http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=257411083&dealer_id=63733725&car_year=1999&rdm=1235771495840&num_records=25&model=VIPER&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=DODGE&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=27540&advanced=&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=&max_price=55000&cardist=66&standard=false

KBB is something more around 30k

2/28/2009 2:16:38 PM

thats why you negotiate

the worst thing he says is no

and i wouldnt pay $39.9k for that

[Edited on February 28, 2009 at 2:26 PM. Reason : 

2/28/2009 2:24:49 PM

Neither would I, but 34-35... maybe. 30 definitely

2/28/2009 2:28:45 PM

the ground clearance on this isnt much better

2/28/2009 2:40:08 PM

lulz

I am officially retiring from nonflat, unpaved roads.

2/28/2009 3:39:04 PM

you can do better if you're looking for a viper under $30K. pass.

2/28/2009 6:42:41 PM

Please find me one... Coupe preferable

2/28/2009 6:54:19 PM

i was looking at them for a while.. was wanting a coupe as well. you really just have to keep your eyes open.. all the places you're already looking are where I found them better than that (well, assuming youre looking on craigslist, ebay and autotrader). i test drove a few of them but never did buy one..

2/28/2009 6:55:45 PM

30k would be ideal, preferable a coupe with the 2 stripes

I'm not looking for the absolute cheapest... but a good value

[Edited on February 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM. Reason : Granted any 30k Viper I guess is considered a cheap mans high end sports car..haha]

2/28/2009 7:00:06 PM

Yeah they're a lot of car for $30k. Just keep looking and have cash available. Low ball people..somebody will be desperate enough to take it in this economy

2/28/2009 7:25:47 PM

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255418097&dealer_id=23557791&car_year=2001&rdm=1235868157890&num_records=100&model=VIPER&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1994&engine=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&certified=&body_code=2&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=DODGE&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=COUPE&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=b&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceASC&address=27540&advanced=y&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=&max_price=45000&cardist=130&standard=false

I keep getting more expensive... doh.

2/28/2009 7:53:50 PM

i hate hate hate that color interior.

[Edited on February 28, 2009 at 9:09 PM. Reason : vodka]

2/28/2009 9:09:33 PM

I could live with it.

I'm just a sucker for the racing stripes I guess


[Edited on February 28, 2009 at 9:15 PM. Reason : e]

2/28/2009 9:14:55 PM

you could always add the stripes

2/28/2009 9:30:43 PM

how much does that usually run?

2/28/2009 9:41:08 PM

i guess you will pay as nice as you want them to look

2/28/2009 9:42:19 PM

I would think $1k+

2/28/2009 9:46:14 PM

I haven't driven a sports car in a few years, my bro had a Camaro Z28 and a Mustang GT which I had the pleasure of cruising around in once in a while..
So my question is: Should I be scared to drive one of these? Not that it will really affect my decision making, I am just curious as to how
much of a change this would be from standard sports cars... And I'm sure I would baby it like crazy


Not to mention GROUND CLEARANCE... would a Viper be able to drive through NCSU campus for example? With the speed bumps and all... I would be worried





[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 1:36 PM. Reason : k]

3/1/2009 1:34:21 PM

I would be more worried about your safety. Vipers are "a lot of car". If you're not getting one for looks
or the un-refinement, I think $25k would serve you much better with a C5 Z06.

I assume you'll go ahead with it, just one piece of advice if you'll take it to heart, don't cheap out on
tires. If you're going to drive it hard at all, I'd also recommend some driving lessons +a few auto-xes.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 1:44 PM. Reason : formatting to fit.]

3/1/2009 1:44:16 PM

I am okay with something in the mid-30's even and my heart is pretty much set on the Viper.
I do not see myself driving it hard, it would be mostly for cruising... I'll be damned if I would ever try to test its cornering ability.
If anything, I may be the lame dude in the Viper driving 2 miles under the speed limit.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 1:52 PM. Reason : I should used tinyurl on that first post ..sorry]

3/1/2009 1:52:23 PM

Just spoke to the owner of the first Viper in this thread. Nice guy. He owns a trucking business
and bought this from a race team owner. He wants to sell because the business is suffering.

