What should I watch for when buying a 2004
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Registered User
Joined: May 2008
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What should I watch for when buying a 2004
I own a new '08 RAM 1500 QC, which I love. I am helping my in-laws buy a new-to-them truck. I came across a 2004 Dakota, V6, 4x2, auto, ext. cab. It has 19,000 kms on it, and the body and paint are immaculate.
What things should I look for? I don't want them to get a lemon. It has verylow mileage so I assume it was owned by possibly a retired person living in the city. What problems exist on these trucks?
I know the dealer was putting new brakes on it. I was thinking I should ask him to do a full fuel injector purge, engine flush and tranny fluid/filter change. Anything else? Would an optional warranty be advisable?
Thanks in advance
What things should I look for? I don't want them to get a lemon. It has verylow mileage so I assume it was owned by possibly a retired person living in the city. What problems exist on these trucks?
I know the dealer was putting new brakes on it. I was thinking I should ask him to do a full fuel injector purge, engine flush and tranny fluid/filter change. Anything else? Would an optional warranty be advisable?
Thanks in advance
The Total Package
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,599
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From: Kansas
RE: What should I watch for when buying a 2004
id look in getting the power strearing flushed(yes they can do that) for a while now there were alot of guys complannign about their stearing goin bad at only 50,000ish miles
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,613
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From: Clemson, SC
RE: What should I watch for when buying a 2004
Well good truck, there is almost no porformance parts or suspenction parts for that truck. 3.7 seems to be a good motor. If they will use this truck to tow much or haul heavy loads i would get the V8 it will get a little less mpg but will not loose as much with the added weight. I have a V6 and work it all the time and love it.
Professional
Joined: Jan 2008
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From:
RE: What should I watch for when buying a 2004
I have an 03 v6 2X4 and it is in great condition.
Personally, I would not buy a used car without shelling out for a professional expert to inspect it top to bottom (we made the sale of my truck pending on it)... However, there are easy signs to check the condition of the truck underneath the paint. Also, check with Carfax to get a report on any wrecks or anything... if you are buying from a dealership, have them print out a copy (so it won't cost you
)
First, stand at an angle and check for any imperfections or uneven jobs in the paint to try and recognize if there has been a paint job done (leading to believe a wreck has occured).
Second, pop the hood. The cleanliness under the hood is pretty much the most dead give away as to whether the previous owner knew how to take care of a vehicle... if it's nasty... eh.
But the main problem with these trucks is just the power steering SOMETIMES. Keeping the fluid fresh will prevent most any issues.
Personally, I would not buy a used car without shelling out for a professional expert to inspect it top to bottom (we made the sale of my truck pending on it)... However, there are easy signs to check the condition of the truck underneath the paint. Also, check with Carfax to get a report on any wrecks or anything... if you are buying from a dealership, have them print out a copy (so it won't cost you
)First, stand at an angle and check for any imperfections or uneven jobs in the paint to try and recognize if there has been a paint job done (leading to believe a wreck has occured).
Second, pop the hood. The cleanliness under the hood is pretty much the most dead give away as to whether the previous owner knew how to take care of a vehicle... if it's nasty... eh.
But the main problem with these trucks is just the power steering SOMETIMES. Keeping the fluid fresh will prevent most any issues.
