How Long Do Dodge Vipers Last? (Miles & Years)

The idea of an affordable supercar may seem impossible, but not where the Dodge Viper is concerned.

This vehicle costs about $150,000 less than the average supercar. Nevertheless, the Viper is still an expensive vehicle.

That’s why it’s crucial to determine how long the car lasts before purchasing it.

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Here’s the short answer to how long a Dodge Viper lasts:

You can expect a Dodge Viper to last about 120,000 miles. Sports cars like the Viper get driven an average of 12,000 miles per year, so you can expect this vehicle to last about 10 years if you use and maintain it properly.

How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Dodge Viper?

Most Dodge Vipers last between 100,000–120,000 miles. Several Viper users who have driven their vehicle for over 80,000 miles claim it has never broken down. That said, you can increase the lifespan of your Dodge Viper by changing your oil and maintaining the vehicle regularly.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on Your Dodge Viper?

Usually, Dodge Vipers start rusting about 12 years after their production date. Reports from Dodge Viper users show that the rust first appears around the vehicle’s side sills before spreading to other parts of the car.

The best way to delay rusting on your Dodge Viper is to apply an oil-based or tar-based spray on the car. You can also prevent rusting by keeping moisture from being trapped in your vehicle.

Ask a professional mechanic to inspect your car for cracks that may let water into the vehicle. If there are any cracks in your car, fix them immediately.

How Long Do Dodge Vipers Last Compared to Similar Cars?

One of the crucial concerns drivers have when buying a car is longevity. You may want to know how the Dodge Viper fares in durability when compared to its peers. We compare the Dodge Viper against some of its rivals to help you decide:

Dodge Viper vs. Chrysler Firepower

The Chrysler Firepower and Dodge Viper have the same design. Both cars are built with a wide, flat bonnet and muscular rear arches.

Chrysler Firepowers tend to last longer than Dodge Vipers. While an average Viper may only last between 100,000 and 120,000 miles, you can travel over 200,000 miles with a Chrysler Firepower.

Dodge Viper vs. Chevrolet Corvette

The Dodge Viper and Chevrolet Corvette have powerful engines, which lend strength to their remarkable acceleration and lithe handling.

You can expect your Chevrolet Corvette to last longer than a Dodge Viper. Most Chevrolet Corvette drivers use the vehicle for over 200,000 miles. In contrast, your Dodge Viper may stop functioning properly after 120,000 miles.

Dodge Viper vs. Mercedes AMG

Dodge Vipers and Mercedes AMGs are similar in the level of performance they offer to drivers. Thanks to its robust engine, the Dodge Viper will rise to impressive speed rates when you bump up the accelerator. Likewise, the Mercedes AMG’s powerful exhaust note fosters the laudable handling its riders enjoy on track and streets.

The Dodge Viper has a shorter lifespan than Mercedes AMGs. While a Mercedes AMG may last for over 200,000 miles, your Dodge Viper will probably develop serious faults after 120,000 miles.

The comparison above reveals that the Dodge Viper is less durable than other cars in its category. Thus, the Dodge Viper may not be the best option for you if you want to purchase a car with a long life span.

How Reliable Is the Dodge Viper?

No car reliability authority has rated the Dodge Viper because of the absence of detailed data on the vehicle. However, several Dodge Viper users claim that the Viper’s parts are affordable and easy to replace. Nevertheless, the safety of the Dodge Viper might be a cause for concern.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) recently introduced new safety standards that require vehicles to contain side-impact airbags. Unfortunately, Dodge was unable to install this feature in its Viper cars because it could affect their structure.

The absence of side-impact airbags in the Dodge Viper may reduce the protection that passengers should enjoy during a crash.

Best and Worst Model Years for the Dodge Viper

2013 is the best model year for the Dodge Viper. This model comes with a robust V-10 engine, which offers the vehicle a higher level of performance than most of its peers. Car experts also claim that the 2013 Dodge Viper’s brakes are the most responsive across all model years.

Although the Viper is a performance car, Dodge does not neglect the practical features in its 2013 model. The vehicle’s trunk is surprisingly large for a supercar. It offers about 14.7 cubic feet, which is more room than any other supercar trunk.

According to carcomplaints.com, 2004 is the worst model year for the Dodge Viper. Users of the 2004 Viper issued the most severe complaints about the model.