He said he had to replace the tires (the were bent?), put in a new alternator, A/C unit, refurb
the driver side panels, and that the front bottom bumper has some cracks in the paint (not chipping
but very small cracks in the flex paint). He then says that the engine does not seem to be stock and that the prior owner had probably done some engine work on it to increase performance.

So I am very unsure about this one... he then says that it is currently at a friends house who owns
ferraris... he wants me to come out for a test drive. I asked if the title was in his name and he said it
is an open title with the original owner on it, but it could be signed over to me. What the hell is an
open title? Also he will let it go for 35k.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 2:14 PM. Reason : f]

3/1/2009 2:14:13 PM

Check to see if it was in an accident......no idea on open title.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 2:20 PM. Reason : .]

3/1/2009 2:19:17 PM

^^ all that screams no to me

3/1/2009 2:20:14 PM

Quote :

"Not to mention GROUND CLEARANCE... would a Viper be able to drive through NCSU campus for example? With the speed bumps and all... I would be worried"

you sure you need a viper to cruise campus? :facepalm:

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 2:21 PM. Reason : -]

3/1/2009 2:20:33 PM

Well I do work on Centennial, so it is not out of the question... I was just using it as an example
though... If I come into a neighborhood with decent speed bumps, then will I regret driving over them?


And yeah, that first Viper is too sketchy

3/1/2009 2:23:44 PM

I cant fathom why you would buy such a sports car and worry about traipsing the thing around speedbumps and the like, like it's a civic or some shit. maybe im jealous but it seems retarded that you are so concerned with that.

3/1/2009 2:26:39 PM

just a question on an internet forum, not a major concern

3/1/2009 2:29:34 PM

Open title probably just means it hasn't been signed over out of the first owners name yet.
I've purchased several cars like this, that in and of itself would not deter me personally.

I don't think the speed humps on campus are a problem, a large speed bump in strip malls
and the like however would represent a problem. My lowered M3 would hit the middle of the
car on occasion. My lowered 911 does not. Both nominal clearance and approach/departure
angles make a difference. Vipers aren't practical, they're not supposed to be. I'd test drive
one if I were you, but it's kind of the point. Obnoxious, loud, smelly, etc. They're certainly
not refined. That said, people drive Wranglers to be cool, so I say why not for $35k, it's
certainly a looker and "special". Not my thing, but I can appreciate what somebody would
see in one.

Do be careful though, really. They're rather easy to loose control of, I've seen many wrecked
ones on and off track. Cruising around you're not going to be in much trouble but getting
aggressive can be tempting.

3/1/2009 2:30:19 PM

^^haha i just thought about the fact that I have a 3/4ton pickup that cannot haul much more
than 400# in the bed without bottoming the suspension... nor can i turn into my driveway without
hitting a bumpstop


carry on..not to mention I want a viper now

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM. Reason : -]

3/1/2009 2:33:38 PM

Quote :

"I cant fathom why you would buy such a sports car and worry about traipsing the thing around speedbumps and the like, like it's a civic or some shit."

Assuming you're going to daily drive it (or use it for anything other than as an occasional toy, and i doubt anyone one here has enough money to justify owning a $30k car that he drives once every week or two), dodging speedbumps is a real pain. Same thing with driveways. It's a legitimate concern--the world is not built for sports cars to begin with, and if they're REALLY low, it can be a real aggravation.

I'd daily drive one, though. I've given it very serious consideration a couple of times (even made offers on a couple of them).

Quote :

"I do not see myself driving it hard, it would be mostly for cruising... "

That's just ridiculous, though. A Viper would totally suck as a daily driver, just like big trucks and SUVs do. If you're not going to use it for what it's meant for, why on earth would you pay more and put up with a lot of less than endearing qualities?

3/1/2009 5:23:16 PM

you should post this on craigslist with a WTB ad with the following requirements.

- Needs to be able to cruise through NCSU campus and make every bitch orgasm.

3/1/2009 6:33:22 PM

^^ I would probably be driving it 2-3 times a week. I also have a shared 09 Ford Fusion and my 99 Explorer which I recently wrecked (but assuming it continues to run okay, I will split time with it vs the Viper.).

