I thinking about trading in my 99 Z28 in on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. It is a quad cab with the 20"s. I currently love my car but I am going to need a truck in the near future. I found this truck today and loved it. It drove really well and sounded mean. This truck also looked tough (it is black with tinted windows). Well I told some friends and other people about the truck and they were like you are making a mistake buying a dodge. They said the transmission will go out and everyone else they knew that had a dodge always had it in the shop because something was always tearing up. I was really excited about the truck until then. Now I am sorta scared to buy it. I am supposed to go back to the dealer on Monday to work up some figures. They have it has $20,000 and it has 40,000 miles on it. I need to get something that will last me and I can depend on.

 

If its a 2002 it probably has a 5.9, save yourself the trouble and find a 2003 up model with the hemi. 100 more hp and a way better tranny, and you could probably pick up one for about the same price. I've even seen some of them go new for 24-26,ooo even Qcabs, depends on what all you get on them. Then you'll have a new one with a full warranty. Go by your local dodge dealer and check them out!

 

$20,000 for an 02 with 40k is not that good of a deal. I got a new '04 4x4 hemi SLT QC, 3k demo miles full warranty for under 25k and 0% financing. Check some of the other topics on the site...theres plenty dealing with the newer Rams. I agree that from what I see in mine, and on the other threads, it looks like they got the trans fixed on the 03's on. If you can afford a few more bucks, I think you'd be happier.

 

You'd be better of financing from Chrysler financial on a new Ram or even an 04 model you'll get a better apr. You can also finance for more years on a new car rather than a used one. I got mines in March for $23,000 from fairbanks in florida. It is fully loaded except for the leather and quad. I mean Power everything, including pedals & seat, 6 cd changer, infinity 6 speaker system, fold out mirrors, 20" wheels, tow package, sport pkg. etc. Also 20,000 for an 02 4.7 is horrible deal. Don't pay more than $14,000 for an 02 ram with 40,000 miles.

 

ive gotta 2004 reg cab shortbox hemi i bought for 25500
its an st which is what i asked for but its got the chrome bug deflector,slider rear window heavy duty towing and cooling pkg,box cap and goes like snot
so maybe try for an 04 or 05 youle probably be happier

 

Go new... The HEMI is worth it, plus luke everyone says 03 and up you cant go wrong

 

Go new!! I bought an 04 and looove it. There are 03's out there to buy if you can't afford brand new.

 

Hey new Guy,

I'm new too--today. Don't worry about the tranny, the trick is to change the tranny fluid every year Religously!!!!!!!!

I'm looking at buying a 2005 2500 quad with a 5.7L Laramie right now. I'm finally giving up my 93 dakota with the 318 and auto in it.
No tranny problems to date, and its never been out of the truck! The 5.2 still gets 15 mpg on the highway ,4wd version, and it has had some tlc along the way, but still the same basic motor. Treat it right and it'll get you there and back!!