Looking to purchase first Viper very soon. Budget is $40-45k. Ordered Viper buying guide, should be here in two days (thanks for the info in other threads). I have found a low miles 95 RT/10. Anyone have some wisdom they wish to share? Good/bad things about that year vs. other years in mid-late 90s, Things to watch for in buying a used Viper? I am prepared for the smart ass posts that will probably follow, and thanks in advance to those of you who are helpful.
95 RT - Can't lock it up anywhere (slide in windows) 95 did have problems fixed that were prevelent in the 93 and some of the 94's. If you would rather look at a higher mileage Gen II, you might find one within your budget. I like the side exhaust of the Gen I much more though.
I'm also looking for my first viper but all I here about is all the repairs these cars seem to need. I may buy another C5, very dependable never in the shop.
When I wanted my viper, I choose Gen 1 95 RT10. The car has been great. A lot of the gen 1 had head gasket water leak issue but they were covered under warrenty, I beleive. As far as always being in the shop. I have never heard of that before. I drove mine every day for almost a year here in FL. Never had any problems never got stuck, nothing. It can spend time in the shop if you start to modify it. The reason being is that there are only a few comp. that make parts for vipers and you have to wait till get yours in.
Other than that they are great driving cars. If you buy one use it. Do not let it sit for months and expect it to work properly. One last thing the rt10 are not lockable. Mine has never had the roof on it. It is a fair weather car as well. BUT when you drive even a 92 EVERYONE wants to stop and look at it. RT10's are like unicorns, everyone has heard of them yet no one has seen one. Have had girls flash tits will driving down road and had titty flashed from across the street when I was parked getting gas in the for the car. They are great.
Yellowstain is correct in letting you know you need to check out for head gasket leaks. This is not a if, it is a when, as the gasket material was flawed and virtually all cars need this done. It could have been already repaired, but do not count on a recall or anything to fix it now ( if not done ), as it will be on your nickel. Also check the side sills for what looks like paint bubbling. This is a chemical reaction between two metals ( the rivets didn't get along with the aluminum ) and if it has started it can be extremely expensive to replace or repair. Your budget should be fine, as 95s will sell in the 30s. Lastly , check the hood for stress cracks, as they were common on the early models and this can involve a repaint and patching.
I'm also on the fence for a 1994 RT10 or 1999 GTS both have 9,000 miles but the RT10 is 33K compared to the GTS 47K. I was always under the impression the GTS had 50 more RWHP, I did a search yesterday and found in each year the HP was identical between the GTS and the RT10, my question is.. is there any performance differences between the gen I and gen II RT10's?
I'm also on the fence for a 1994 RT10 or 1999 GTS both have 9,000 miles but the RT10 is 33K compared to the GTS 47K. I was always under the impression the GTS had 50 more RWHP, I did a search yesterday and found in each year the HP was identical between the GTS and the RT10, my question is.. is there any performance differences between the gen I and gen II RT10's?
Performance differences b/t Gen 1 and 2 RT/10s include (but not limited to):
Horsepower, stiffer suspension, ahhh crap i've gone blank. Someone else fill him in on what i'm forgetting. Good luck with your car search and be sure to have the car checked out by a good Viper tech before buying!
I'm also looking for my first viper but all I here about is all the repairs these cars seem to need. I may buy another C5, very dependable never in the shop.
My 95 was a great car and so is my 97. The 95 had NOS and my 97 is supercharged. I run em hard and never have had any major problems. They seem to run better and make more HP with a few miled on the OD.
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