Plan Viper Part 2: Wait longer or pull the trigger?

Plan Viper Part 2: Wait longer or pull the trigger?


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Viper007Bond

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Portland, Oregon
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2008 Dodge Viper, 2006 MB CLS55 AMG
As a result of my previous thread, I held off on buying a Viper and bought a Mustang instead. That was one of the best decisions I made and driving that car has already taught me sooooo much about car control and everything else. It's also taught me that when (not if) I get a Viper, it will be going nowhere near a damp let alone wet road. :lol:

So anyway, now to the subject of this thread! That itch to buy a Viper is back and I'm strongly considering pulling the trigger and then mostly garaging it until spring -- only taking it out on the rare dry days between now and then. Why am I considering doing it now instead of just waiting for spring?

  • The color I want is rare and I don't want to put it off until I can no longer find one of that color and at a good price
  • Even though it's a high end car, it's still likely affected by the convertible price hikes/lows that come with the time of year
  • If I buy it this year, I can get a low rate loan from my bank (they limit the oldness of cars they'll loan for)
  • It's all I think about!

So what do you think? Should I go for it but stick to driving my Mustang 99% of the time? Or should I continue waiting? Your guys' advice was so helpful last time that I'm once again coming to you for your opinions. :)
 
DO IET!
 
if you can snag a mint one in the colour and spec you want, go for it, you can use the time between buying and feeling confident enough to use it for some track time or doing a pro driving course to handle the bump in power
 
Any cons besides garaging it until spring? I voted you do it now, because you mentioned an entire list of pros.

Besides, it will give you some time to get used to the car on those rare dry days you mention, enabling you to drive it far more comfortably once spring arrives and you feel inclined to do so more frequently.

From what you've mentioned so far, it seems like a no-brainer, really.

All the usual jokes aside, good luck. :)
 
Just do it. If possible, keep the 'stang for a bit. Also, when you get the Viper, go and do a few skidpan days. It'll teach you a lot about car control in the wet.
 
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Any cons besides garaging it until spring?

Lack of time behind the wheel is the only real one, but since it wouldn't be my primary driver by any means I don't see the harm. I just have to keep in mind my limitations.

Just do it. If possible, keep the 'stang for a bit. Also, when you get the Viper, go and do a few skidpan days. It'll teach you a lot about car control in the wet.

My Mustang won't be going anywhere and will be my wet weather car. The Viper would only come out on dry days.
 
I'd hold off. I think you could use more practice in your Mustang (it's been less than a year), plus the new Viper will be released soon and when it does the prices of the older ones will fall.
 
I'd hold off. I think you could use more practice in your Mustang (it's been less than a year), plus the new Viper will be released soon and when it does the prices of the older ones will fall.

This.


Also, get some driving classes/autocross events/whatever under your belt before moving on to something more powerful.
 
A Viper without stripes is like a Cobra without venom.

AFAIK stripes weren't available on the convertible until the generation refresh in 2008. 2008+ cars are like $10k more.

I could always get vinyls for it. :)
 
Lack of time behind the wheel is the only real one, but since it wouldn't be my primary driver by any means I don't see the harm. I just have to keep in mind my limitations.

If you think you'd be financially better off getting one now as opposed to next winter, then go for it. You're far more responsible than most Viper enthusiasts our age, and you seem to have a healthy appreciation for the deadliness of the beast we're discussing here.

You want it, you can have it: get it.

Push the limits in your Mustang. Enjoy your Viper. Own the world at 27. ;)
 
I'd hold off. I think you could use more practice in your Mustang (it's been less than a year), plus the new Viper will be released soon and when it does the prices of the older ones will fall.

I agree, and Redliner brings up a good point about getting more practice in, too- however, fall/winter is the time to buy a convertible; prices will be cheaper and the selection will be better. You also have to consider that if you buy it during the fall/winter, you could end up test-driving the car out of its element and the experience will be different in the spring/summer. Another point to consider is that you'd be paying insurance and making payments on a car you couldn't enjoy for several months, and being a Viper, even low-mileage specialist insurance is still going to be a hefty amount.
 
I can think of worse things to go into debt over than fulfilling a dream. I'd go for it. All these people talking about getting more practice are forgetting that you are still keeping the Mustang and just because you will have the Viper, it doesn't mean you have to drive it. You can always keep practicing with the Mustang, then go home and just stare at the Viper for a few hours, while starting it up and listening to the exhaust now and then. :p

Although I do think argatoga made a good point about the new Viper coming out. There are doubtless tons of Viper garage queens that will be replaced with the new Viper, might as well wait to see what Viper prices and selection become after that happens.
 
Wait. You need more time behind the wheel of the Mustang and as argatoga mentioned the new Viper is coming and will take an axe to the pricing of existing ones.
 
As someone who is about to buy his dream car, I say buy it now as well.

Yes, there is a new one coming out which will have an effect on prices, but two things: One, it's a year away; and two, who's to say that prices will go down? Spy photos have shown the next-gen Viper with cruise control and it will also have stability control for the first time. That may cause the prices of the older, "purer" ones to go up. And you never know what could happen a year from now. If you can afford it, (And it sure seems like you can) go for it!
 
I'd hold off. I think you could use more practice in your Mustang (it's been less than a year), plus the new Viper will be released soon and when it does the prices of the older ones will fall.

Viper your thinking is sound but I would imagine most of the relevant criteria will hold true in a year's time (bank rates may be higher but you can offset that by saving more and borrowing less over the next year) with the added bonus of what argatoga just said. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
 
On cost alone the difference would be choosing between this:

800px-Dodge-Viper-SRT10.jpg


or this:

800px-2008_ZB_Viper_SRT-10_blue.jpg
.

Those that want a "pure" Viper are a minority who would favor the original anyway. Most are garage queens, and as status symbols become less valuable when a new model comes out.
 
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