Hi, I usually post in the 2nd gen forum. I have a 1998 Ram with 360, auto, 4 X 4, regular cab. I've owned it since new and it has 170k miles and is in great shape. A guy came by my work today with a 2008 Ram with a 4.7, 6 spd, 2wd, regular cab. He also said he had owned it since new and it is in good shape as well. It has 37k miles. I struck up a conversation with him, mentioning that I thought I might like the manual tranny with the V8 and he told me he would sell it for 9,500. He wanted an older truck, and I told him about mine. He looked it over and offered me 3,500. I told him I'd want 5k, and I could give 9k for his. He agreed to it, and I told him I would get back with him Monday. Sound like a good deal? For 4k, I can get a 10 year newer truck with 130k less miles.

I don't know much about 3rd gens. Didn't the 08 4.7 get a little tweaking for more hp? Are they pretty torquey engines? Is the 4.7 reliable? 6 speed reliable? (Has to be more reliable than my auto). Any problems to look out for / known issues?

If I get it I will use it as a DD, 60 miles a day. How's the gas mileage? He said 17 in town which sounded a little high to me.

Finally, its an STX (SXT?). Is that kind of a base model or what?

Thanks for any info/opinions.

 

First, before anything else, please read this:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-ra...s-section.html

Yes, SXT was basically the base model (or a hair above). No such thing as STX. I will move this to the 3rd gen section for ya.

 

Visit edmunds.com to get an idea of what they're worth. Sounds like you've already made the deal, though.

 

You should at least take a drive in it first so you can get a feel for the motor and the tranny. It might not have the power you are used to, but it might as well. Yes the 4.7 received quite the nice horsepower upgrade in 08. Don't know if you ever use your 4wd but it is something else to consider. Take a look at this link, its from Kelly Blue Book. You might just be getting a pretty good deal.

http://www.kbb.com/dodge/ram-1500-re...=private-party

 

Definitely will drive it first. Didn't have a lot of time to look at it Fri at work. I think I'll call him monday and set up a time to drive. I don't know how well the guy has taken care of it, is my only real concern. Hopefully, the mechanical aspects are all good. Should be at 37k miles, unless he's really abused it.

 

Well according to that KBB link my truck is worth about $500 less than when I got it 2.5 years ago. So either it has some great depreciation value or something isn't right with that website. But hey if someone wants my truck for that much I'll sell it and buy me a nice used 4x4 lol

 

Well, Kelly Blue Book is what the banks use to evaluate loan approvals, so yes, its correct.

 

I read online somewhere that some of the 4.7 liters in 08 with the manual transmission were the older, lower hp version of the 4.7. Anyone know if there's any truth to that?

 

Supposed to meet the guy wednesday and drive it. He works nights, I work days, so won't be able to look at it until then. If I like it, planning on offering him 3500 and my truck, might go to 4000 and my truck. Probably won't go much more than that unless I just fall in love with it.