Pictures Added! Found a Truck and bought it too!

[Skinypete]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to buy a used truck 2004 or newer and under $15k, preferably a Dodge or Ford (foreign vehicles not considered).

Some of the stipulations I have are that the truck must be a 1/2 ton, 4x4, and preferably a stick.

If anyone could put up there opinions/problems they have about different trucks they have owned I would greatly appreciate it.  I am trying to make a well informed decision.

Thanks

DJMIII

[Silver R/T]

You could get a Cummins Dodge 3/4 and it'll last you lifetime

[bull]

Off topic here but is your username supposed to read Skinnypete? If not what does "Skiny" mean?

[Skinypete]

You could get a Cummins Dodge 3/4 and it'll last you lifetime

Diesel is not out of the equation here, I just don't want the added expense of at 3/4 ton truck (registration, parts and the such).  I don't know if they put the Cummins in an 1500 or not, and lets not forget about the Power Stroke.

Off topic here but is your username supposed to read Skinnypete? If not what does "Skiny" mean?

Yes, bull, it is supposed to be pronounced "Skinnypete" and I've had that user name for so long on other sites and whatnot I couldn't even begin to tell you where I got it from.  Oh and just in case you were wondering my name is David, but my friends call me Dave... F.Y.I. I consider yunz my friends 

Thanks Guys

DJMIII

[Silver R/T]

powerpuke. Cummins will outlast any powerstroke on the road and no, they didn't have 1500 with Cummins in them

[Skinypete]

I guess I could get a 2500 with a Cummins and just register it as a 1/2 ton truck.  That would solve the registration cost, but not the more expensive parts...

Still open to any suggestions that you may have.  What about the 5.7 HEMI or the 5.4 Ford?

DJMIII

[Troy]

Some of the stipulations I have are that the truck must be a 1/2 ton, 4x4, and preferably a stick.

You could get a Cummins Dodge 3/4 and it'll last you lifetime

Yeesh... 1. The Cummins doesn't come in a 1500. 2. finding a Cummins Ram 4x4 2004 and newer for under $15k would seem to be nigh impossible. Thanks for playing.

The only truck I have newer than 2004 is my Tahoe and it was recommended to me by several Mopar guys. The power is good, it will tow my trailer just fine, and the fuel mileage is better than either the Ford or Dodge. Honestly, that was my main turn-off against the Hemi - the mileage is no better than my 1984 Suburban 3/4 ton with a carb'd 454 (that I paid $1100 for). Edmunds ranks the 2003-2004 Fords pretty high and I have a few friends with them (all with 5.4). They don't seem to have any complaints. I'm done with buying anything new(er) from Dodge.

Troy

[Silver R/T]

Some of the stipulations I have are that the truck must be a 1/2 ton, 4x4, and preferably a stick.

You could get a Cummins Dodge 3/4 and it'll last you lifetime

Yeesh... 1. The Cummins doesn't come in a 1500. 2. finding a Cummins Ram 4x4 2004 and newer for under $15k would seem to be nigh impossible. Thanks for playing.

The only truck I have newer than 2004 is my Tahoe and it was recommended to me by several Mopar guys. The power is good, it will tow my trailer just fine, and the fuel mileage is better than either the Ford or Dodge. Honestly, that was my main turn-off against the Hemi - the mileage is no better than my 1984 Suburban 3/4 ton with a carb'd 454 (that I paid $1100 for). Edmunds ranks the 2003-2004 Fords pretty high and I have a few friends with them (all with 5.4). They don't seem to have any complaints. I'm done with buying anything new(er) from Dodge.

Troy

Diesel is not out of the equation here, I just don't want the added expense of at 3/4 ton truck (registration, parts and the such).  I don't know if they put the Cummins in an 1500 or not, and lets not forget about the Power Stroke.

You won't find a 2004 or newer diesel for $15K. I have 01.5Ram and I'm happy with it. They hold their value and it'll pull anything I put behind it. It does get good gas mileage and better mpg than Ford or Chevy when pulling.

