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mmullm1
Novice
Aug 27, 2011, 8:04 AM
Post #1 of 14
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Which truck to buy?
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I am going to buy a used truck to carry a slide-in camper, weighing about 1600 lbs. The trucks I'm considering are a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel, and a 2004 Sierra 2500 diesel, both around 110k miles. They both drive fine, both look fine. I'm not specifically looking for a diesel, it's just what's turned up. I've read the pro/con on gas vs. diesel, and I've never had a diesel truck. Both are approx. 20K $ (my budget), both from dealers.
Advise, suggestions?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 27, 2011, 8:41 AM
Post #2 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Did you take your girlfriend, wife, boyfriend, which ever the case may be, with you when took one for a test drive. The noise and smells are an acquired taste and some women don't like the clacking and aroma from the exhaust. Just remember you have to sit next to her when you go on your road trips and the less nagging the better.
If you are interested in a particular one, my best advice is to drive it to a shop that does diesel truck repair and have them inspect the vehicle from top to bottom before making a purchase.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 27, 2011, 10:45 AM)
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 27, 2011, 10:07 AM
Post #3 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Go to edmunds .com and research year make and model of each . look up any recalls ,service bulletins that pertain to each . Has the corrective actions if any been done ? All things equal ,drive both , which one rides and performs the way you drive . last of all which one do you think just looks right.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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zmame
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 27, 2011, 10:34 AM
Post #4 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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My personal opinion on that era of diesel engines is without a doubt cummings is the best!.. You can't kill those engines they are the last of true diesel engines even still used draft pipes up till 2007!.. change your fuel filters regulartly, oil changes on time and drain your fuel/water seperator every oil change you will be golden.
Duramax is a ok engine too and mated with the awsome allison transmission, but these diesel engines are alot more complicated and more expensive to repair. In my opinion not as reliable as the cummings.
I know the Duramax is common for EGR valves, EGR coolers and injector problems. I don`t know what durmax injectors are worth, but ford 6.0L are worth about $300 a pop.
Definitly stay away from 6.0L diesel fords.
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mmullm1
Novice
Aug 28, 2011, 3:11 PM
Post #5 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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(not sure if I'm replying in the correct place)
Thanks everyone for the advise. I've been a couple days reading in various forums, and frankly I'm a bit leery now of buying a diesel at all. It seems they all have problems, and when they do it's expensive. So again, thanks.
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re-tired
Veteran
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Aug 28, 2011, 7:19 PM
Post #6 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Yes the diesels have their share of quirks. But for the task that you want the truck to do their a perfect fit. To go gas your gonna need a big block , probably with a turbo ,and that setup will have its problems also. MY son bought a 03 dodge diesel dually ,turbo with intercooler to haul a 50ft 3 car hauler .A friend of his went into the same business but with a ford dually gas big block . Both have needed repairs , water pumps on both , fuel pumps on the ford , couple of injectors on the dodge. But the diesel is getting far better milage . And my son takes loads into mountains in SC. The ford made one similar trip . But had to carry only 2 cars and used a ton of fuel. And had to use high test gas.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2011, 9:06 AM
Post #7 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Just my comment: Why so much $$ for trucks w so many miles?
T
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re-tired
Veteran
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Sep 3, 2011, 9:37 AM
Post #8 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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The dodge dually really holds its resale value MY son looked high and low , even internet . He finallly found an 03 with 100k on it needed a litle work . He stole it for 8 grand . When he looked for salvage parts ........forget it.......... used engines where going for 2 to 4 grand depending on milage . Impossible to find goodies like used turbo , intercooler . injectors etc. BUT , he now has a reprogrammer on it, adjustable waste gate , 4 inch exhaust, cold air intake, high pressure injectors . 27 inch wheels . With the boost cranked up and the programmer set in power mode it will pull a house .He takes 3 suv's on 50' 3 axle trailer into the Carolina's with no problems .He has been offered 3 times what he has in it .New ones loaded and leather seats go for near 50k.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2011, 10:43 AM
Post #9 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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It's all just shocking to me! First car I paid $100 for, second was just $50. I know, I know - gotta come out of this cave I live in
Tom
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2011, 3:08 PM
Post #10 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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$50? I am curious to know which vehicle that was?
Maybe this one?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 3, 2011, 4:18 PM
Post #11 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Not far from it but it was a totally legal 1963 Ford Falcon with ZERO options - not even a radio! Hey - Good drive-train and decent body and anything else I could fix. Wiped it out hitting a tree being stupid at probably 40 MPH and still drove it home! No body hurt at all and that was pre seat belt even or padded dash boards!
That car is/was in the top ten of hundreds I've owned and never let me down. 144 straight six and NOT underpowered! Go figure?
"Three on the tree" shifting meant you couldn't scratch the family jewels, well, not while driving
If this site wasn't so much clean fun I wouldn't be here,
Tom
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re-tired
Veteran
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Sep 3, 2011, 6:48 PM
Post #12 of 14
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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I too cut my teeth on vintage iron. MY sons generation goes for the gusto . The first car I got to drive was my dads 57 nomad . The first car I could say was mine (paid for working at Mc Donalds) was a 47 woody $500 in pieces, boy I had plans for it.. Sold it for $500 while in boot camp . Thats listed under :
Things I wish I had a chance to do over.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 4, 2011, 3:44 AM
Post #13 of 14
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I don't think you can get a door for a 57 Nomad for $500 now - times change,
Tom
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IndiaDrives
User
Sep 23, 2011, 4:50 AM
Post #14 of 14
(3653 views)
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Re: Which truck to buy?
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Not sure which truck to buy? Here's a step-by-step approach to choosing a
pickup truck. Find a truck that will do the job you need it to do, fits
your budget, and has the type of styling you're looking for.
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