Off to US and interested in buying a Viper
Discussion
I'm off to live in the US with a job relocation for a couple of years, and am looking to replace my TVR Cerbera with something just as fun.... and a Dodge Viper came to mind.
I know nothing about these cars so wondered if I could ask a couple of newbee questions.
What year did the new model come out?
Whats the difference between an RT 10 and a GTS?
Are there any known issues I should know about?
What would be an estimated yearly outlay on one of these cars (say on 10,000 miles a year?).
Many thanks
I know nothing about these cars so wondered if I could ask a couple of newbee questions.
What year did the new model come out?
Whats the difference between an RT 10 and a GTS?
Are there any known issues I should know about?
What would be an estimated yearly outlay on one of these cars (say on 10,000 miles a year?).
Many thanks
What year did the new model come out?
03 in USA, yet to make it over here sometime around september for a 'official' Chrysler car
Whats the difference between an RT 10 and a GTS?
main difference rt/10 has no roof, although a soft top that fits in the 'trunk' or clip on hard tops are available. GTS is a fixed body coupe with rear hatch, engines on later models are similar
Are there any known issues I should know about?
Nothing on late models, a few things on earlier cars
What would be an estimated yearly outlay on one of these cars (say on 10,000 miles a year?).
a couple of services, maybe new tyres,brakes etc depending how hard you drive.
03 in USA, yet to make it over here sometime around september for a 'official' Chrysler car
Whats the difference between an RT 10 and a GTS?
main difference rt/10 has no roof, although a soft top that fits in the 'trunk' or clip on hard tops are available. GTS is a fixed body coupe with rear hatch, engines on later models are similar
Are there any known issues I should know about?
Nothing on late models, a few things on earlier cars
What would be an estimated yearly outlay on one of these cars (say on 10,000 miles a year?).
a couple of services, maybe new tyres,brakes etc depending how hard you drive.
There are 3 different main varieties of Viper
RT 10, GTS, and SRT-10
RT-10 Roadster: This was the first Viper.
There are quite a few variations in the RT-10. The earliest RT-10s didn't have side windows or even outside door latches. Later, proper side windows and door latches were introduced. The RT-10 doesn't have a folding convertible top. It has a stowable hard of soft top. Early models had dual side exhaust. Later ones have typical, dual rear exhaust. The RT-10 models tend to be the least expensive Vipers. Many of the used ones you see for sale will be modified by their owners with aftermarket tops, seats, air conditioning, etc. to make them more user friendly.
GTS Coupe
The only coupe version available to the public. Production ceased in 2002. Similar design in some respects to the RT-10, but actually shares very few of the body panels with the RT-10. The engine in the GTS got an minor upgrade in HP and torque, which also found its way into the later RT-10's. Several special editions, including the ACR version which had some engine and suspension mods for better power and handling. There was a GTR edition with a big LeMans-type wing. Some of the later GTS coupes came with antilock brakes. If you want a coupe, the GTS is your only option.
SRT-10 Convertible
Introduced in 2003, it is now the only Viper being produced. Substantial changes from the previous models include a completely new, bigger (505 cid) engine that puts out more hp and torque; better handling (well over 1g skidpad); unbelievable brakes; a true convertible top; bigger footwell (with a nice deadpedal); improved low restriction crossover side exhaust; OEM standard Michelen run-flat tires (no spare tire provided). The changes make the car a bit faster, more comfortable, and (in my opinion) significantly better handling.
If you want a convertible, and if money isn't an issue, the SRT-10 is superior in just about every aspect to the RT-10. If you want a coupe, you've got to go with the GTS. If you want a bargain, get a nice RT-10 that the owner has some upgrades on.
You can't go too far wrong with any of these three choices.
The Viper is not super high-maintenance. It's a relatively low compression, naturally aspirated engine, and doesn't need a 9000 rpm redline to crank out the power (the beauty of big displacement.) The V-10 and the rest of the powertrain is reliable enough that Dodge offers it with a 36,000 mile/3 year bumper to bumper warranty and 70,000 mile powertrain warranty standard with the new SRT-10s.
Count on tires and brake pads as the regular items. You could probably wear out the clutch if you drag race in it.
Kai
RT 10, GTS, and SRT-10
RT-10 Roadster: This was the first Viper.
There are quite a few variations in the RT-10. The earliest RT-10s didn't have side windows or even outside door latches. Later, proper side windows and door latches were introduced. The RT-10 doesn't have a folding convertible top. It has a stowable hard of soft top. Early models had dual side exhaust. Later ones have typical, dual rear exhaust. The RT-10 models tend to be the least expensive Vipers. Many of the used ones you see for sale will be modified by their owners with aftermarket tops, seats, air conditioning, etc. to make them more user friendly.
GTS Coupe
The only coupe version available to the public. Production ceased in 2002. Similar design in some respects to the RT-10, but actually shares very few of the body panels with the RT-10. The engine in the GTS got an minor upgrade in HP and torque, which also found its way into the later RT-10's. Several special editions, including the ACR version which had some engine and suspension mods for better power and handling. There was a GTR edition with a big LeMans-type wing. Some of the later GTS coupes came with antilock brakes. If you want a coupe, the GTS is your only option.
SRT-10 Convertible
Introduced in 2003, it is now the only Viper being produced. Substantial changes from the previous models include a completely new, bigger (505 cid) engine that puts out more hp and torque; better handling (well over 1g skidpad); unbelievable brakes; a true convertible top; bigger footwell (with a nice deadpedal); improved low restriction crossover side exhaust; OEM standard Michelen run-flat tires (no spare tire provided). The changes make the car a bit faster, more comfortable, and (in my opinion) significantly better handling.
If you want a convertible, and if money isn't an issue, the SRT-10 is superior in just about every aspect to the RT-10. If you want a coupe, you've got to go with the GTS. If you want a bargain, get a nice RT-10 that the owner has some upgrades on.
You can't go too far wrong with any of these three choices.
The Viper is not super high-maintenance. It's a relatively low compression, naturally aspirated engine, and doesn't need a 9000 rpm redline to crank out the power (the beauty of big displacement.) The V-10 and the rest of the powertrain is reliable enough that Dodge offers it with a 36,000 mile/3 year bumper to bumper warranty and 70,000 mile powertrain warranty standard with the new SRT-10s.
Count on tires and brake pads as the regular items. You could probably wear out the clutch if you drag race in it.
Kai
bandit said:
Thanks for the replies Viper and Kai.
Showed a piccy of a Viper to the missues and she just gave me a funny look (like are you serious?). Think she might like me to get something a little less in yer face.
Hmmmm.
Show her these pictures, see what she says.
Take my word for it, life doesn't get much better than cruising around on a beautiful sunny Spring day in a Viper convertible.
www.larsonweb.com/vipers.jpg
bandit said:
Thanks for the replies Viper and Kai.
Showed a piccy of a Viper to the missues and she just gave me a funny look (like are you serious?). Think she might like me to get something a little less in yer face.
Hmmmm.
I love cars which are in your face - like the Viper.
No ABS on gen 2 models until 2001...
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