Im new to the forums and I have a question. I dont have a dodge ram yet but am looking at getting one right now. Ifound a97 dodge ram with the regular cab long box. It has the 5.9 with about 155,000 miles on it (4x4). There is very minor rust except for the front bumper is completely rusted. The truck is selling for $3500. Is it a good deal?
The owner has only used it to haul his fifth wheel a couple times. Am I going to have to be worried about transmission problems all of the time with that many miles on it?

 

kelly blue book says 3600 - 4200 depending on condition fair vs good. to me, rust = fair. if the truck has pulled a lot, and the transmission has not been rebuilt with beefier parts, it could go out any time ($1500-2000). if the steering is worn out and sloppy, you could be looking at another $300-1000+ for ball joints, axle u-joints, axle bearings, steering box, and track bar. if plenum has not been fixed that's likely leaking and could cost you another few hundred. also watch out for cracked dash, leaking heater core. other than all that, they're great trucks. it could be a good truck for you at $2500-3500 price. just know what you are buying and don't overpay. good luck. ps.. be leary of the term - pulled the 5th wheel a couple of times. usually people w/5th wheel campers use them a LOT. beefed up tranny - no problem. stock tranny - umm.

 

Thank you for answering my question! I'll look around some more.