VETTE OWNER, FUTURE VIPER OWNER NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!

[JBS99HT]

I currently own a vette, but I'm ready to switch to the Viper. However everytime I go to a vette show everybody has a story about some friend of theirs that has one and its always in the shop. I figure I get the story from the people who own them.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could answer this questions for me:

1- Which model is better (more reliable), the R/T 10 or the GTS?
2- Which years are known to have more or less problems, and what are they?
3- Is it difficult to find a dealer that knows how to work on them?
4- And last but not least, What should I expect to pay for a 1996-99 with less than 5k miles?

Thanks for your help.

[GaryC]

<center> Click Here for 201 Vipers </center>

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JBS99HT:

1- Which model is better (more reliable), the R/T 10 or the GTS?
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No difference in reliability. My 98 RT/10 leaks a little with the hard top and a lot with the soft. I haven't noticed any leaks in my 97 GTS. Both have over 30K miles with no problems.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
2- Which years are known to have more or less problems, and what are they?
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98 is my favorite year. Most will advise to go with 96 and up.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
3- Is it difficult to find a dealer that knows how to work on them?
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Lots of good ones around, but I haven't found one in the Tampa Bay area yet. Apparently they don't read this board.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
4- And last but not least, What should I expect to pay for a 1996-99 with less than 5k miles?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Check the classifieds on this site.

[Jim Hodel]

Hi JBS, I don't think most Vipers are always in the shop. That sounds more like anti-Viper rhetoric from a crowd that's partial to Vettes.

My wife and I bought a new 99 GTS and have put 8000 miles on it, and the only problem has been a slow driver's power window. I do not expect the Viper to go 150,000 miles and be as trouble free as our Subaru wagon, but I think it is generally a reliable car. Vipers have proven to be solid track cars and many owners have a considerable number of miles on their cars.

My wife and I recently bought an 01 Z06 and have put about 4000 miles on it. The only problem I have had with the Vette is needing to add a quart of oil every 1500 miles... I suspect the overall reliability of the Vette will be similar to that of the Viper.

Jim

[Roland L-Ocala, FL]

Some Gen 1 engines (mine included) had some problems (1992- 1996) but, if you find one that has been rebuilt by Arrow, that's a keeper. It's not all of them that are that way either, as a matter of fact, the number is relatively low. Some of the newer ones, 1999? had piston problems, but keep an eye on this board for more information about that. For sure, get one that you can purchase an extended warranty for, and you will be much more satisfied, I was very lucky to still have the warranty for our '94. The newer RT/10 cars do not leak like the older ones at the roof as far as I know. There are ways to remedy most of that too. If you like the wind in your hair, the sound of the V10 exhaust system, the birds chirping, open sky, and that constant "Hey, nice car" then there is nothing like the RT/10 for you!

[Gavin]

1- Which model is better (more reliable), the R/T 10 or the GTS?
2- Which years are known to have more or less problems, and what are they?
3- Is it difficult to find a dealer that knows how to work on them?
4- And last but not least, What should I expect to pay for a 1996-99 with less than 5k miles?T1- Which model is better (more reliable), the R/T 10 or the GTS?

1. 1995 or newer Rt/10 or GTS - these are GENERATION II cars - updated engine that elimates the problems of the GEN 1 engine - more horsepower, 96, 97 and I believe 98 have a lumpier cam - models after that, the so-called creampuff series have smoother cam, a little less horsepower and are probably better built - as in interior fit and body panels fitting.
Personally I find my 96GTS to have been increadably reliable over 27,000 miles - including several open track events- I have had a hose failure - cost $14 - interior repairs - bought two little plastic covers - $40.
Separate from the repairs I have had several items fixed under warranty - these are items that were manufacturing issues - 96 GTs being the first year of coupe production - to be expected -and they go as follows: side sills replaced, right rear rim replaced, door glass and seals replaced, rear defroster switch replaced, alarm system replaced.did any of these items affect reliability - not a single mile.
Now comes the question - are you looking for an exclusively street car or a street track car.
Street only - go with 98 or later
Street Track - 96 & 97 GTS's have better shocks and springs - if you have tons of track experience or or plan on changing these items - stick with 98 or later. (Whoops - if you plan on doing track time you would want a GTS verses the RT/10)

2. I think at any time you can buy a dud so careful and patience - if in doubt, pass - don't let the emotions get you into a bad car. Buying new - thats one option - you get what you get - chances are the car will be good. Buying used - look for the guy that has garage queened the car, taken car of all the Technical Service bulletin issues, and has put a few miles on the car. Take that car to a dealer that has a strong Viper experience - folks on this site can help with one in your area. Have them go over the car top to bottom, before you commit. Have the title checked by more than one outfit to confirm no salvage tiltes, wrecks etc.

