So basically i looked at a truck its:

1999
5.9
leather
cracked dash
3 inch lift
134,000 mi
new tires
aftermarket wheels
has a whinning noise in the rear end
sold by a private owner and has some paperwork....

here is the invoice of a mechanic, please zoom in and tell me if i should stay away from the truck. I need to know! Labor is 1000+ and i havent gotten an estimate on parts, whats needed whats not? I have to leave town in a matter of hours and drive 200+ miles, with or without the truck.

The guy wanted 6500 for it and that was prior to the inspection. It appears to drive fine and shifts smoother than alot of the other trucks i have driven. Whats a good negotitaion price, or should i just walk away with this much work needed. I kind of figure the alignment and battery service is more or less useless...the truck starts and the battery works, i can clean it if need be. The truck also drives in a straight line and brakes in a straight line...


(click this to zoom) http://picasaweb.google.com/itsdaveo...21214780136578

The truck:

 

I would pass. 6500 is high for a 99, not to mention w/e is wrong with the rear that you have to fix. The pic just shows remove cover and do bearings, but it could be much worse than that. (failing limited slip if it came with one). 6500+1200 = 7700 for a 99. PASS

 

hmm well what if a 5000$ offer stands?? still worth it? If the truck has a limited slip differential that does not work does that mean that the truck would not move correct? But the transmission would still work??

Can someone bluebook the truck for me? It wont work for me. I tried 8 times! it works for other cars, just not the ram.

Its a 1999 dodge ram 1500
leather
power evreything
slt larmie
134,418 mi on it

 

still high. plus you dont want to start with a problematic truck. I've been seeing 2002-2006 trucks anywhere from 8,000 (for lower years) to 14,000 for barely used 06's. point being that for a 99 thats a little high. not to mention thats w/o parts

 

that truck books out at 6455 in excellent condition ( which it isnt) If you are sold on the truck I would go through and start subtracting average cost of parts from the cost of the truck IE. cracked dash = 200 6500-200= 6300 and so on.....
Considering the age and condition of the truck i wouldnt offer more than 4000 for it. All the mechanical problems kinda worries me. There are a ton of these trucks for sale on the market, and there are plenty in much better condition than this one.
Good luck though

 

I agree w/ the "Walk Away" opinions. My opinion is keep looking, find another one in better shape and still stock. Take the money you would have used to fix that one to get the stock one set up just the way you like it. That way you can make sure it's all done right and won't have to deal with the hidden problems from all the stress from the big tires and lift kit that may have been done w/o beefing up or replacing the proper parts to make it strong like ox.

 

Why not spend the extra money you would put into repairs into a newer truck?

But if that money is really, really, really burning a hole in your pocket. And you really want this truck and all the inherent problems then yeah I'd say get it!

 

Walk for sure....that truck looks like it has tons of problems...

 

i would pass on that one

 

Keep in mind that the average consensus on larger engines / vehicles is people are gravitating toward more fuel efficient vehicles. These trucks can be purchased for a lot less than they used to be. My vote would be to pass on it, even though it does look like a nice truck. Look around a bit and you'll see that you can get a lot for the money you're talking about spending.