Even if those graphics aren't factory I see a lot of customization on the '01, which indicates to me a previous owner that cared a lot about his truck.

 

I personally like the 97 more. The 01 has a lot of stuff customized just for looks, and if I wanted a look-customized vehicle, I would want it to be exactly how I wanted it (hence the word custom). I wonder why there are bed rails on the bed cover of the 01..

 

Here i go with my $.02. As for carfax they are a joke. Why? Well a. they are about 6mo. behind b. if repairs werent done through insur. then they arent documented. If it were my choice i think id choose the '99 for the fact of less mileage just as clean i presume and has minor mods. I have a '99 with 123k on the clock and the tranny is auto and strong. i wouldnt even consider the others that 1 has 20k more and the other has almost 50k more thats huge for what little you say you drive that thing would last you 20 yrs+. As far as value you are losing or gaing much from the '99 to the '01. But hey that just IMHO. I will say this though i hade a '89 ram with the 318 and 4 speed i think it was (manual) and boy o' boy watch the hell out what a tank that was.

 

Here is more info on the 3 of them:

97:

It was in a accident in the first month of the owner having it back in late 1996, but according to carfax, no damage was reported. Carfax it up to date until 2008, then not again until it is put up for sale. It has service records, but none at a dealer.

99:

Serviced at a dealer until it hit about 55k, then it was serviced at local places. Carfax stops in 2008 until put for sale. Has considerable amount of rust on the underbody compared to the other two, but interior and rest of truck are in great shape.

01:

Not serviced at a dealer until it hit 55k for the first owner. Then serviced at a dealership for remainder of 1st owner, and then the same dealership for entire 2nd owner. 3rd owner serviced it at another dealership. Carfax up to date until 9/25/09. Water pump replaced in 2005, no other major things done besides regular maintaince. Seems most taken care of of the three, but has the highest mileage to year ratio. And highest mileage.

 

Take them for a long test drive and open them up. See if the tranny feels funny. Than when you get back pull the dipstick on the tranny and smell it. If its burnt and black I would shy away from it. No if it just has a light burnt smell it would be ok. Go under the trucks and look for leaks after the drive. Oh before you get there make sure the trucks are dead cold! If they are warm the dealer might be trying to hide something from you. Feel back by the headers to see if its warm. Good luck with which one you chose. I have an 01 reg cab 5.9 so far so good I'm knocking on 55k with mine. After you get one change all fluids right away, its good to start fresh. Than do a full tune up such as plugs, wires, cap and rotor. They will keep the truck in good running shape. Good luck with what you chose and let us know of any issues we are here to help you mod or just keep it going down the road.

 

I have a 97 1500 with a 5.2 and I love it. So for that reason I'd buy it again. I don't know if it's just me but I've noticed more 01's with issues then any other year.

 

I agree. Plus the '97 has 30k less miles. I'd go with the 97 if it were my pick. But, it's your truck.

 

#3 if you want a lift i would get the bigger 5.9 motor

 

As far as the 5.2 being anemic? Not really. Specially with the 5 speed in it. I don't see an issue with the 5.2 in a single cab short bed. To me you can make that one hell of a spunky little truck. The 318 motors aren't bad at all, don't let anyone tell you any difference. Yea, the 360 may make a little more horse power, but not enough to really make it worth buying a truck that might have some serious issues down the road.

Personally, I'd look at that 1997. 2001's seem to have the most issues out of all the other year ranges when you look through the 2nd gen archives here. It's not because I'm biased towards the 97's, but to me that's where I'd haggle first. If I were looking at a personal level, I'd stay away from a white truck. Just looks too fleetish to me.

 

For the 97, the black one, I just found out that the single owner was a middle aged woman and was according to the dealer, "appears to be gently driven."