viper...
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