Model: Dodge Viper SRT10 : Used
Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe/Convertible
History/Description: The all-new 2013 SRT Viper is making its rounds on the auto show circuit this winter, eliciting saliva from the gearhead masses and moving the last generation of Dodge’s over-powered supercar fully into used-car territory.
A quick search of popular online shopping sites reveals asking prices for this generation Viper ranging anywhere from $30,000 to over $60,000 -- depending on mileage, year of production and condition. For that, shoppers get leather seats, air conditioning, full instrumentation, power mirrors, remote access, and available navigation.
More importantly, they get a standard V10 engine, ranging in size from 8.3L to 8.4L and generating 500 horsepower from 2003 to 2006, and 600 horsepower after 2008. All Viper models drove the proper wheels and came with three pedals, which is badass.
If you couldn’t tell from the specifications, this was a very, very serious performance car, and could be had in either coupe or convertible configurations, depending on the year. Consider it alongside a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
What Owners Like About The Used Dodge Viper SRT10: Style, exclusivity, extremes of performance and great feats of internal combustion are the most typically loved aspects of owning a Viper from this generation. Attention from the car’s fans at traffic lights is also appreciated by most owners.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints, though dismissed by the owners community as largely irrelevant, include an uncomfortable ride, terrible fuel mileage, limited storage, difficulty getting in and out, and exhaust heat that can bake the foot-wells on long trips.
Common Issues With The Used Dodge Viper SRT10: Stability control was unavailable and handling at the limit was about as predictable as a hummingbird on bath salts, so be sure the Viper you’re considering hasn’t previously become friends with a concrete divider or utility pole. Once you’re sure the Viper you’re considering isn’t actually several wrecked Vipers welded back together, check it out for tire wear, fluid levels and conditions, and brake wear and condition. None of these consumable parts will be inexpensive to replace, so be sure they’re in good shape.
Avoid a model with extensive engine or suspension modifications. Light upgrades like an air intake or exhaust kit are typically considered safe, so long as the quality of the parts and installation are sound. Forced induction, nitrous or modified engine management software could be a recipe for disaster in the hands of the wrong owner.
Check the interior of convertible models for signs of moisture caused by a leaky roof, including a mildew smell, moisture in the carpeting or deformation and discoloration of the leather on the seats.
Note that given the Viper’s very low sale volume, and even lower number of owners reporting on their ownership experience online, reliability data is very limited. On the plus side, no reports of any serious or systematic problems were apparent in a search of several Viper forums online.
The Verdict: If you’re set on a used last-generation Viper, include a title check, mechanical inspection by a Viper-trained technician, and any extended warranty available in the shopping process. Budget for a full tune-up and fluid change if the service history of the model you’re considering is unclear, too.
Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe/Convertible
History/Description: The all-new 2013 SRT Viper is making its rounds on the auto show circuit this winter, eliciting saliva from the gearhead masses and moving the last generation of Dodge’s over-powered supercar fully into used-car territory.
A quick search of popular online shopping sites reveals asking prices for this generation Viper ranging anywhere from $30,000 to over $60,000 -- depending on mileage, year of production and condition. For that, shoppers get leather seats, air conditioning, full instrumentation, power mirrors, remote access, and available navigation.
More importantly, they get a standard V10 engine, ranging in size from 8.3L to 8.4L and generating 500 horsepower from 2003 to 2006, and 600 horsepower after 2008. All Viper models drove the proper wheels and came with three pedals, which is badass.
 |
| 2006 Dodge Viper SRT (Photo: Dodge) |
If you couldn’t tell from the specifications, this was a very, very serious performance car, and could be had in either coupe or convertible configurations, depending on the year. Consider it alongside a Porsche 911 Turbo or a Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
What Owners Like About The Used Dodge Viper SRT10: Style, exclusivity, extremes of performance and great feats of internal combustion are the most typically loved aspects of owning a Viper from this generation. Attention from the car’s fans at traffic lights is also appreciated by most owners.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints, though dismissed by the owners community as largely irrelevant, include an uncomfortable ride, terrible fuel mileage, limited storage, difficulty getting in and out, and exhaust heat that can bake the foot-wells on long trips.
Common Issues With The Used Dodge Viper SRT10: Stability control was unavailable and handling at the limit was about as predictable as a hummingbird on bath salts, so be sure the Viper you’re considering hasn’t previously become friends with a concrete divider or utility pole. Once you’re sure the Viper you’re considering isn’t actually several wrecked Vipers welded back together, check it out for tire wear, fluid levels and conditions, and brake wear and condition. None of these consumable parts will be inexpensive to replace, so be sure they’re in good shape.
Avoid a model with extensive engine or suspension modifications. Light upgrades like an air intake or exhaust kit are typically considered safe, so long as the quality of the parts and installation are sound. Forced induction, nitrous or modified engine management software could be a recipe for disaster in the hands of the wrong owner.
Check the interior of convertible models for signs of moisture caused by a leaky roof, including a mildew smell, moisture in the carpeting or deformation and discoloration of the leather on the seats.
Note that given the Viper’s very low sale volume, and even lower number of owners reporting on their ownership experience online, reliability data is very limited. On the plus side, no reports of any serious or systematic problems were apparent in a search of several Viper forums online.
The Verdict: If you’re set on a used last-generation Viper, include a title check, mechanical inspection by a Viper-trained technician, and any extended warranty available in the shopping process. Budget for a full tune-up and fluid change if the service history of the model you’re considering is unclear, too.
 |
| 2006 Dodge Viper SRT (Photo: Dodge) |
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