Thinking of getting a 2500 Dodge

I need a 3/4 ton truck and i looked at a 2003 2500 Dodge today. Its a 4 door with the 5.7 hemi in it with an auto trans. It has 105000 miles on it and they want $14000 for it. Its got leather in and the paint looks good. It also has a plow frame on it but no plow. Their is lease rust on than my truck has. They are giving me 12000 for my truck. What do u guys think.

 

I say go for it if you need the true full sized 3/4 ton, Dodge makes a great truck bro'......

My neighbor across from me has the 5.7 Hemi, that thing hauls ass, real torquey all thru the power band...

 

4x4?

 

Yes.

 

Ive never been fond of dodge, but my buddy has a 02 one and it hasnt had any problems.

 

I think im gonna get it.

 

better than a ford..
but why not a desiel?

 

I've had nothing but bad luck and problems with any of the Dodge vehicles that I have owned. Many others that have owned them will tell you the same. I would stay away from it man, but that's just my $.02.

 

x2 on the diesel...can you find one with that option? If I were to get a 3/4 ton I would look into the diesel option if it fits your budget.

 

I had a Dodge, will never buy a Chrysler product again, POS all around.

 

Never owned a Ram, but we have had five Dakotas in the immediate family. There are always some little things that go wrong. Let's see: gas gauge, parking brake handle, rear trans seal, belt tensioner, stuff like that. Three of our five trucks have had 100-150k on them when sold, the only one with any significant issues is the 03 4.7 dakota. It's got 105k on it right now and recently had a water pump, thermostat and radiator put in it chasing an overheat problem. Seems to be fixed now. Dad has commented that he thinks the trans is starting to slip, but not really an issue yet. Might just need service, I know it's overdue. I am told that cracked plastic water pump impellers and clogged radiators are common on the 4.7, not sure on the Hemi. Overall, they have been a good value for us. Just don't pay too much for it, they do not hold their resale value like a Toyota does.

 

Very similar with mine too, was a Dakota and I had to replace the brakes twice before 30k miles, water pump, 2 top radiator hoses, the heater went out, 2 thermostats, and just about every plastic piece inside that was meant as a handle was broken within the first 6 months.

I'm glad that truck was carjacked from me!

 

IIRC i had somebody tell me that instead of a U-joint on the driveshaft it was a cv joint? Is that true?

 

The 03 Ram is a good truck but make sure and check the front end they are known to go out. I have nothing bad to say about the hemi due to never owning one; my company truck has a hemi seems to do god on everything but mpg. I ma a huge cummins fan though last forever and easy to work on.

Robert

 

The only thing I would ever consider a Dodge for is the Cummins. If I were you I'd start looking for a diesel as others have said.

 

Most dodge full size trucks i've seen need ball joints and tie rod ends. Seem to have a fair amount with transmission issues to. 5.7 engine seems reliable though.

 

If you get a diesel stay away from the automatic transmissions and get the manual. The auto are POS.

 

OP, if you are looking for a 3/4 ton for around the price of the Dodge you mentioned, I would try to find a 00-03 F-250 with the 7.3 liter diesel. I would be very wary of that Dodge with 105,000 on the odometer. But again, just my $.02.