I’ve been looking at 02-04 Rams for a while. I’ve found two in nice condition in my price range. Both are quad cabs, have clean carfaxs and are in comparable condition.

#1 has a 5.7 Hemi w/ 114k miles. I’m a bit concerned about the amount of miles, but not bad for an 03. I really like the added HP with the Hemi.

#2 has a 4.7 w/ 90k miles – 24k less than #1 and is about the same price. I like the lower miles of #2.

The MPG is not a lot different between the two and not an issue for me.

Any advise/thoughts? Thanks!

 

The added HP would be nice, especially since it's gonna get about the same fuel economy as the 4.7.

A LOT of people who bought 4.7s wish they bought a Hemi, NOBODY who has a Hemi wishes he bought the 4.7.

BUT, the '03 is the bastard of the Hemi trucks (sorry '03 owners, but you know it's true).

The '03 (and some VERY early '04s) suffer from weak valve springs and a pretty un-tunable PCM.

I'd keep looking for a Hemi, but see if you can find an '04 or '05 in your budget.

 

I would go with the hemi. Maybe focus your energy on it and offer them lower than asking price and keep pushing it. Do not settle for top dollar amount. If you do buy the hemi you will be very pleased.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I didn't realize the 03 Hemi's had issues. Are they big issues? Replacing the valve spring is over my head mechanically - any idea how much they cost to fix?

The Asking price is *8,200. Do I need to budget in potential repairs for a Hemi and/or the tranny at 114k miles? 11k miles makes me a little nervous.

 

How bad do you need the truck right now? I'd keep looking / waiting. You can find low miles on a 04/05 for about 10-11k. If you wait until next year the 06's will also come down in price. Just my .02. Also go for the HEMI no matter what.

 

If u got the hemi for 7500. Here in fort wayne indiana that would be a steal depending on condition of body and interior. 03s have less options when it comes to hand held tuners. 02 only offered the 5.9 in the new body style I believe.

 

Bingo. As for it being the 03, just dont get into too much custom tuning and you will be fine. However, as it stands right now, you dont strike me as wanting to trick it out

 

Correct. I will keep it stock w possible exception of cold air intake.

 

If modding isn't really an option, then the PCM isn't really an issue.

As far as the springs go, do a search in the technical section. It's not real uncommon for a valve spring to snap and drop the piston. NOT A CHEAP REPAIR and if the damage caused is extensive, you could be looking at a $4000 bill!

That said, I've seen an '03 Hemi snap a spring at 40k miles and I've seen an '03 personally with 155k miles on it with the original springs and the compression was like the day the thing rolled off the lot.

Also be aware that if either is equipped with factory LSD that it is a ticking time bomb as well (again, do a search).

Not trying to scare you, these are the only two real issues that are common and I think you'd be hard pressed to find any brand with only a couple of issues, especially in an eight year old vehicle.

Just trying to make you aware of what potentially could happen...

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I will pass on the 03 Hemi.

I actually found two 02's with 5.9's that have low miles for decent prices. Are the LSD's an issue in these? thx.