Maimi, I'm still trying to figure out how you use them white nerf bars??? Do you enter barefoot?
I like the 01....actually they should be superior mechanically since they have the newer braking system and from what I read other 3rd gen innovations tucked in them.....pluss it has the most complete service record and you can see it was someones pride and joy.....plus you'll be glad you have the 5.9 if bigger tires are in your future....

 

If you look closely you'll see there is a dimpled step plate near the front door area. Even still, they are powder-coated, not painted, and hold up really well to my size 10s.

 

Mechanically wise, no, they weren't better made.(as in newer) General trends in the threads here prove that alone. (Wow, I feel like I said that once before) I'm not sure where you got the idea that the 2001's were a lot a like 3rd gens. To a point they were, but nothing worth talking about. The SLT+'s had options that became standard, and that's about it.


Miami, another thought that occurred to me: It has been a long *** time since I've seen a RED fire truck. All you see around here anymore is Reflective green and some yellows.

 

I would say that the front brakes on the 2001 (dual calipers) are definitely better than previous model years. That's just one improvement that comes to mind.


Some smaller municipalities in CA use day-glo green trucks, but L.A. County FD vehicles are still all red.

 

I'd go with the 97 for the reason that it has had 1 owner. Usually more owners on a vehicle is a red flag.

 

Bought the 01.

I did a lot more test driving, and the 97 with the 5.2 just seemed a little week, and the steering was really loose. I also test drove a few other trucks.

The 01 had the front end re-done when it got into the dealership. They also gave me the best deal of all the trucks I drove.

For $$6000 out the door, I got the truck plus a 5 year 100,000 miles extended warranty that will cover the tranny, transfer case, engine, water pump, etc.

Everything about the truck was remarkably clean, the tranny fluid was good and had no burnt smell after a 30 minute test drive.

 

Well damn I hope it works out for you!

 

those warranty's usually arent worth the paper they are printed on as the dealerships that offer them usually pull a fast one and change the legal ownership and name and negate all the previous liabilities.. not always though. Just use caution when using the warranty as an influence in the decision process is all I'm trying to say I guess..I know I read here more than once of someone being denied the service the truck needs under warranty only to have the same shop give an astronomical estimate for repairs as soon as the warranty expired....
in anycase I would try to get my moneys worth out of that warranty since you certainly paid for it in the price of the truck.

 

Well the NADA value was $7500 for the truck, and I got to see their paper work. They had about $5500 invested in the truck including their repairs to the front end. I used to work at a Dodge Dealership, so I know the price is fair since it included the warranty.

 

Enjoy your new truck. I think you got the right one at a fair price.