Looking to Buy – Gen 1 2 or 3?

[Shannon Whitehead]

#558792

GEN II, it is with regards to your main concerns

[01sapphirebob]

#558793

A Gen III isn’t gonna have more safety then a GEN II depending on the year. ’01 and ’02 Vipers will have ABS. Really, you need to decided which body style you like better. Then, what color. That will really give you an idea of what car you’re gonna buy. One suggestion would be…do your homework on a Hennessey car. They are not all they’re craked up to be. Google is your friend…

[Shannon Whitehead]

#558856

2001 and 2002 Gen ll Vipers have ABS. Vipers are safe to drive as long as you drive safely. Good tires are a must. Also, one thing not to do is deck the accelerator with the front wheels turned. Low mileage does not mean low cost in maintenance. Old rubber, old gaskets, are only part of the issues with low mileage cars.

[Shannon Whitehead]

#558861

I am selling a nice gen 3 black Mamba with Paxton for a friends family if your interested.. One owner.

Don’t think you can go wrong with any Viper.. Just get one you like.

[StrokerAce]

#558863

I have a soft spot for late Gen II and the Gen III has really grown on me the last few years. To me, the gen III is underappreciated and a good buy. 🙂

[EyemAllin]

#558864

I personally really like the Gen 3 but I keep reading its the stepchild of the Viper family and isn’t seeing the price appreciation of the other family members, perhaps that is starting to change
Love the styling of the Gen 2 and seems it is the hometown favorite at least when it comes to styling and value
Not seeing much love for the Gen 1 but everyone time I look at it it reminds of the Ferrari F40, particularly when it comes to styling and performance…raw, uncut, a drivers car, and arguably one of the most valuable..however, I don’t have much patience for mechanical issues given the cars vintage and low mileage

Thanks for your comments everyone…very helpful…keep ’em coming

[Shannon Whitehead]

#37501

Hello!

Currently in the market for a viper wanted to get your thoughts on which direction to go: Gen 1, 2, or 3?
I am looking to hold onto it for at least couple years and perhaps indefinitely if I am happy with it. I’ll drive <5k miles a year mostly street driving.

My main concerns are 1) Resale value 2) Fun factor 3) Safety

My current options are the following RT10's:
#1) Gen 1 bone stock, babied with very low miles (5k-15k miles)
#2) Gen 1 or 2 with Hennessey Venom package (<20k miles)
#3) Gen 3 with minor aftermarket performance parts (~40k miles)

With Gen 1 or 2 bone stock, I am concerned about overall safety and reliability, considering there is no abs or traction and the car is 20+ yrs old
With Gen 1 or 2 with Hennessey Venom, in addition to the above I have concerns about resale since it has performance parts...or is this a huge +++ since it's quite rare?
I like the idea of driving the Gen 3 (fun factor and safety) but am concerned about resale especially since it will already have ~40k miles and most likely <50k miles before I decide to get rid of it

Appreciate your feedback!

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