Which Years of Used Dodge Vipers Are Most Reliable?
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The Dodge Viper was created as a so-called affordable supercar, totaling around $150,000 less than supercars of the same type. Stylish, nimble, and comfortable, used Dodge Vipers are popular choices for middle-class drivers who want something high-end without breaking the bank. The most reliable Dodge Viper year is a particularly good choice.
How can you know that your used Dodge Viper is safe to drive? Today, let’s take a very close look at the years of used Dodge Vipers that are the most reliable, best-reviewed, and least likely to have major issues that could cause an accident or massively expensive maintenance fees later on.
THE DODGE VIPER YEARS TO AVOID
It’s critical for those who want a combination of speed and style to pick the right year. If you’re interested in this vehicle, you might wonder - what are the Dodge Viper years to avoid on the market today? Which are the worst available?
Most Reliable Years for the Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper first appeared in 1992, and the most recent iteration was manufactured in 2017. Out of all these years, the most reliable Dodge Viper years include:
- Dodge Vipers from 2005 to 2008
- Dodge Vipers from 2013 to 2070
Any used Dodge Viper from these year brackets will serve you well and will likely be a very consistent, high-performing vehicle. You shouldn’t run into any major issues, although some vehicles may have had recall requirements. Because of this, you should check any used Dodge Viper’s vehicle maintenance report so you know what you are buying.
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Are Dodge Vipers Generally Reliable?
On average, you’ll find that most people consider Dodge Vipers to be very reliable vehicles, capable of doing well over 40,000 miles without running into any maintenance problems or concerns.
However, the most reliable and possibly most popular year for the Dodge Viper was 2013. If you find a 2013 used Dodge Viper, you’ll benefit from a V-10 engine, high levels of performance, and responsive handling. According to motorandwheels.com, many used Dodge Vipers from around 2013 have high reliability ratings. Driving.ca also reports that used Dodge Vipers are pretty reliable on average, though there are of course less good year models.
Generally, a Gen IV or Gen V Dodge Viper from 2008 to 2017 will be a good choice. These vehicles pack a lot of power and modern consumer conveniences without compromise in terms of quality, performance, or cost.
Which Dodge Vipers Are the Least Reliable?
In contrast, there are also some years of used Dodge Vipers that you should not purchase under any circumstances. 2004 is generally regarded as the worst model year for the Dodge Viper overall. That’s because the 2004 Dodge Viper had many severe complaints regarding its handling and safety.
As an example, some drivers found that the airbags in 2004 Dodge Vipers deployed by accident or without reason. Other users indicated that 2004 Dodge Viper engines would stop without warning.
You’ll also want to check for recalls for used Dodge Vipers for the following years:
- 1996
- 1997
- 1988
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2060
Are Dodge Vipers Expensive to Maintain?
If you purchase a used Dodge Viper, you’ll want to know how much you can expect to pay in terms of maintenance and repair fees every year. On average, maintaining a Dodge Viper will cost about $450 per year, according to repairpal.com.
Of course, your repair and maintenance costs can vary heavily based on the age of your vehicle, the location of your vehicle, how often you drive it, and much more. Keep all of this in mind before purchasing a used Dodge Viper with a less-than-stellar reliability rating.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
Which Dodge Viper is Most Reliable?
If you’re wondering which Dodge Viper models are most reliable before purchasing a used vehicle, there’s good news: reliable used Dodge Vipers come from all generations and from many different model years.
According to motorbiscuit.com, the most reliable Dodge Viper years include:
- 1992 Dodge Viper
- 1996 Dodge Viper GTS
- 2003 Dodge Viper SRT10, only available in roadster form
- 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
- 2013 Dodge Viper SRT
Since many of these vehicles stretch throughout the Dodge Viper’s manufacturing lifespan, you should be able to find a reliable vehicle of this type at many different age points. For example, if you want a more affordable used Dodge Viper, an older vehicle from the 90s could be right up your alley.
What Are the Most Common Dodge Viper Problems?
No matter what type of used Dodge Viper you purchase, in mind that you will likely run into some common maintenance issues sometime down the road. The most common Dodge Viper problems according to motorandwheels.com include:
- Piston ring issues
- Sagging doors
- A/C airflow switches to the defrost setting during acceleration
- Water pump problems
- Oil is forced into the air hose
That all said, the majority of these issues are easily fixable with a knowledgeable repair specialist in your area. None of these are problems that will result in a major accident. Indeed, the Dodge Viper is well known as a “supercar,” so it’s unlikely you’ll run into problems that make driving the vehicle a dangerous activity. If you get a car from the most reliable Dodge Viper year, that’s even truer.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
Is the Dodge Viper Worth It?
All in all, the Dodge Viper could very much be worth it, particularly if you want a sleek, stylish vehicle that’s $150,000 or so less than the average supercar. While it’s still expensive, most Dodge Vipers are pretty reliable and consistent, and they should serve you well for years to come, even in used condition.
There’s one other thing to remember. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration introduced new safety standards that require all modern vehicles to have side-impact airbags. Dodge Vipers do not have side-impact airbags because it affects their structure. Thus, these cars are a little less safe compared to other cars of the same size and weight class.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Dodge Vipers from 2013 are almost certainly worth your time and money, particularly if you find a used car for a good deal. However, there are lots of great used Dodge Vipers from other model years; do your research to find the right car for your unique needs.
With luck, this guide has given you the information you need to navigate the used Dodge Viper market successfully. Good luck.
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