I'm looking at a used Ram, 360 4x4 Club Cab Short Bed Auto. It has 109k miles. Assuming it's been cared for decently, should I be hesitant of purchasing a Dodge with over 100K miles. Pardon my ignorance, but I have zero experience with Dodge, I've only owned Fords. I would appreciate y'alls advice.

 

my ramcharger has over 200,000 on it, and although its tired, it runs well in the winter, sits all summer, and has never failed me..

amanda's ram has 120,000+ on it, and it sees track time.

both trucks have stock, untouched bottom ends.

 

I heard the 360 is supposed to be a good engine, is this true?

 

What year is the vehicle in question? My 2002 Cavalier has 115,000 on it and I've owned it since Day 1. I think I'm encountering issues with the clutch; otherwise, no issues with the car at all.

 

YES THE 360 IS A GOOD MOTOR.....I WOULD NOT BE SCARED OF A VEHICLE THAT HAS THAT AMOUNT OF MILES AS LONG AS YOU SEE THE TRUCK HAS BEEN CARED FOR.....JUST CHECK FOR THE TYPICAL ISSUES SUCH AS IRRATIC IDLE, PLENUM GASKET, TRACK BAR ISSUES, STEERING SHAFT AND BOX AND SUCH AND YOU'LL BE FINE...

 

sorry, it's a 1999 model.

http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/1BADWEATHER/

 

It would be wise to thoroughly check the automatic trans
or inquire if it has been rebuilt recently.

If you don't have a local trans shop you REALLY trust,
Contact these people in Canada

http://dieseltrans.com/dodge/index.htm

and ask them who the 'authorized shop' to install DT parts is in your area.
This authorized shop will be better trained and experienced than the run of the mill shop.

Then take any potential used truck you intend to purchase to that authorized shop
and ask them to check out the health of that automatic transmission.

A good shop will take the truck for a test drive with gauges hooked up to test line pressure, etc.
They will also drop the pan and look over the internals and check the magnet for what is sticking to it.
Expect to pay $150 to $200 for a check out like this but it is worth it if the truck is out of warranty.

Play up the transmission reliability problem big time with the seller.
Say that you need him to drop the price $1500 because that is what it will take to rebuild the trans, etc.
Bargain hard this way.

1992-1995 46RH automatics have problems with defective internal piston seals
1996-2001 46RE automatics have problems with VFS solenoid

All 46 automatics have trouble with 'burnouts' due to the overrunning clutch and bushing
when the tires 'catch' traction in a jolt.
The more burnouts the previous owner did the shorter the trans life

 

i agree the 360 is a very good motor i usually see them well into the 200,000 range and runninh strong just check the tranny like hankL said dodge is notorious for trannies going out, if it has 110k on it i would belive that the tranny has been replaced if it wasnt taken care of of, if it was then it could still have the original in i usually see trannies go out around 70-80k on someone who doesnt really take care of it, also check the cataylitic converters dodge is also know for those goin out in 2nd gen rams

 

Mine has 144k on and is original

The converters are junk, but Chrysler has extended the warranty on them and has offered free replacements to most owners.

 

Not to beat a dead horse....but....I shouldn't be scarred of a Dodge and it's reputation for transmission problems?