I am going out tomorrow to look at a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500.
I am on a budget of around 3k. I am only 16 and don't want to spend to much on gas.
This one I am looking at is a 2 Door, 2WD, and a V-6. So its pretty much the low end.
Are the V-6 good? Dependable? Gas?
It has 160k miles on it. But in the pictures it looks really good. So if it looks good, hopefully they took care of it mechanically as well.

Please tell me what yall think of this one

http://charleston.craigslist.org/ctd/2024671736.html

 

I think he is asking too much for a V-6 with 160K. I junked my 1996 with 150K because I did not have the heart to sell it to anyone, even for 500.

The only thing propping up the value of that truck is the YEAR (it is not as old).

I would offer 2500 and not drop the hammer on anything more than 3K.

If he were to include the warranty with that asking price, it is a safe bet. As long as it covers the engine, steering, suspension and transmission.

Gas will not be as good as you think. V6s made in 2001 are not like V6s made now. They get maybe 16 MPG.

The lack of aftermarket parts for V6s will ensure that you don't go broke, or break your truck trying to hop it up.

If it is a private seller, and he is continuing the warranty with you, ensure you know WHEN IT RUNS OUT, and that you get the paperwork to transfer the warranty (50 bucks if it is from Dodge).

--Dan

 

I noticed it is from a dealer so definetely stick to the price in your head, they will give. It may take them calling you back the next day but they'll deal. i don't know anything about a V6, but the body does look clean and straight.

Good luck,

 

i would get the v8, like a 98 and up . you can find something in the same price range. the v6 gets same milage as the 5.2/5.9 V8. you would would be happy with the more power also !

 

Hhhhmmm...... Price seems kinda inflated to me, and their value of over 4K? Almost 5? I really don't see that.... unless that truck has some serious options, or factors not listed, highest value I can find is about 3300... and that assumes pristine condition.

Its a six, and two wheel drive...... but, its still a truck. If you are concerned about fuel economy, do NOT buy a truck.

 

I have a '99 with V6, manual transmission, and 2WD (paid about $1900). It has 190K miles, and no cruise or tilt steering wheel, but otherwise is about the same. It is in great shape - the underside is immaculate - it is a Southern truck that hasn't seen salt ever. I did the front brakes a couple of weekends ago, and it will likely need a clutch soon, and the tires have maybe a year left. Otherwise it will hopefully not need a thing for a few years.

I think the NADA figures tend to be quite high for dealer sale. Check the KBB.com site for the Kelly BB value, which is often quite a bit less.

If you buy from a private party instead of a dealer, the price will be a grand less (maybe even a lot less).

But the basic V6 2WD truck is a nice choice (hey, I bought one :-) ) as the gas mileage will be better and it will likely not have been off-roaded with 2WD (i.e.- some people will have thrashed the 4WD models if they didn't know what they were doing). You could beat a V6 2WD, but wouldn't get much enjoyment out of it so likely it will have been driven more or less decently.

 

Thanks guys. I don't plan on buying that one in the link, but today I will go look at it to get a idea.
I agree with yall the private parties always seem to have better deals.
I would like a 4X4 but I guess its best then that I stay away from one so it will be less likely that I get a abused truck thanks MilesBFree.
Cause I won't be doing off-roading really, so I'll go with a 2.

MilesBFree do you find your truck dependable? And anyone else out there?
And what kind of gas milage are you getting?

 

i get about 12 with the mods i have done

 

Well I test drove that Ram today.
It ran really good, the A/C was cold and the heat was hot. It has manuel windows which is what I want, they went up and down with ease.
Paint and body were in good shape, a few skittle size dents and a few thin scratches.
Would have bought it but the guy was asking $3700
And said the lowest he can do, even if cash was $3400. And I think thats just to hight.
I told him about the cracked dash, some scratches and dents. Oh and the front tires have like almost no tread. You can see the shape of the tread, but so little they are almost smooth. He wouldn't come down. And I have looked at a lot, and I like this one, I like the non-power windows more. I like the V-6, 12mpg..I'd like better. haha
And its black!
Any tips to get him to come down? He said others are looking at it, may have wanted me to just buy it on the spot.
Should I call him in a week? See if he will come down again? I just show up in person, because he is always doing something so you basically have to make a appointment.
What have yall done to talk people down?

All I want to do, it black it out, grill, fenders, and would like to re-paint so it would be glossier black. Just not the rims, and a 4"lift and 34's or so. Might not that much..

Any advice?

 

That V6 is going to get the same MPG as a V8 as you have been told, maybe worse. Since your foot will be in it all the time trying to get it to move after loading it up after grocery shopping.


And let's not forget, the V6 has the same plenum gasket problem.