Home › Forums › New Owner Questions & Introductions › Looking at a viper Had some questions

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    • Phunny
      Member
      July 21, 2017 at 11:22 am
      Post count: 35
      #407465

      We have no way of knowing if you’ll be able to drive a standard. IMHO vipers are easy as you do not even have to use the gas pedal to start moving from a stop.

    • Fried_Circuit
      Member
      July 21, 2017 at 11:35 am
      Post count: 2
      #407469

      It’s not like I’ve never used a clutch or anything manual at all, I just only have experience with the forklift here at work and the 1 ton truck we use for some deliveries. I know those are going to be WAY different than a car so I thought I’d ask. That’s good to know. I’ve also heard that in my small town where the speed limit is only 35 to 45 I won’t really need to go out of 1st gear, is that correct?

    • Shannon Whitehead
      Keymaster
      July 21, 2017 at 12:18 pm
      Post count: 274799
      #407476

      As stated above driving a Viper is no different than any other car, however, when one gets spirited they can get away from you very easy. Learning to drive a manual takes a little practive, but before using a Viper what it is capable of, your driving actions need to be second nature.

      Enjoy and welcome

      Bruce

    • Fried_Circuit
      Member
      July 21, 2017 at 12:29 pm
      Post count: 2
      #407481

      Thanks for the info! I’m a very safe driver. I’m too nervous and afraid to ruin anything I’ll probably get pulled over for going UNDER the speed limit lol. appreciate your answers. 🙂

    • Rand
      Member
      July 22, 2017 at 6:15 pm
      Post count: 149
      #407730

      I agree, as manual transmissions cars go, the Viper is easier than most because of the huge engine and torque. It is much less likely to stall on a takeoff. Do be very careful in wet weather, that is when all that torque can work against you. You are smart to practice shifting with other cars before getting your Viper to increase your skill and confidence. Take it easy on fast acceleration until you are comfortable with the car.
      I really believe you will love owning a Viper – good luck!

    • Shannon Whitehead
      Keymaster
      July 23, 2017 at 6:48 am
      Post count: 274799
      #407774

      My Son never drove a stick and I taught him on a new SRT8 Challenger he bought..
      Takes some practice and patience…
      Best advice I give people is listen to the engine on when to shift, it tells you what to do and when. As stated, Viper is an easy car to drive as long as your respectful of it.

    • 02rt10
      Member
      July 23, 2017 at 11:43 am
      Post count: 65
      #407858

      If you’re ever gonna own/drive a viper it will be manual. That being said how bad do you want to achieve getting your dream car? Now that we got that out of the way, I would say the viper is very easy to drive. As long as you have the concept of clutch/gas and take your time to practice you’ll be ok. Take the time to do a lot of practicing before you get on the hills in your town…
      Hope you get it and enjoy it- just respect it’s power as it’s not something we can handle on the streets. Take it to the track if you want to ‘test ‘ it….

    • Shannon Whitehead
      Keymaster
      June 11, 2025 at 2:48 am
      Post count: 274799
      #28556

      First of all I’d like to say hello to everyone! Pleasure to be here and meet all of you! I had a few questions about vipers and I’ll give you some info on the one I’m looking at as well as some info on myself and where I live.

      I have wanted a dodge viper since I was 5 years old. I had the white and blue striped Hot Wheels model as a kid and never thought of any car I’ve wanted more. Well recently I found one about 2 hours away on Craigslist. 1994 (the year I was born), 56k miles, no accidents and he says that he never really gets to drive it and it’s only $25,500. My major concern is the manual transmission. I’ve never driven manual but I plan to take the next few months before I get the car to practice and learn through a friend in their car. Also I live in a really hilly town and I’ve heard hills are going to be brutal for manual transmissions. So my ultimate question I guess is how difficult would it be for me to drive this car? I only really drive from home to work (5 minutes away in town) and then every so often I go through Jefferson City on a 3 hour drive to spend the weekend with friends and so on. Should I get it because I can finally afford my dream car or will this thing kick my ass and I’m going to regret it?

      Thanks for taking the time to read this and post any kind of feedback, it really helps!

      Bryant.

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