Examine the panels carefully, you wouldn't want to have any nicks or scratches surprise you the first time you Zaino the car. Not to say that there shouldn't be any... just make sure you're comfortable as to where they are.
Dings on side sills (aluminum) are tougher to repair.
Yellowing of side sills - check the forward edge of the side sill for yellowing (might be modest as the blue tends to hide it)... it's from the heat, no biggee.
Interior - Examine carefully for wear (once again, YOU have to be comfortable as to the condition they are in)
Neutral Gear Rattle - Normal (sounds like a throw out bearing while the car is idling... goes away when clutch is depressed)
Check A/C - Make sure it's cool... not "blendable" so don't be alarmed if you roll that lever to "red" and it still is blasting cool
Owners Manual/window sticker/extra key/fob? Nice to have
Check all gauges for functionality
Recall info? You may want to run the VIN through any Dodge dealers service computer for history. A 96 will need the "999" recall (frame bracing).... if it wasn't done, just bring it to one of our Viper oriented dealers ... if it was done, make sure it was done so that the oil filter is accessable.
FYI: If original paint (or a knowledgable repaint).... the stripes WILL have an edge to them, similar to what you would expect on vinyl tape stripes.
Airbag - if cutoff switch is present, it means that the owner obtained the kit from DC for a retrofit
Wheels - NOT as shiny as the '98's, might have a "normal" haze to 'em
Tires - Might be ready for a new set
Rear - check for small black dots on white stripes on tail of car (normal from ultra heated oil particles that exit the pipes)... another one of those "just want you to know before you buy" items
Front facia - check for nicks, accept the fact that the very lower bottom edge WILL be scratched!
Outer (decorative) Gas Cap - tends to oxidize modestly around hinges. Check it out (just to know what you're getting)
Thermostat - Don't get nervous, our snakes tend to run hot (200-210+ from what I understand is acceptable)
Engine compartment - should be rather clean, as our Vipers do NOT leak or spit, nor do they have porous block or heads.
Check to make sure the power steering cap is on and tight (as they do have a tendancy to loosen...and occasional disappear)
Look - smell - listen - ENJOY!
Can anyone add to this? Maybe we can make a prospective owner checklist? Jay? JonB?
