The 5.9 has had more service done to it though. Including a water pump replacement and all the work done at Dodge Dealerships, including all oil changes and chassis lubrications.

 

I would take the 97. If comparing the 97 and the 01, I'd take the 97 as long as you don't mind stick (which you said you don't).

Better mileage. You will have a bit less torque than if you got the 01 but it shouldn't be too big of a deal esp. for a DD. Also, it has less miles on it. The upgrades on the 01 are also all fairly cheap things to do, and if you really wanted to you probably could put most or all of them on the 97 fairly easily.

My .02

 

Lets see some pics!

 

I see that you are from the great state of WI, so coming from a fellow mid-westerner, (Iowa) that means SNOW! With the 5-speed I hope you never get caught in a bumper-to-bumper snow storm with a stick, as your left leg will be killing you by the time you get home.

For this reason, and only this reason, I would go with the automatic. Been there, done that and will never be caught like that again with a stick! Oh yeah, by the time I got home I could smell the clutch burning. It took me 8 hours to get home from a 20 mile drive in bumper to bumper traffic during that particlular snow storm and my left leg was sore for three days! Otherwise I actually like sticks, except in traffic jams.

 

I used to drive a stick in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. when I lived out there, so I know how bad it sucks to drive in traffic jams. I tend to only drive at night since I have school during the day and I work the night shift.

Here are pics of them. Maybe someone on here knows who the previous owners are. That would be nice so I could learn more about them.

97:



01:

 

Both are clean trucks and both look well cared for by their previous owners. Like I said, at or near the same price I would go with the '01 simply because it is worth more in the KBB than a 4 year older truck.

 

yes that is true miami but i love my 97 and i would rather have it than the 01 i like the factory wheels better than the 01's and here in Tx i know states are different but they vaule my 97 at almost 5 grand still not bad for a truck thats over 10 years old just my .02

 

That's your opinion and you're welcome to it, but recognize that it is more emotional than practical.

 

i know i was just saying they are all sweet trucks in my mind i like having a 97 too because my grandfather god rest his soul it was the last truck he had like laramie's

 

I like the '97. Having said that, from your remarks the dealer services on the '01 would put it at the top of my list. I noticed you didn't mention documentation of tranny maintenance. The one thing that strikes me is the graphics on the '01. Makes me think it's been repainted. Those are often used to distract the eye from imperfections. Maybe the other guys could tell you if those are factory graphics.