Hi guys,

I'm looking to get a new truck, and I found a really nice 1999 Dodge ram 1500 in perfect condition with 140,000 miles on it. The owner says he's never done any major work to it besides from lifting it a few inches. I'm concerned the transmission will go as soon as I bring it home. Is this a good buy?

 

How about a price, motor, did you drive it? How does it shift? After test drive smell trans fluid see if it smells burnt. Little more info and we can tell you.

 

you never mentioned the price??...has a lot to do with whether its a good buy or not.....my 96 had 140k on it when I bought it this summer...if he said he's never done any major work to it he is likely lying....lol ...jk

 

The owner lives a little ways away from me, and wants to meet halfway - making it tough to test drive unless I'm sure I want this. He's asking $5000.00 US for the truck.

EDIT: it has the 5.2

 

well i just bought my 99 sport blown motor but got truck for 1500 and put 1600 into the motor with 123k on it. to be honest i wouldnt pay 5k for it wouldnt give more then 4500 tops depending on running condition and shifting. if he dont want to let you drive it unless you are gonna buy it then walk away. that would be a bad sign on his part.

 

I think that price is a little high for a truck with 140k on it. I paid 3500 for mine with 118k on it.

 

In this case, not doing any major work on these truck at that millage isn't a good thing. Even though he lives far away, test drive it and don't feel as if HE'S doing YOU a favor by meeting you half way.

 

mine had a new rear end, tranny, fuel pump, new rims, and tires, and i only paid 1800 for mine. 5000 is way to much, my father just sold his 96 Ram 5.2 2wd 118K for 1500. and it has no problems and lots of new parts.

 

kinda depends on whats in/on it.....I paid 5 for mine but it had brand new 35" mudders, rims, new transfer case...headers performance exhaust, a new paint job, ext...even so I realize I paid more than most....I was tired of looking....

 

I wouldn't buy it if he hasn't done any major work either. At that mileage it probably means it's about to need the major work that comes along with these trucks. Maybe not but it seems often it does. If you pay $5000 for the truck then have to do all the other repairs it can easily add up to another $5000 or so especially if you need someone to do the labor. May even add up to more than that. The repairs on this truck add up quickly. I'd try to find one with all the common issues already fixed if I was going to buy one.