[skip68]

I love the Ford trucks.      The older 7.3 power stroke I should say is the best.  The newer one's have been trouble.   The Cummings motor is a great motor as well.   

[HITMAN 149]

hmmmmm i have a nice 01 ram for ya!!!!  hehehehe
some guy just offered me $7800 this morn... 

[Skinypete]

Okay so from what I understand Ford is the way to go.  Although Dodges are my favorite...

Here is what I'm basically gonna use the truck for...

• Daily driver in the winter and rain (gettin my motorcycle perment)
• Tow the boat occassionally
• Tow my charger for far away shows (when its done...)
• Hunting (carry gear and what not)
• Camping
• NO OFF ROADING!

Diesel is outta my price range I guess, so that sucks...

Can you buy a 3/4 ton truck but register it as a 1/2 ton truck? I heard that you could and that would save me like a $100 on plates every year...

Troy... What turns you off to Dodges? Mechanical issues? Quality? Both?  

Thanks for all your input so far guys!

DJMIII

[Troy]

If you tell the DMV it's a 2500 (well, the VIN should tell them) then they already know it's a 3/4 ton. You might be able to convince them it's a 1/2 ton but once they find out they can hit you for any underpayments (and possibly a fine). Ohio had my 3500 dually registered as a 1/2 ton for a couple years. They blamed it on a clerical error (not me) so they just raised the registration fees when they figured it out. It's not worth saving the $100 if you ask me.

I like longer beds - or a quad cab with a short bed - for towing cars. The 2500 would be a better choice because of the stiffer springs and higher load rating but the the 1500 will probably be fine (especially modern ones that aren't really 1/2 tons). If you get a shorter truck or one where you're getting close to the towing capacity then I'd seriously look into a weight distributing hitch with anti-sway capabilities. I think I pad $495 for mine but the difference is night and day. Other than that, it sounds like a 1500 would cover all your needs.

My issues with Dodge/Chrysler are many but it primarily boils down to not acknowledging defects in their products and then jacking up the prices on all the stuff that has a tendency to break so you get kicked when you're down. The build quality of their vehicles has gotten better but it's still horrendous. The 2003 and newer trucks are improved over previous models (especially the diesels) but I have no personal experience with them (except the poor mileage).

Troy

[Silver R/T]

Read this thread and decide for yourself if you want to step up to 2500 or not
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,68063.0.html

[HITMAN 149]

i towed my 68 r/t back to jersey from baltimore Md FINE!!! i didn't even realize it was back there!!! and ive been to countless bike weeks (daytona fl & myrtle beach) with a bike in the back and 2 on the trailer.. and same thing... you would never realize they are there!! lol
the guy is supposed to come by with the cash tomorrow!!! sniffffle sniffffle

[bull]

Off topic here but is your username supposed to read Skinnypete? If not what does "Skiny" mean?

Yes, bull, it is supposed to be pronounced "Skinnypete" and I've had that user name for so long on other sites and whatnot I couldn't even begin to tell you where I got it from.  Oh and just in case you were wondering my name is David, but my friends call me Dave... F.Y.I. I consider yunz my friends 

Thanks Guys

DJMIII

Ok. I don't understand it but I'll go with it.

[Skinypete]

Thanks buddy!

DJMIII

[PocketThunder]

. 2. finding a Cummins Ram 4x4 2004 and newer for under $15k would seem to be nigh impossible. Thanks for playing.
Troy

I agree, i've been watching cummins diesel 4x4 stick prices for awhile now and about the closest you can get to a 2004 and newer will be around $18,000 right now and it will be pushing 200,000 miles on it already.  For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/05-Dodge-Ram-Crew-4x4-Cummins-Turbo-diesel-6-speed_W0QQitemZ220579737852QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item335b93b0fc

[Old Moparz]

I bought my 5.7 Hemi 2004 Dodge 1500 4x4 as a leftover in July 2005 & now have 39,000 miles on it. It rides nice, tows well, & runs smooth. It's been a decent truck & I like it, but it's had it's share of issues that it shouldn't have had. I would still consider another Dodge when it comes time to replace this one.

