Looking to buy this GTS but found something on Carfax Need advise

[sanforb1]

So i'm in the market and test drove this 1998 GTS:

https://www.fastlaneautosalestx.com/...tails/49340455

Car seems to ride really well and very strong but the carfax shows these two, well one, service records below, should I be concerned and what should I look for/ask for:



1/22/2003 Service Facility Safety inspection performed
Camshaft position sensor replaced
Crankshaft position sensor replaced
Engine timing/front cover replaced
A/C compressor replaced
A/C receiver/dryer replaced
Air conditioning system installed
Emissions or safety inspection performed


01/22/2003 Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Katy, TX
281-599-3500
allensamuelsdodgekat
y.com Oil pan replaced/repaired
A/C hose/line seals replaced
Camshaft position sensor replaced
Crankshaft position sensor replaced
A/C compressor replaced
A/C accumulator replaced

[Gen3CoupeTX]

That wouldn't bother me in the least ... Repairs were made 16 years ago on a car that's now 21 years old. Personally, I would look into those hood gaps a bit more. My '01 GTS never experienced that issue, but it was super low mileage. I know it's fairly common in Gen 2 world.

[sanforb1]

Ok thank you. Seems to be a very clean car

[dave6666]

They replaced all that on an engine? That is not some random maintenance stuff. There's a story there. I would want to know more. One of those items? Okay, well, no biggie. But I could fabricate an explanation for that and it would include words like "driver hit giant rock." Or "driver hit small pole."

Why no hood open pics? Detailed hood open pics? What are they hiding there?

Based on what I can see factually on that car, and what I don't know because they aren't declaring it, that's a $30k car. Maybe less.

[dave6666]

Seems to be a very clean car

You have too much tire shine and leather dressing in your eyes.

[Steve-Indy]

Well said, dave6666....BOTH posts are right on the money in my opinion !!

[Desert Venom Racer]

Dave 6666 is spot on. Looks like something bad may have happened to this car in the front end. The hood alignment is totally FUBAR. Can't possibly make a purchase decision without complete inspection by a trusted Viper expert. I cannot imagine trying to market a Viper without extensive close up pics of the engine bay. Wrong kind of seller to purchase a Viper from unless you have complete ownership documentation and provenance. If you cannot speak to the previous owner(s), take pass.

[sanforb1]

10-04 guys like i said, it "seems" to be a clean car and that's why I am asking you guys for assistance in this matter.

[MarvRose]

The rear bumper has been resprayed as well. No black in the areas where it should be matte black. Obvious respray.

[AviP]

If that alignment is the worst of the problem, it's infinitely adjustable. One word: shims. Unfortunately, it also takes an infinite amount of patience to get it right. Do the once over, check the chassis instead and don't worry about the alignment as it's fixable.

[LifeIsGood]

That's a large gap between the front of the hood and the top of the front fascia. Aftermarket stereo and aftermarket shift knob.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

they replaced all that on an engine? That is not some random maintenance stuff. There's a story there. I would want to know more. One of those items? Okay, well, no biggie. But i could fabricate an explanation for that and it would include words like "driver hit giant rock." or "driver hit small pole."

why no hood open pics? Detailed hood open pics? What are they hiding there?

Based on what i can see factually on that car, and what i don't know because they aren't declaring it, that's a $30k car. Maybe less.

what he said..

[Gen3CoupeTX]

Dave's post made me rethink my own ... It is bothering me more now that I read the full list and clicked through more pictures. I can almost feel a 'story' on this car. I can't prove it, just a few decades experience. Proceed with caution. There's a lot of nice Vipers out there, no need to take chances on one that doesn't check out.

[uvbnbit]

mis matched tires, front/rear, rears are PS1 design, likely way old. So, expect to drop some coin on tires too.
Like others mentioned, probably a $30k car, tops.

[daveg]

Search for another car...

[sanforb1]

Thanks guys. I’ll be looking elsewhere for one with less questionable items.