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 6:48 PM. Reason : a]

3/1/2009 6:47:38 PM

Posing is a stupid reason to buy a car, and $30-35k is some expensive posing.

not to mention that I doubt you have any concept of what it will cost to own and operate a Viper. I bet that just tires and oil will cost at least $150/month if you broke it down. Insurance will be bad. Fuel economy can't be very good. Regular consumables like brakes, clutches, etc will be atrocious, I'm sure, and I'm fairly confident that it will consume them considerably faster than you realize if you've never owned a crazy sports car.

My supercharged S2000 and Evo IX used to eat a set of tires about every 10k miles, just street driving. A new set will started at around $800, mounted and balanced, on up to double that, depending on what tires you go with. A Viper uses MUCH bigger, more expensive tires, and it sure as hell wouldn't get any more mileage out of them. A clutch on my Evo was $1100, and was needed at less than 25k miles (and that price was a STEAL compared to what about 10 other places quoted me).

Not only will this car be a suck-ass daily driver compared to, say, a 3-series, it will cost a bunch more to operate (not to mention buy). I don't get the impression that you really have a feel for what you're thinking about getting into. I mean, if you were a die-hard sports car fanatic, that would be one thing (I may very well end up with a Viper myself in a year or three), but getting a Viper just to "cruise around" in? You've lost your mind, dude. Plus, that's just lame.
he
i'm not out to be a Richard--I just think this would be a stupid call on your part. just giving you some perspective from someone who's owned a pretty good selection of ridiculous man-toys. If I think it's a dumb idea, you might want to stop and think this one over.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 7:03 PM. Reason : asd]

3/1/2009 6:59:29 PM

I already figured for insurance, fuel, and a routine tuneup... of course any work on it will be well beyond the avg cost of most fixes... I did not think about tires every 10k miles though, that is kind of crazy.

Seems everyone is more concerned with "posing" and shit than having a real talk... I appreciate the insights into costs, but it is kinda ridiculous that you have to be a sport car fanatic to buy a certain car. If I would like to buy a car that I've wanted for a long time, then I don't see why everyone takes it so personal. The 09 Fusion came out to ~$23k brand new and I think that is kinda ridiculous, but I do not drive it that often, my wife does. So now it is my turn for a "new" car and I figure another 10k on top of that for my own car is fair, and why not get a Viper if they can be gotten for cheap right now? Should I just buy a new-ish Mustang like all the 17 year old high school girls have just so I am not posing?

3/1/2009 7:25:10 PM

I'm saying that there are a whole bunch of reasons not to buy a Viper, and you aren't really even planning on taking advantage of the one thing that it's awesome at.

3/1/2009 7:35:41 PM

I'm not gonna severely break laws to show off speed... I will have fun with the power I'm sure, but if I had one today - I honestly would not be comfortable with doing 90mph down the highway probably. I have read up on some of the shit that these can get into with inexperienced, or even experienced drivers. Maybe after 2 years I will start to take advantage of it more, who knows. Consider it more of a fun collector's item for me right now, that I can take out of the box and play with now and then

I'm really not a douchebag, I just figure if I'm gonna spend the money - then I should have fun with it and not just buy a boring daily driver. It is still not set in stone even, I am just now considering it... but it is definitely a dream car for me. The 2 listed in this thread are the only ones that may be a possibility at the moment, I have already spoken to both "owners". May do a test drive this month, or next... not an urgent need - but if I deal comes along I will seriously consider it.

[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 7:50 PM. Reason : a]

3/1/2009 7:49:35 PM

Oh, you're preaching to the choir about not wanting to drive boring cars.

I've owned:

a 1971 Olds Cutlass w/ 350 Rocket

YJ Wrangler

a Miata with almost 300 hp. it would spin tires into 3rd gear. had huge brakes, stiff suspension, roll bar, you name it.

a supercharged Honda S2000 (made about 365 hp, by my best guess...in a 2800 lb car). had a $4000 set of wheels and a couple thousand worth of audio. Tons of fun, good daily driver, and never once had a single problem with it.

a BMW 330ci. 5spd w/ sport package/suspension.

