Hey all. Long time since I've posted with my old 95 Ram.

Anyway, I'm looking at getting another one but I've heard some horror stories about the reliability issues of the 3rd gen Rams.

Can someone give me some reasons on why I should or shouldn't buy an 03 Ram 4x4 Hemi w/ 192K on it? I've read of sludging issues, and head gasket problems. How common are these? Anything else to look out for? I found one for $4800 in a really nice color I like, 4 door, in exceptional shape. I'm just leary of the miles due to all the reliability probs Ive heard.

Thank you for your time. !

 

I'd never buy anything that's 2003+ with over 100k miles on it. Too many miles and you can't say for sure that all 192,000 of those miles were ones that the truck had been well maintained. Given the trucks still runs smooth, that doesn't mean anything. Have a mechanic look over it first.

 

It would have to have been meticulously maintained with detailed records proving it before i would consider it.

That said, i have seen posts here claiming that the 03's are known to have valve spring issues.

 

Why just focus on the engine?. Could run great but have everything else around it fall. 192k on the engine is 192k on all other parts not replaced.

 

Not sure I read anything here that says "just focus on the engine".

 

And what horror stories would those be?

Oh yeah, I forgot I blew a shock six and a half years ago, damn piece of sh*t!!!

I'd love to have a "horror story" truck that was still sellable for almost five grand with 200,000 miles on it... Go get you a Ford, they have no problems...

 

118,000 and counting on my 03, no valve spring issues. Trans is about to go, but that may be mostly my fault.

 

mine is an 04 - I have about 110000 miles, I have the Hemi tick, I have a weeping rear pinion seal, I have a weeping steering rack, I lose a tiny bit of coolant to nowhere a month, I burn no oil, my transmission is made of glass, I have 3.55's, I tow a 7600 pound 5th wheel a little bit, (Firestone Ride-Rite airbags) I baby the (feces) out of it - I love my truck. I'd buy another - but not with that many miles unless I actually knew the previous owner(s)

 

My 05 has 172,000. Used hard, Looks like crap, rattles on first start up of the day cold outside or middle of summer, but well maintained. It's all in what you feel is right for you, can you do the work when stuff breaks, or do you always have to take it in for everything more major than an oil change? Just asking the question means that somehow you feel that it isn't a good idea, use your gut, and look at the fluids/ front end for major play, and off road damage. I wouldn't buy a truck from me when I was done with it, but usually mine go over 300,000 before I toss em. No matter what you buy, if you keep it long enough, something major WILL break at some point.

 

No horror stories here...it's how you maintain and take care of your truck. I've got 126000kms(79000miles) and she still runs and drives like new. 192k is high, but if it's been well taken care of, and the owner can provide some proof for the maintainance, I would consider it.