At 11,000 miles a stalling problem started that has been blamed on various components, but it's never been fixed. Under warranty, sensors were replaced, filters were replaced, the computer was "flashed" or updated, & maybe a few other things as well with no luck. An independent mechanic that I have known & used since 1989, not Chrysler, was positive that it's fuel system related & suggested that I don't top off the gas tank. I didn't notice at first, but the stalling was at it worst shortly after filling up the gas tank. I tried his idea & it cut back on the stalling. I went a step further & put in even less gas at fill ups, 32 gallons max in a 35 gallon tank & it never stalls. If I recall, he said the vapors are being drawn into the system as part of the emissions, & basically "flooding" the engine with gas.

At about 27,000 miles I noticed a power steering leak. The rack itself is leaking, not hoses, so I just watch the fluid level since a new rack installed will be over $1300.

Just this year I noticed that it started to use some oil at around 35,000 miles. I went on a 2000 mile trip & it used about 1-1/2 quarts. Same mechanic said he thinks the problem lies under the intake, so that won't be cheap to fix either, & I watch the oil level more cautiously.

I don't think any one brand of truck will be trouble free, so it will really depend on how well the used truck was taken care of. Troy likes his Tahoe, a friend of mine likes his Fords, & others will like whichever brand for their own reasons.

[Skinypete]

Well the search is still on...  I've been reading about problems that people have been having with the Ford 7.3 diesel. My main concern is that the main issue seems to be that it stalls out a lot.

Does anyone have first hand experience with this?

Thanks

DJMIII

[ACUDANUT]

 I am a 7.3 Powerstroke owner/lover. My 7.3 will outlast and perform any Dodge truck out there, Not to mention retain it's value.    I am not starting a pissing match either...I have had both brands. The 1990 Dodge 12v Cummins is my second choice. I like that motor alot.
2003 was the last year for the 7.3 and then came the "new" piece of crap 6.0 liter after that (thanks to the epa mandates).  7.3's are only in 3/4 and heavier trucks.  It takes a heavy truck frame to hold this monster.
 As mentioned above, you cannot register a 3/4 ton truck as a half ton. When they run the VIN , it tells them what type of truck it is.  I still don't get the point. The cost is not much more to register either.
  I can tell you must be a teenager, by your thinking.  You can't cheat the system.
 
 

[Skinypete]

I'm 20, and I wasn't trying to beat the system. I asked because I heard that you could bump the truck down a weight class in Pa when you registered it.  It was just my curiosity working a little.

So you guys definitely think that a 03 or older Powerstroke is the way to go?

Thanks

DJMIII

[ACUDANUT]

 Your in a Faithfull Mopar site. Don't expect too much support here, except from me.

[694spdRT]

Last year I had a bug to get a 7.3 Ford Excursion for the family. Everyone I looked at had way over 100,000 miles and was still in the 15-20K range. Some were in the mid 20's if the miles were lower. I decided to keep my Cummins Quad cab and make do. 

Keep in mind that any 7.3 powerstroke you are looking at will be over 7 years old now and probably high in miles. Regardless of how "good" they may be it is not new. Any diesel will likely have been used as a truck and if it wasn't you will pay a premium. On higher mileage trucks even if the engine doesn't give you problems something else probably will. That is just how it goes with used vehicles. A lady I work with just told me about the great deal she got on a 1999 Chevy 2500 4 x 4 to pull her horse trailer. She said it runs fine even though it had over 200,000 on it. The first week she had it the automatic overdrive tranny went out. Not really such a good deal then.

If I were looking for a daily driver truck, that doesn't pull a trailer very much, it would probably be a gasser. You will get a newer and better equipped truck for the same or less money. We have a 2003 1500 Hemi that has over 60K on it and no problems so far. It gets around 17-18 mpg on the highway and it is pre MDS. My 2005 Cummins will get 20-21mpg but it cost twice as much too.

[Highbanked Hauler]

I'm 20, and I wasn't trying to beat the system. I asked because I heard that you could bump the truck down a weight class in Pa when you registered it.  It was just my curiosity working a little.

So you guys definitely think that a 03 or older Powerstroke is the way to go?