Evo IX

4 motorcycles (old beater Yamaha, YZF-600, GSX-R 750, and SV650)

2 bad ass jet skis

signing my granddad's 1966 Chevy pickup into my name in a month when I get back from Iraq

probably picking up an M3, or another S2000, or maaaaybe a 911 when I get back, too. I'm sure I'll end up with a Vette and a 911 somewhere along the way, and a Viper wouldn't surprise me. I'm all about ridiculous sports cars and man-toys--you don't have to sell me on them!




I'm just saying that this will be like having a bipolar, coked-out stripper as your first girlfriend. She'll be REALLY awesome at one thing, and you won't really even benefit, because you won't know what to do with her...and other than that, she'll be a complete pain in the ass.

Go get something cool and fun. By all means, for the love of God, buy yourself a sports car and go enjoy the hell out of it...but spending $30-35k on a Viper, as a quasi-daily driver, as a sports-car neophyte who has no intention of going and wringing it ou to begin with? That's kind of absurd.

Go spend half as much and get an awesome ride that makes sense--(S2000, C5 Corvette...I'm looking your way). Figure out if you're a sports-car fanatic who even wants to tangle with something like a Viper. Learn to drive. Save your money. Then, go pay cash (or at least close to it) for that Viper.


[Edited on March 1, 2009 at 8:19 PM. Reason : ]

3/1/2009 8:16:53 PM

Too emphasize your point: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/105665/Best-10,-Worst-10-Cars-for-Repair-Costs


I appreciate the feedback, I will take a look at a few corvettes and such... but I make no promises

3/1/2009 8:29:12 PM

Quote :

"Here's a look at what are expected to be the 10 most expensive and the 10 least expensive 2008 model cars for maintenance and repairs over a five-year time frame."

haha I would hate to see the $$$ amounts for the first gen RT/10's

3/1/2009 8:58:11 PM

I'd say just sack up and buy one. If you don't like it, put it back up for sale.
Say you take a $1k hit when you resell it; at least you enjoyed it for awhile, checked it off your "list", and can move on with your life rather than sitting around agonizing about the decision for hours on end.

3/1/2009 9:10:04 PM

yeah, that's also an approach, and how I justify to myself buying things that are a little ridiculous (plus, i usually end up at LEAST breaking even, and often scoring a profit, by being VERY patient and looking around a lot to get a really good deal).

On the other hand, it's a Viper. Of course it's going to be a blast at first. By the time the honeymoon is over and you realize that you've bit off more than you really should have, it might've already cost you a nice chunk of change. My advice is to hold off until it makes more sense (you know, by Viper standards, at least).

3/1/2009 9:16:15 PM

oh a side note, i believe the owner (or recently sold out) of piedmont dragway drives this little gem.
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Racer&Number=5044563&Searchpage=1&Main=4983811&Words=+McCandlessboy&topic=&Search=true#Post5044563
hope you can see pics. i assume he still lives in the area so somebody might see it around.

3/1/2009 9:50:20 PM

If you're not gonna enjoy the SPORT side of this sports car, what's the point?

And how you not think about tires? Those rear tires are wide as fuck and tires on sports cars never last. I'd guess $2,000 or so for all 4 to be replaced.

Vipers are rough DDs from what I've heard. The massive engine does a pretty good job of making the inside of the car hot. I've heard the door sills get pretty hot from the exhaust piping so its easy to burn your legs (not just talking about the side exhaust models).

I think they're pretty badass cars and if given the opportunity I'd pick one up no problem.

3/1/2009 11:16:19 PM

c5 z06 is ten times the car

3/2/2009 12:18:41 AM

why on earth would you be after a viper when you could get a c5 or c6 (z06 even) for less? much more car that you can actually put down to the road, cheaper to own and upgrade.

3/2/2009 1:50:13 AM

He just wants the cool factor. Not the go fast on a track or whatever factor.

3/2/2009 7:57:32 AM

man didn't expect so many haters

3/2/2009 8:01:18 AM

Swwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttttt

3/2/2009 8:26:00 AM

yeah, all i can add to this hate is be prepared to spend money on tires

don't cheap out either

3/2/2009 8:51:32 AM

3/2/2009 9:21:08 AM