Pictures Added! Found a Truck and bought it too!

[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