I've have no direct experince in a Viper, but when I was going thru my Corvette phase , I followed them quite closely.

Observe the mileage on PCars versus Vipers of the same age. Viper miles are much lower. To some this may be the promise of good deals, to me this means that it's difficult to spend much time in these cars.

Vettes are somewhere between. I had to be "up" for a Vette ride, For my Pcar, I'm always up, Going for a drive depends on weather and road conditions.

I'd take at least a 1/2 hour drive before I bought anything.

 

Earlier I posted that a buddy of mine recently bought a '98 GTS, well . . . it's for sale again

So if anyone is looking, this is a great example

'98 Viper GTS - 4 sale

 

I say buy a VIPER unless you have unlimited money to spend on a always in the shop porsche. I was just at the big autoX and hands down the two fastest times were vipers. The gt3 and the 993 twins couldn't get the job done matter of fact the driver of the porsche gt3 got behind the seat of the viper that a woman was driving and he matched the same lap times.....

G

 

I appreciate all the replies. You talked me out of a Viper for the following reasons:
* I like cars that are open
* Gerry is right, Vipers have low miles and there has to be a reason
* Shoddy workmanship
* Local dealer has never seen a Viper
* They are dangerous and can bite

Ok...on to the next question (new thread)

 

In regards to GT3s and 993 TTs not being so hot in Auto-X...

I think they are definitely not designed for that type of driving. If you really want a good Auto-X weapon, a modded Miata would be very good. Viper does good because of LOTS of torque to squirt from bend to bend.

 

Just thought I'd throw in my $.02 even though you seem to have made up your mind.

I always pictured them as straight-line yachts, but two years ago I worked the Autocross course on Viper Day at Englishtown, and I have to say, the Vipers tore up the course pretty well. I really didn't think they could handle at all, but I was proven wrong.

Now, having said that, I was just at Pocono Speedway on Tuesday and did not see any Vipers out on any of the three courses.

If you're going to spend $50k and want that kind of car, look into a Z06. They kicked butt in time trials, they kick butt on the autocross, they're just great all-around performers.

 

Just for the heck of it I drove a friends Viper 2 weeks ago. He had 3,500 miles on it and it is 5 yrs old. It was formerly Sonny Jergeson's (Redskins) Viper, he didnt like it and traded it in with less than 500 miles. Anyway,, it rumbles when you start it,, the clutch is very hard to press,, and its not smooth. It bucks when you take off,,, I just couldn't stand. I took my friend for a ride in 996 after he accompanied me in the Viper. I riped thru the road with the Porsche and he was impressed,, so much easier to handle,, so much more tame.

The Viper seemed like a death trap,,, too much power and very hard to keep it under wraps. I wouldn't take a Viper for $20K if offered to me. Lots of power, no finese.

Just cant beat a 911...

Cabman

 

I am definately leaning toward the Caterham:
blistering fast
incredible handling
the minimalists sports car
As close as you can get to a street legal race car
Used for less than $30K

 

Ever considered a supercharged Porsche 928s4?

Much more comfortable, plenty of room, handles great, and a ton of horsepower.
Won't attract attention like the Viper. And you will be able to stick with the Porsche family.

http://www.murf928.com/

 

Bye viper hello porsche.