74FLCONV

I badly need a daily-driver (actually a grocery-getter...work van is the DD). Anyone with (or use to have) a Viper? Looking at three '97 GTS' in the $40k range right now. I checked insurance $$$ and it doesn't seem out-of-line.

Pros/Cons?

Thanks in advance,

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

lostpatrolman

I have heard the viper is not a very good daily driver. Alot of people say they are noisy, unrefined, and cockpit heat gets bad. Kinda sounds like some of the c3s LOL. They also get bad gas mileage, 11-12 city/18 highway because of the 2nd OD. Then there is also the paranoia of chipped paint from rogue grocery carts and wild doors from the supermarket. I think the thrill of owning a viper would probably outweigh all this though. They seem to be great cars, and if you can afford one.... why not! A better alternative is the z06 though, much more refined, adn driver friendly. You still cant beat the unique look of the viper and its supercar status. Another good thing about vipers are, they are all low mileage. Usually below 15k. I assume people who bought them new were rich and had many other vehicles and bought the viper just for the status.


[Modified by lostpatrolman, 11:13 PM 6/27/2004]

Mako72

Beautiful cars. More like a racecar detuned for the street. Best bet would be to checkout http://www.viperclub.org
They can tell you what to look for in buying a used Viper. Heck they could probably tell you the history on all 3 that you are currently considering. Charles

CGGorman

Why not go for a CTS-V? C6 Corvette performance and Caddy refinement plus room for four plus baggage.

AGVI

Go for a Z06

Shark Racer

My vote is for a C3 w/ a Ram Jet 502, upgraded suspension and modern tires. If anything does go wrong, you can fix it yourself!

-Steve

Ak. Mal

Afy over in OT had one for his DD. Didn't end well. From all the conversations I've seen about them, they tend to be a little more than most people can handle as a DD. Plus they don't have ABS or traction control. So, your right foot becomes both safety systems.

I think they are cool as hell, especially the GTS coupes. But not for your standard everyday car.

SCVetteGuy

I've never been in one or knew anyone that had one, but I did see a tv show about them. It basically said they're pretty much race cars. Completely unrefined, and not really good for a DD. Didn't they use to not have side windows? I mean, that certainly wouldn't make a good DD.

74FLCONV

Perhaps when I'm 65 and need something to get me and my white shoes to the golf course.

Z06? Looks like every other C-5 out there...here in FLA if you spit out your window, you'll more than likely hit a C5.

BB 502? That is an option. I figure, with insurance, the Viper will run about $600+ per month. But, if I spend that same $600/mo. on the Vette, it'll be an awesome car.

The Viper won't be a true DD (my work van is my 9-5 ride), but I need something I can just hop in and drive. The "embarking/disembarking" procedure with the Vette is time-consuming (go to storage locker, uncover car, check all fluids, re-fill PS pump, etc., etc.)

Thanks for the replies.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

Metal Wulf

If it's not a DD, you can get collector insurance for it

74FLCONV

That would be a deal-killer right there. I sweat enough in my '74.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

Fevre

Try a LT1 Impala SS, get it stroked and hopped up to have a very comfortable rocket land yacht. I road in a supercharged one @ 500 hp with 4 big guys, plenty of room and that thing screamed with almost 1000 lbs of guys in it. A/C worked great too.


[Modified by Fevre, 6:28 PM 6/28/2004]

billlambeer

Well they are made by shelby, so thats a perk, but if i were you i would go for a Z06, i mean, who wouldnt want a 12.7 sec car for a grocery getter or have you looked at the mustang corbra R, i like those..

74FLCONV

Too many C5's here. I'm not one to follow the pack. Looking out my window, I can see FIVE C5's belonging to neighbors. No thanks.

Mustang? Nope...too many running around (see C5 above) and all driven by pimply little sleeve wipers.

I think for $45k, the Viper is a good deal and you don't see 'em on every corner. Also looking at 70 ~ 73 T/A's with BB & A/C, but then you run in to the same "vintage car" issues. Also looked at Ferrari 400i's and a re-pro GT-40...they all have "issues".

I need something turn-key, semi-exotic and under $45k.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

74FLCONV

Yeah...the NSX was on the list for awhile, but I really want something that will rattle the windows when I pull up.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

tonyk72

Have you considered the Plymouth Prowlers? Not as fast as the Viper, but probably much nicer for a DD...plus you still get the coolness factor.

edit:
So I just read you do want something fast...How about A Buick GNX...with the $$$ you save you can have plenty of cash left over for mods & lots of tires...

edit again:
missed the fact you wanted somethig semi-exotic too...OK get the Prowler & swap the engine with that of the GNX...



[Modified by tonyk72, 9:30 PM 6/28/2004]

74FLCONV

No. I'm only 38. Perhaps when my hair turns gray I'll be ready for a Prowler.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

CGGorman

Cobra replica? ERA and Superformance are both good and are basically new cars with classic styling...especially the ERA.

Corey_68

All you need is a cammed Big Block and you'll be satisfied.

Have you ever heard a V10 engine? Think UPS truck w/ a busted muffler, sound outragous I know but they are very similar.

lostpatrolman

Yes, the stock exhaust on the vipers sound horrible. You should really hear some of the aftermarket catbacks though. Just amazing.....