_HighVoltage_
Captain Volvo
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2006
- Messages
- 9,964
- Car(s)
- 1998 Volvo S70 T5M
Viper, you might as well post the link to the car in question - I doubt any of us will buy it before you
To answer one of your questions about having the car checked out...if it's located at a reputable dealership they will allow a third-party inspection. On the other-hand, if you are buying from a "Cheap-cars-r-us" place, they will deny such a request.
However...read this next bit.
As you are embarking on purchasing a Dodge Viper, not an inexpensive car, you have to risk the money for the plane ticket, fly there and check it out yourself before committing to a purchase (or at the most leave a $500 deposit). Read-up on Viper specialized forums, find out what common problems are, check part numbers and then check the car yourself.
I doubt an independent mechanic will be of much help...you and your dad should be able to check out the most important parts.
Should you haggle on the price? YES!!! In the current economic climate, few people are buying used supercars, especially Vipers - the dealer will want to get rid of it. Bad part is that you are in a bad situation - the dealer will probably know that you are flying from Portland to see that specific car, so he would think he has you. Like others said - don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't sound right.
(and on a personal note - I bought my Volvo from eBay, dealer was 500 miles away, no inspection on my end, he called me after I have won the auction and booked my ticket to tell me that the front struts are shot...Be prepared for nasty surprises)
To answer one of your questions about having the car checked out...if it's located at a reputable dealership they will allow a third-party inspection. On the other-hand, if you are buying from a "Cheap-cars-r-us" place, they will deny such a request.
However...read this next bit.
As you are embarking on purchasing a Dodge Viper, not an inexpensive car, you have to risk the money for the plane ticket, fly there and check it out yourself before committing to a purchase (or at the most leave a $500 deposit). Read-up on Viper specialized forums, find out what common problems are, check part numbers and then check the car yourself.
I doubt an independent mechanic will be of much help...you and your dad should be able to check out the most important parts.
Should you haggle on the price? YES!!! In the current economic climate, few people are buying used supercars, especially Vipers - the dealer will want to get rid of it. Bad part is that you are in a bad situation - the dealer will probably know that you are flying from Portland to see that specific car, so he would think he has you. Like others said - don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't sound right.
(and on a personal note - I bought my Volvo from eBay, dealer was 500 miles away, no inspection on my end, he called me after I have won the auction and booked my ticket to tell me that the front struts are shot...Be prepared for nasty surprises)