Some drivers also claimed that the airbags in 2004 Dodge Vipers often deployed inadvertently. A few other users said that the vehicle’s engine would sometimes stop working while they were driving on the highway.

What About Recalls for These Models?

The Dodge Viper has been recalled 33 times. With four recalls, the 2003 model year is the most recalled Dodge Viper.

The 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, and 1996 model years also have recalls. Many of the recalls were because of faulty components in the airbags, anchorage, suspension, doors, pre-tensioners and the car’s structure.

Dodge recalled the 2013 Viper to fix a slight opening in its door switch. When water passes through this hole, the passenger door may open up while the vehicle is moving.

Some 2004 Dodge Vipers were also recalled over a fault in their airbag control module. Due to this issue, the airbags in this vehicle may suddenly deploy without the driver’s prompting.

Dodge Viper Model Year List

Here’s a list of Viper model years:

1992 Dodge Viper
1993 Dodge Viper
1994 Dodge Viper
1995 Dodge Viper
1996 Dodge Viper
1997 Dodge Viper
1998 Dodge Viper
1999 Dodge Viper
2000 Dodge Viper
2001 Dodge Viper
2002 Dodge Viper
2003 Dodge Viper
2004 Dodge Viper
2005 Dodge Viper
2006 Dodge Viper
2008 Dodge Viper
2009 Dodge Viper
2013 Dodge Viper
2014 Dodge Viper
2015 Dodge Viper
2016 Dodge Viper
2017 Dodge Viper

Are Dodge Vipers Expensive to Maintain?

When compared to other supercars, the Dodge Viper is quite cheap to maintain. The average maintenance cost for supercars is about $5000 per year. However, it only costs about $450 annually to maintain a Dodge Viper, according to RepairPal.

How Long Do Dodge Viper Brake Pads Last?

Your Dodge Viper brakes should last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. That said, there are certain brake pads that retain their shape even after 80,000 miles.

Your driving habit can determine how long your Viper brake pads will last. If you often press hard on your brakes while driving, your brake pads will probably wear out quickly. To prolong your brake life, you should adopt the habit of soft braking.

Also, Dodge Viper drivers who ply city routes frequently may only use their brake pads for short periods. Because city roads are often congested with traffic, drivers have to stop their cars several times on a single trip. This eventually takes a toll on the Viper’s brake pads.

Replacement brake pads for Dodge Vipers cost about $389.

How Long Do Dodge Viper Transmissions Last?

The average Dodge Viper transmission lasts between 150,000 -300,000 miles. So, you may never have to buy new your Viper transmission if you maintain it regularly.

How Long Do Dodge Viper Tires Last?

Usually, Dodge Viper tires last between 13,00 and 5,000 miles. Nevertheless, you can increase the durability of your Viper tires by rotating them at regular intervals. Experts advise you rotate your Dodge Viper tires after every six months.

How Long Do Dodge Viper Spark Plugs Last?

Most Dodge Viper spark plugs last between 20,00 and 0,000 miles. It’s best to take out spark plugs immediately they develop issues.

This is because faulty spark plugs can affect the performance of your car. You might have trouble increasing the speed of such a car while driving.

What About Insurance Cost of Dodge Vipers?

It costs about $2,040 per year to insure a Dodge Viper, as per data from Finder.com. However, the actual premium insurers charge on Dodge Viper may differ based on the following factors:

Mileage: If you use your vehicle frequently during a particular year, your annual vehicle insurance fees will probably be expensive.
Age: Usually, young drivers pay higher car insurance costs than older drivers. Among all age groups, teenage drivers pay the most expensive coverage fees.
Location: If crime is rampant in your neighborhood, your car insurance fees will likely be higher than your counterparts in secure areas.
Driving Record: Drivers who have several traffic violations and accidents on their driving records often pay costly coverage fees.

6 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Dodge Viper

Here are six tips to help you get more life from your Dodge Viper:

Change your wiper blades immediately you notice tears in them.
Wax and wash your Dodge Viper regularly.
Never let your engine run without fluids. Refill them often to avoid this.
Alter your tires according to the weather. Install snow tires on your Dodge Viper in the winter and mount summer tires in hot weather.
Always park your Dodge Viper indoors when not in use. If you must park your vehicle outside, it’s best to keep it under a shade.
Inflate your tires with the proper air pressure.

Sources

Dodge Viper | carcomplaints.com

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