Dodge Viper (fifth generation, VX I) buying guide

The hand-built 8.4L V10 makes 640 hp and 600 lb-ft, with a Tremec six-speed manual on every car. A slight rise to 645 hp came in 2015, the year the name changed. CarBuzz lists the 2013 updates as a claimed 50% stiffer chassis, a carbon fiber and aluminum body, stability control, Pirelli P Zero tires and Brembo brakes.

The range started as a base SRT Viper and an upscale GTS. The GTS adds a dual-mode suspension and Nappa leather and Alcantara trim. See the GTS Coupe market and the base Viper Coupe market for cars on sale. The Time Attack package arrived for 2014, and TA 2.0 followed for 2015 with a larger rear wing and fiberglass racing seats. The GTC launched in 2015 with the 1-of-1 customization program, which offers 8,000 paint colors, 24,000 hand-applied stripes and ten wheel options, so compare a car against its original spec. Our GTC Coupe page covers those.

The ACR adds a carbon fiber body kit, carbon ceramic brakes, adjustable Bilstein dampers and an Extreme Aero Package. The 2017 specials were the 1:28 Edition ACR, limited to 28 units, and the GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR, limited to 100. Find them on the ACR Coupe page.

On years, CarsCounsel rates 2014 to 2017 among the best Viper years and says to approach 2013 carefully. It also names the 2015 GTS the best modern alternative.

The engine items come first, since they carry the largest bills.

Engine debris and failure

Some owners, typically of earlier cars, have had engine failures, often under warranty, theorized to come from bad rod bearings or manufacturing debris. AutoTrader.ca sees failure as relatively rare against total sales and more likely at lower miles. Separately, NHTSA's customer satisfaction notice says the block may have been contaminated on about 1,100 cars from 2013 and 2014.

Debris notice remedy

The remedy is an oil, oil filter and air filter change with the filter analyzed. If debris turns up, the engine and oil cooler components are replaced, so ask for the analysis result on any 2013 or 2014 car.

Oil consumption through the MUA hose

Under rare conditions, high-speed right-hand cornering at light throttle and high rpm can force oil into the Make Up Air hose. The fix is an updated oil management system with a new valve cover assembly, a relocated MUA fitting and a new baffle.

Early clutch and shift complaints

First-year 2013 cars drew complaints of rough transmission shifting and premature clutch wear, CarsCounsel reports. A leaking clutch slave cylinder in the bellhousing makes the pedal soft, and the repair is not overly involved or expensive.

Water pump failure

Some Vipers had water pump problems that could lead to overheating. Exotic Car Hacks puts replacement at $380 to $750.

Sagging doors

Door hinges sagged on earlier Vipers, and this generation uses a similar design. A door that drops when opened is the sign.

A/C vacuum leak

A vacuum leak can make the A/C switch itself to defrost mode during acceleration.

AutoTrader.ca advises assuming a used Viper needs a clutch, brakes and tires, all expensive to replace, and says to fit factory-size and factory-spec performance tires.

Exotic Car Hacks quotes $2,500 to $7,000 for piston ring replacement or an engine rebuild, and around $2,400 for an oil management system or MUA relocation. Our Viper price guide shows what these cars cost to buy.

Buy the newest Viper your budget allows. AutoTrader.ca says higher-mileage cars are fine if they pass a pre-purchase inspection, and CarsCounsel puts 2014 to 2017 among the best years, so a 2014 to 2017 car with a clean inspection is the target. If the 2015 GTS appeals, CarsCounsel names it the best modern alternative.

Treat a 2013 car with care, and on any 2013 or 2014 car ask for the debris notice paperwork. Insist on service records, a hoist inspection and a clean recall check. Read the dipstick the way the inspection list says.