Thanks

DJMIII

In Mass. you pay for your plates by the thousand pound weight. My CDT is weighted for 10,100 I could have weighted it for 5K and paid the amount for 5K plates legally  BUT with anymore than a bale of hay in the back I would be overloaded.  If you get in a wreck with an (overloaded) truck they could give you a spanking under some circumstances easier than if you are weighted correctly. I paid the extra money and had mine at 10K.  I am not sure about  the NC. system so I paid the extra $90. for a (weighted) plate rather than risk any problems.

[moparguy01]

The powerstroke 7.3td is a good engine. I pu many miles pulling a 28' and a 44' enclosed trailer. Granted it had a power chip in it, you could hardly tell it had a trailer attached. After 100k miles the crank sensor went out and some other sensor, but no other problems than that. Cummins are also good but they are real exspensive in comparison. But with what you told us about how your gonna use it I'd probably go with a half ton. I would avoid the 5.4 though, I haven't heard much good about those ford engines.

[wayfast1500]

I test drove a 2000 7.3 with 160k on it. The dealership was letting it go for $10g.  I was real impressed with the power it was a torque monster.

[ACUDANUT]

 Ford had a recall on those cam sensors and mine was changed for free.  There are still alot of older 1999-2003 7.3 out there with low miles (like mine) BUT, not many and they are far and few. Good luck with whatever you get. BTW The Duramax's are Damn good too.  Stay away from Fords 6.0 Powerstrokes.
  For your money, look for a 1990-1993 Cummins 12v. 

[Skinypete]

I would like for nothing more than to have an older Dodge with a Cummins but one of the conditions of me getting a truck is it has to be less than 10 years old.  And you're right, I've read lots of bad things about the 6.0 Powerstroke.

DJMIII

[1970Moparmann]

You may have to go a little older than 2004.   I purchased a truck from http://www.lenzauto.com/ and they tend to be lower than other dealers.  I just put a search in with your requirements and it gave 1 result for a truck...

I was a huge Ford guy, and  lasted owned a 2001 Supercrew F150 and a 2004 Excursion with a Diesel, and basically left Ford because of the issues I was having.  From Ford, I looked at Dodge, but I wanted a bigger back seat for the family and the Mega cab wasn't available yet.  With this, I bought a Avalanche, which I loved but totaled it, then now have a Duramax Silverado 2500, which I also love.  I put 30k on it just towing and still love the truck.  Chevy is a good alternative also

[Skinypete]

http://backwebs.homenetinc.com/LenzSalesandLeasingTruck/details2.asp?vehicle_id=19598&path_taken=Email%5C#tippytop

What do you think about this one? I hear that the 5.9 is a very reliable motor.

DJMIII

[70redbee]

Not the newer year you are looking for but I have a 96 F250 7.3 powerstroke and it has 350,000 miles on it and still going strong. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere and do.

[Skinypete]

Thanks for the thought brother but the year range is a strict requirement.  My father hates working on cars other than his 69 Dart and my 74 Charger.  Him and I both believe that when your buying a used vehicle you can never be 100% of what your buying and that the older it is the more problems it may have.

DJMIII

[694spdRT]

That '03 is a common rail diesel. Much quieter running than the earlier 24 valves or 12 valves. They are a little less horsepower than the 2004.5 on up diesel trucks but getter they usually get better mileage. I love my '05 common rail.

I would say that would be a good truck for you provided everything is what they say.

[PocketThunder]

Oh MY GOD!!  how bad ass is this truck!          

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110526012328

[chargerboy69]

Chevy is a good alternative also

I love my GMC 3500 truck.  From someone that tows everyday and I mean everyday I would jump in a GM gas or Duramax over anything else out there.  Not that Cummins is not a good engine, because they are.  It is just the rest of the truck is weak.  The worst transmissions and the front end suspensions are junk.  I have several very close friends with Cummins Dodges and they have all had transmission issues, some more than once.  A couple of them have also had injector issues and wow I am glad I did not have to pay that bill.  You can not go wrong with the Duramax with a Allison transmission to back it up. Just my opinion

[694spdRT]

I think the newer common rail trucks also have a better automatic than previous years. I wouldn't buy an automatic diesel anyway. I am still not sure what to think about the newer 6.7 cummins yet.

