hey guys, i posted a thread on this while ago and only got 1 reply, I'm just looking for opinions on what you guys think of your trucks. I'm looking for a 2nd gen. 1500 for my 1st car. just wanna know what kind of mpg i can expect and how long can i expect it to run for, i know the transmissions aren't too great but are there any other problems i should know about? please reply and tell me what you think about your trucks and if one would make a good daily driver(it will be used for work to but i also need it to get back and forth to work) thanks for reading and thanks for any replies

 

MPG- awful. 10-12 depending on how much it was taken care of

How long it will run for? Pretty much forever. Even if you abuse it.

Daily driver? Only if your work is within 10 miles of your house.

Transmissions are hit or miss. Mostly miss it seems like.

 

Get one with a stick and drive it till you die.






(Provided you keep fluid in it )

 

1) I get 19 mpg with mostly open highway driving, driving like a grandma and never exceeding 55 mph-usually 45-50. Before I started driving very, very slow and drove 65 on the highway and accelerated normally, I averaged 16 mpg. 2) There is nothing wrong with these transmissions. They have some weak spots that are exposed when not properly maintained and abused-just like EVERY OTHER MANUFACTURER. I tow WAY over recommended weight-13k is the highest so far in July Arizona heat and up a 5 mile 5-6% grade-and as long as I maintain it, it has lasted. 3) Look on Craigslist, most 2nd gens have 180k-300k miles, because they last when maintained. I have yet to buy a bad Chrysler product in the last 27 years since I bought my first 65 Coronet 440. R body 5th Avenue, K Cars, Horizons, Shadows, pickups, Neons and for the last 6 years a bulletproof 98 Ram 1500 QC with a 318. Abuse your ride and don't maintain it and it'll break-that simple. Sorry, but I am sick of the Dodge bashing.

 

I was going to call bs on 19 mpg, but then you said 318. So it is possible, although very slim. I find it hard to believe.

However these trucks are not bulletproof. Nothing is bulletproof. They are extremely tough.They'll run on 3 cylinders an one working sensor. But they aren't bulletproof.

Take care of any automobile properly and it'll run a long time. These trucks will run without Maintence. But that doesn't mean they're bulletproof.

 

Yeah try an get a 5 speed they usually hold up better. As far as common problems... The plenum gasket for one-read the stickied thread.

 

I have a '97 1500 and I love the truck. It's got it's faults that I don't much care for, but that comes with any vehicle you buy.

The gas mileage is pretty bad, I average somewhere around 15-17MPG on the highway. Once I hit city streets, that drops significantly. Especially where I live, where theres literally a redlight every 50 yards.

I bought mine a little over two years ago with about 155,000 miles on it. I'm pushing 210,000 miles with no major issues. I basically inherited all the maintenance from the previous owner, wheel bearings, shocks, etc. The engine runs well and uses very little oil between changes. Lucky for me, the previous owner did the plenum fix himself, so I didn't have that to worry about.

The transmission on mine has obviously been rebuilt, but I've had no issues. Had it serviced at 190,000 and no problems. Even if it were to give out, I'd have it rebuilt because I trust the truck so much.

If you don't neglect it, it'll last. Like my dad told me: Take care of the ride, it'll take care of you.

 

You can call BS on whatever you want. I happen to have a 94 Plymouth Acclaim with over 200k original miles. Just because you don't know how to make a vehicle last, don't project your experience on someone else. I have 162k miles on my Ram and no major repairs. That's bullet-proof. BTW, your talking crap to a certified mechanic who has over 20 years experience.

 

I bet if I shot it with a gun it would have a hole in it.

 

thank you this really helped a lot! i wasnt trying to bash dodge etheir i was just curious if the rumors were true. and yes i do understand that with proper maintenance any thing will last longer, my dad always says treat your equipment good and it will treat you good too. i can do all the maintenance and work my self too. one more thing, do you know how well these trucks work with 33" tiers? want to put a leveling kit on it but i know bigger tiers put strain on all transmissions in any vehicle thank you for the response again!