Hey guys, I'm completely new to the truck scene and don't really know a lot about them at all, but I am somewhat of a car guy and have some general knowledge.

I currently own a 90 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo and a 93 Honda del Sol SI. The Z is pretty heavily modded, but the del Sol is stock. I'm currently in college, and I got the del Sol for the reliability and the gas mileage. However, the Z is becoming a moneypit, and as I don't have the time or money to track the car, it's not really being used for what it was made for.

I'm considering selling the Z (for at least if not more than about 10k) and buying a 2nd gen. Ram. I wouldn't be looking to spend all of that money on the truck, however. 5-7k sounds about right for me.

My grandpa has a 96 Laramie SLT 5.9 extended cab, longbed. It's got about 33k miles on it, and is nearly new. However, I don't know if he'd consider selling it and I just can't see myself taking his beloved truck from him.

As I was driving around the other day a truck caught my eye. All I knew was that it was a white Ram, shortbed, and looked amazing. Today I stopped to take a look.

It's a 96, Sport, brilliant white, 4x4, 5.9 liter, 121k, with a bedliner and a good sized hitch. Everything looks to be in good condition, except for some paint bubbles (may have been repainted as it's very very white and nice looking for the mileage) and some rust underneath the truck. I was a little concerned by the underbody as it looks like it was painted black in an attempt to either stop or cover up some of the rust. It doesn't really seem like the rust would hinder operation of anything, and the suspension looks OK, but it still bothers me a bit. I guess Ohio weather for 10 years will do that to any vehicle, especially a 4x4.

The guy said it runs really nice and drives down the road fine, but who knows... never heard a used car salesman say otherwise.

Also, it smells like either he is a smoker, or the previous owner was. Will that smell ever come out? I know people have said it won't, but what about with a professional detail, seatcovers, etc?

The price marked on the window is 6500. When I looked it up on KBB I got 8something for dealer retail.

How hard are these trucks to find? I couldn't sell the Z in time to buy this truck most likely, so I'm worried another nice one won't come around. I'm still considering my options, but a white ram with the 5.9 is my dream truck.

Any input is appreciated.

 

If it's your dream truck then do it! The whole rust thing would concern me a bit though. As far as the smoke smell, is hard to get out of anything. They do make some pretty potent deodorizers, but I don't know man. If the truck is in good mechanical shape and you don't mind the paint and rust situation- go for it!

 

Picked up my 96 2wd ext cab w/ 5.9, loaded, 42k orig miles 6 mos ago for $8900 just to give ya an idea. No rust.

 

I hate rust and anytime I see it I move on. Can you bring it to a garage and have it inspected? Might cost you a few bucks but its well worth it. If the dealer wont let you get it checked out. Move on. Rams are a dime a dozen.

Goodluck.....