[GPULLER]

Oh MY GOD!!  how bad ass is this truck!          

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110526012328

Yes that truck is bad ass!

I have 200,000 on my '98 12V Quad Cab Short box, has a cam plate in the pump to take power from stock 180hp/420tq to 230hp/608tq, been in there for 170,000 miles and haven't had any trans troubles.   Truck pulls a 25ft 5th wheel trailer with a 10,500lb tractor about every weekend during the summer.  Use your head and drive it like you own it, the trans holds up well.

[chargergirl]

We have two Dodge Diesels and both have Cumnmings 24 Valve turbo and extended cab and long beds. 2001 Dually is 6 speed and 1999 3/4 ton is auto. Found the  '99 driving home one day and bought it for $13,500. They are out there. We both get 23mpg or better towing fully loaded enclosed trailer. My trans "went out" and it was a $16 part that Mark was able to install and she runs great. Other than that I have had NO problems and she rides like a dream. Love the sound of the turbo and have cold air box K&N...would NEVER trade my diesel for anything else. Covering the bed for better mileage for me! Went to Gainesville without the back covered on less than a half tank from Pensacola without towing anything but me. Although I must admit she has less that 80K miles on her.

[Skinypete]

It is now time to change this thread from "looking to buy a truck" to "I Now Own One!"

Its a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi 5 speed quad cab.

Here is the link to where I found it on Autotrader, I'm not sure about how much longer this listing will be active...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=278860838&dealer_id=74833&start_year=2003&drive=4+wheel+drive&advanced=y&make3=CHEV&make2=FORD&engine=8+Cylinder&max_price=16000&make=DODGE&style_flag=2&only_photo=1&body_style=TRUCKS&search_type=used&distance=25&fuel=Gasoline&end_year=2011&only_price=1&address=15085&seller_type=b

I will be picking it up tomorrow!!! Very Excited!!
Pictures soon to follow!!

DJMIII

[Darkman]

  Good score!

[PocketThunder]

Damn thats nice.  Any idea of what the mpg will be?  Is the Hemi 5-speed available in a 1/2 ton?

[Skinypete]

I think I'm gonna be getting around 13.5 mpg. And I'm not sure if you could get the 5 speed in the 1500 but my guess would be that you could.

DJMIII

[ACUDANUT]

 Nice, but why do you need 4 doors ??

[694spdRT]

I think I'm gonna be getting around 13.5 mpg. And I'm not sure if you could get the 5 speed in the 1500 but my guess would be that you could.

DJMIII

I don't think you could get a Hemi 5 speed but you could with a 4.7 V8.  Dad tried to order one in 2004 and couldn't.

[Skinypete]

Need the four doors to move troops around on various activities such as: Boating trips, Camping trips (personal and Boy Scouts), Car shows, Family outings, and just hanging with my friends.

DJMIII

[694spdRT]

I think you will like that truck.   

[Skinypete]

Here are the pictures I promised although it be a day later than promised...

I love this truck!!!!

















DJMIII

[PocketThunder]

Nice pictures except for the ones of you in it.  You should have had your girlfriend pose instead...                 

[mikesbbody]

That's one nice looking Truck you have there!   

[Skinypete]

Nice pictures except for the ones of you in it.  You should have had your girlfriend pose instead...                 

Maybe next time... If your lucky 

DJMIII

[tan top]

nice truck     

Nice pictures except for the ones of you in it.  You should have had your girlfriend pose instead...                 

Maybe next time... If your lucky 

DJMIII

[FlatbackFanatic]

good looking truck.

[ACUDANUT]

 The pic in your "avatar" and you next to the dodge truck look like 2 different people. 

[mopar73]

Nice truck

[Skinypete]

Thanks everybody on the good comments!! And yeah that is me in both of the pictures, they were just taken two years apart and minus like 25 pounds.  The 69 Dart also has undergone major changes...

DJMIII