MuscleJunkie

**posted this in the C5 section but hoping to get some C6 guys (and girls) opinions.

Thanks

I know that there are varied opinions if one "should" do move from a Z06 to a Viper, etc etc etc... but I am curious of everyone's opinion about a deal I was offered on a "new" 2006 Viper Coupe

New 2006 Viper (with ~200 miles and a scratch on the door sill they said they would fix) stickers for 87k and some change

Was offered the following

25K for my 2001 Z06
10K Downpayment
Viper selling price ~$78K

Payment approx ~$778/mo for 72months

For some reason this deal at 1st sounded good but now thinking about it might not be sitting right in my mind.

Opinions please and if you want to say something about reasons to stay with Z06, I'll hear those too I guess.

Thanks all

susko

good deal if its out the door

MuscleJunkie

Yes, the deal includes tax, tags, etc.

photoguy

Did you take it for a test drive?? Big difference in the ride.

MuscleJunkie

Yes I drove it today and it is much smaller inside than my Z06. Much better drive than the previous generation viper but very different from my Z06.

One thing - the torque on the Viper is brutal. Big difference from the Z06. The engine sounded from rackety... and it was louder inside than the Vette. I tended to feel a bit cramped but I could get used to it. I just feel I have much more room to move in the Z06. The Viper rode well and has alot of power but it is just a different feeling car than the Z06. The Z feels more refined and the Viper is just a ton of grunt - in your face power. It was fun to drive.

susko

what about an 07 Z06? Theres a 2 mile one for $65k from kerbeck..

MuscleJunkie

I have been considering that option as well. I am really on the fence. The only reason I was considering paying more for the Viper is more exclusive than the new Z06. It draws more attention and stands out more I guess. At least that is what I have seen for the past 7 years when comparing Z06 to Viper.

The 07 Z06 is still not off the table... but really curious about everyone's opinion on the actual deal. I seem to think I should be able to get this new Viper for less than 78K...some sites have even suggested possibly for 69K to 70K????

St.Char

I considerd the Viper before my Vette...but I like all the creature comforts of the Vette, besides, with my Lingenfelter conversion, I now have the best of both cars...the Viper was striped down, cabin was hot, it was powerfull, but over all, raw. It would be hard to take it on a day trip.

C5 Frank

I would think an 06' new Viper should be lower then $78k IMO... The 08's(600hp) MSRP is about the same as the 06'..... Makes the resale on 06's much less. Now below 70k... yes thats a deal!!

DJackman

If you want a Viper, get it. But if it was me I'd get the well-kept 03 or 04 and save me more money since the car is practically the same from 03-07 model year. An 03 or 04 can be had for about 50-55 Grand.

MSJ

It's high. I had one like that offered to me for 68 + tax, tag etc. It was probably the same dealership. For what it's worth, yes the viper is more exclusive (not as many in our area), but the first time a stock C6Z or a bolt on LS3 rolls you... nevermind..lol

But really, like many on this board, I just love cars - any and all of them. I think vipers look great, and even though my vette's have never been my DD's, they are my choice for the money all things considered.

Good luck with whichever way you go - either one will be fun

Prankster

I would do the same..there are tons of Gen III Vipers for $55-60k. If you want that Viper particularly, I would say you can get it negotiated down a bit still. They want to move that thing..especially now, it's October..cold weather is coming.

Good Luck!! My buddy has one, they are very nice..and FAST!!

pkstr

vettecop1125

Depending on where you live, that might not be a good thing. I'd like to have a Viper coupe, but I'd like a new Z better IMO. If the Viper would be purely a weekend toy, then get it. If it's going to be used any more than that, I'd suggest the Z.

gota07

Compare the deal your being offered to a few of the online price guides like Edmunds.

MagicMtnDan

The Viper is a 1-2 hour car. It's not something you can drive for extended periods and it's certainly not a daily driver.

The difference between the Viper and a Z06 is night and day. I wouldn't even consider the Viper because it's not something I could enjoy driving.

If it's what you want then go for it but don't say I didnt' warn you.

otisZo6

There is a 2006 Viper for sale locally for 71K. It has 900 miles on it with NO scratch on the door. I think you might be paying a little much for the Viper. Email me if you want specifics for ammo against the dealer. You might even want to look at this one. Having driven the Viper and owning a 2006 Z- the Z is a better all around car. The Viper is super sexy though!!!!

Silver05GTO

Sounds like your paying too much, I agree with the others telling you to look at older Vipers of the same generation.

I think Vipers are great sports cars, not as liveable as a vette, but for attitude/looks/grunt it's got more personality and exclusivity. Plus I'd think the value will hold alot better then a C6Z06 over time just due to limited production.

SLVR C5

Few things to consider with Viper vs Vette.

Gas Tax/Milage
Insurance Costs (Viper generally 25-30% more)
Front-rear weight ratio makes Viper a bear to drive (at least the 2004 models) which is one reason the costs are higher - can get away from even the best drivers.

GotVett?

One decision to make is if you could take the hit on the Viper if you decide later that you want a Z06?

MuscleJunkie

Well, the dealership called me back yesterday and they offered me to sell the car for $72,000 and I would have to sell my car myself. I asked why...are they unwilling to give me the $25k for my Z they offered me on Saturday anymore?? I thought you were said you already had it sold (my Z to someone else?)

I said it was really not that much of an attractive offer if they were unwilling to give me the car for $72k AND $25k for my Z06. They really didn't have much to say to that.

Look at it this way, they initally offered me $20k for my Z and $84k (stickered at $87k) for the Viper. They then dropped the Viper to $80K and offered me $25K for my car. After that they then went to $78K on the Viper and the trade remained the same.

So if they are bringing the car down to $72k and telling me to sell my car myself, they are in reality only giving me an extra $1k off of the car

($78K - $5k extra they were adding on to my trade **$20k to $25K** which is $73K add $1K discount to get to the $72K car sell price)

If they were to give me the car for $72k and $25k for my trade, that would like make the true price of the car around $67k if they only feel the true value of the Z is $20k.