I posted this in the root forums yesterday, but maybe this is the more appropriate one to ask in:

I heard that this was the place to come for questions concerning Dodge Rams, so here I am.
I am on the verge of purchasing a 2002 RAM 1500, standard cab, short bed 6 cylinder, 5 speed manual, 2wd.
I was curious if there was anything in that year's model history I should be concerned about. The truck has 40K original miles on it, and is in good shape.
Getting it for $7500
It has had 3 total owners.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have no idea about the 2002 but it has low miles for an 02. Just look around this forum and you will see a lot of info. v6 seems to be very reliable and most complaints are about the power. It also seems like people with 3.21 gears complain a lot more so if the truck has 3.55's or higher you will probably be happier. I have 3.55 and I like mine.

 

I heard that that tranny is better than the 2005 6-speed getrag that I have. Standard cab V6 is better than a quad 6V IMHO.

 

save up and buy a v8

 

i agree with this. i with i had the hemi. my thought was like, "sweet, lower payments. and i have the other vehicles for power. this truck is only for when i need a truck"....but yea, even though i only use it to haul **** around, it's essentially my primary vehicle and i wishwishwish it had more power.


but to actually answer your question, you should be happy with the vehicle.

 

youll be happy but youll want the extra power. youll get power hungry. we had a 2006 v6 quad cab. it was nice. had enough pick up for a v6. the next year, we upgraded to a HEMI and we will never look back. just save up, get the HEMI, enjoy the same MPG and more power.