Hello!

[mezzy]

Hi everyone!

I've been angling on a Viper for the past few months now and thanks to James at Atlantic, it looks like I will hopefully be getting into a nice RT/10 (with hardtop) fairly soon. However, when I originally started this venture the weather was nice (just about) and I'm somewhat concerned about ownership during the winter months. Does anybody regularly drive their Viper during the bad weather? I've owned a Mustang GT for a few years so I'm pretty comfortable with LHD and RWD, but I've heard that the Viper is a car which requires absolute attention, and I imagine this is much worse when the roads aren't great. So, am I overblowing this or is it as bad as my mind thinks it will be?

Also, are there any general notes about ownership I should be aware of? I'm really interested in taking good care of the car as well as enjoying driving it (by that I mean it'll be more regularly used than a weekend car, but not as much as a daily driver) - I'm hoping the two are not mutually exclusive!

Regards,
Stu

[Fartgalen]

There is one chap on here that uses his Viper as a 'daily'

(Not me BTW).

[Viper]

you really want a gen2 RT rather than the earlier gen1 model, for everyday driving.

personally there's no way id want to use a gen1 everyday

[GTSDave]

mezzy said:

Hi everyone!

I've been angling on a Viper for the past few months now and thanks to James at Atlantic, it looks like I will hopefully be getting into a nice RT/10 (with hardtop) fairly soon. However, when I originally started this venture the weather was nice (just about) and I'm somewhat concerned about ownership during the winter months. Does anybody regularly drive their Viper during the bad weather? I've owned a Mustang GT for a few years so I'm pretty comfortable with LHD and RWD, but I've heard that the Viper is a car which requires absolute attention, and I imagine this is much worse when the roads aren't great. So, am I overblowing this or is it as bad as my mind thinks it will be?

Also, are there any general notes about ownership I should be aware of? I'm really interested in taking good care of the car as well as enjoying driving it (by that I mean it'll be more regularly used than a weekend car, but not as much as a daily driver) - I'm hoping the two are not mutually exclusive!

Regards,
Stu

Do it! I have absolutely no doubt that you will love owning a Viper.

There is one UK owner who uses his Viper as a daily driver, as he only has the one car, others that use theirs pretty regularly, some that only go out when the weather is good. Either way, driving sensibly is the key. At the end of the day, these cars demand respect from behind the wheel, a healthy fear is not a bad thing. Take your time to learn a Viper, and do not rush to power down, (and never do it until you know the wheels are pointing straight ahead). Also, Good Tyres are a REQUIREMENT, not an option.

You are in the right place for advice as the core of the UK Viper Club are all based here on Pistonheads and will happily assist with any advice, and point you in the right direction for parts etc, as and when needed. We have a great group of people, many of which are based in the Midlands, so, assuming you buy it, please stick around and try and join in with the Club if and when you can, we have a list of events which is updated regularly: Events List .

Good luck with the purchase and let us know if there is anything we can do, or any questions you may have.

Between us, here in the UK Viper Club, we have owned all Generations of Vipers and are able to offer solid advice and assistance.

The engines are pretty much bullet proof, and Vipers are 'generally' extremely reliable, most cars in the UK are known to us, and in most cases extremely well kept, so if you have any info on the car we may be able to help further, and the current owner may even be here.

Edited by GTSDave on Monday 27th September 10:25

[Dr-Bob]

That would be a Gen 2 in yellow then ;-) The soft top is so much better than the Gen1 vipers as well ... And you get the hard top standard rather than after market .. ABS as well ...

[mezzy]

Thanks for the replies!

Viper, it is a Gen2 I am considering - 2001. When I first thought about getting a Viper I entertained the idea of a Gen1 but as you say, I don't think I could use it as regularly as I would like to - no windows, no exterior door handles etc. also I think I prefer the hood of the Gen2.

Thanks a lot for the info and encouragement Dave. I've uploaded a picture of the car (below) that James emailed to me, not sure if anybody knows it. I'll be going to view it in person this weekend, so unless somebody here suddenly tells me they know of any serious issues with it, I'm sure there won't be any problems.

[Dr-Bob]

:-)

Edited by Dr-Bob on Monday 27th September 14:34

[mezzy]

Ah I was typing that reply when Dr. Bob posted!

I guess you know the car then

[Dr-Bob]

i know the last two owners ... Don't think it was used much .

[mezzy]

Ah ok, so I take it that's a good thing? Or is it not?

[neilsfishing]

hello

[GTSDave]

mezzy said:

Ah ok, so I take it that's a good thing? Or is it not?

Baz (Dr-Bob) would know if there are any issues with this car, I would suggest that if the car has not been used much, and from the photo appears to be a very clean example then you are on to a good one there. I am pretty sure I saw the car at Silverstone a couple of years ago, it was a VERY clean and tidy car.

We in the club, also know James at Atlantic Sports Cars pretty well and I am happy to report that he is a nice guy to deal with.

You bought it yet??

[mezzy]

Hi Neil!

Haven't bought it yet Dave, going to see it (for the first time in person) at Atlantic this weekend and set the purchase in motion then assuming there's no hiccups. Good vouch on James, I bought my current Mustang from him back in 2007 and I've been to a couple of the summer BBQs he has, so don't imagine there will be any trouble. He's also been really helpful (and patient) with sorting out this car for me.

Thanks for all the replies, I feel very welcomed and I haven't even made the purchase yet!

[Dr-Bob]

Yes it's a very clean Viper.. When i last saw it.. Cant see that would of changed..

Known James for about 7 yrs now Top guy (pay me later James) and he will look after you and the car.

A few UK viper owners have bought from him..

Just leave the other yellow one alone hidding in the corner, Don't get confussed.....

[fishboy]

Dr-Bob said:

Yes it's a very clean Viper.. When i last saw it.. Cant see that would of changed..

Known James for about 7 yrs now Top guy (pay me later James) and he will look after you and the car.

A few UK viper owners have bought from him..

Just leave the other yellow one alone hidding in the corner, Don't get confussed.....

yea !!!!! that one's rubish !!

[Viper]

take your spanners with you, im sure James wont mind you taking a few peices off the other RT to jazz the one your looking at, up a bit

[Ginja]

Viper said:

take your spanners with you, im sure James wont mind you taking a few peices off the other RT to jazz the one your looking at, up a bit

Hello! If you are loosening bits I'm sure we can work out some sort of deal for the two yellow hairdryers bolted on top of the engine and the small square box with AEM written on it....

Mark

[Viper]

youll have a job tracking down Bazs AEM, it sold to a guy in the US earlier in the year

[TheStoat]

Hi,

Daily driving is no problem in the Dodge. As has been stated tyres are critical though. I changed from tired old runflats and the difference was amazing. Tread depth isn't huge to start with so keep an eye - you don't want to aquaplane!

I've been out in the best and worst weather and can only really agree with previous advice - take your time to learn the car's road manners and you should be fine. It only gets really tricky in the snow ...

Andy

[fatboy18]

TheStoat said:

It only gets really tricky in the snow ...

Andy

Nutter