3.FINDING THE RIGHT DEALER IS EASY - ASK THE FOLKS HERE ON THIS SITE WHO THEY RECOMMEND IN YOUR AREA

4. Prices - check out the classified on this site - you will get the picture.

Now when you find a car - put the Vin number and details on this board- who knows - someone here might know the car.
Luck

[King GTS]

Very good questions. The important thing though, is that your selling the vette and buying the most awesome car on the planet!
There's nothing like a Viper whether it be a GTS or RT/10. I love mine! Wait'll you get behind the wheel!

[Gerald]

At least you'll loose the Vette signature that takes up 1/2 page everytime you post (maybe not you, but you know what I mean, look above) You won't have anything to prove...

At the end of your new post, you'll just need to say "Viper"

heheh

Gerald

[YellowSnake]

I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. GET A NEW ONE, OR A NEAR NEW ONE WITH A WARRANTY. FINDING "A DEALER THAT KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON THEM" IS NOT HARD AT ALL. TALK TO OTHER LOCAL VIPER OWNERS AND THEY WILL TELL YOU WHO YOU CAN AND CANT TRUST FOR SERVICE RELATED ISSUES. DRIVE ON!

[Mike Brunton]

JBS,

You know, I hang out at a lot of Vette events, and I have heard the same thing from people "oh, my buddy had a Viper and had nothing but problems". But I know MOST of the Viper people in my area, and I have never heard of anyone saying these things - I think one guy says it, and all the Vette guys want to believe it, so they all spread the word

I had a '98 that I put 25k miles on. Only problem really was the window regulator blew on the 2nd day I had the car - warranty fix. Overall I had very few problems - everything was minor stuff, nothing that affected the drivability of the car.


As for the Vette guys chiming in about their cars - bear in mind that they are comparing highly modified cars against stock cars. I dunno... I had a very fast Vette in the past, and I could beat anything from 911 Turbos, to Vipers, to Ferraris - you name it. I never felt my car was "better" then theirs though, even though it was a lot quicker. I definitely had the attitude "you spent more than me, haha", but when those $10k Mustangs beat up on my Vette, I didn't think they were better, so I guess that attitude only goes one way.

Get the Viper. People will love the car, most of all you. You won't see 100 people driving the same thing on a weekend out. If you get a newer one, you can get a great price. Go for a '98 if you want the "best" year from an upgradability standpoint. 2001 is the best for creature comforts and ease of driving.

[viperdrummer]

Gavin: I think there is a typo in your post where you say 95 RT and GTS are Gen 2 cars. As you later point out 96 was first coupe. I had a 95 which was the last of the sidepipes but a Gen 1 car. The 95 was very reliable and I put 40,000 miles on it. My 00 GTS is also great--at least so far, so good.

[Jim Hodel]

I have some comments to make regarding which model year is the 'best'. This question is frequently discussed on this board, and my observations are that people generally think that the year of car they own is the superior year. There is lots of talk about which years had the most horsepower, which has lead to the label of 'Creampuff' for later model years, 2000 and above I believe. BTW, these cars do have the smoothest idles and the least neutral gear rattle.

Some people will quote cam statistics to support their view of which year has more horsepower. Other’s have been to dyno days where certain years have shown more horsepower then other years, yet multiple dyno days are not necessarily consistent regarding hp per model year. Dodge hp ratings have been consistent from 1996 to the current model years.

I admit that my opinion is not based on objective analysis, but I think all the model years for Gen II cars are so close in overall specification that the difference is negligible, and that factors other the year are much more important in a buying decision. If I were shopping today, I would pay more attention to mileage, condition, price, modifications, history, and location, then model year, although I do believe that in general Dodge has made changes that improve the cars over the years

Jim

[cyaford]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gerald:
At least you'll loose the Vette signature that takes up 1/2 page everytime you post (maybe not you, but you know what I mean, look above) You won't have anything to prove...

At the end of your new post, you'll just need to say "Viper"

heheh

Gerald

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

*LOL* You forgot to mention that some people add cars to their sigs that they no longer own. Must be to prove something? hahaha....

[scottgf]

I have a 94 I bought 2 years ago with 15k miles on it.
All I have done is change the oil and replace a p/s hose ($30.00 and 30 minutes). I have put over 15k miles on it. I would call that very reliable.
Go get one!!!
Cheers,

[ElDiablo Viper]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JBS99HT:
I currently own a vette, but I'm ready to switch to the Viper. However everytime I go to a vette show everybody has a story about some friend of theirs that has one and its always in the shop. I figure I get the story from the people who own them.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could answer this questions for me:

1- Which model is better (more reliable), the R/T 10 or the GTS?
2- Which years are known to have more or less problems, and what are they?
3- Is it difficult to find a dealer that knows how to work on them?
4- And last but not least, What should I expect to pay for a 1996-99 with less than 5k miles?

Thanks for your help.


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Busted, JBS I will have to kick you out of the next Bear Mnt event. Are you wondering to the dark side? (me too just don't tell).
ElDiablo on CF