I am considering purchasing a used 03 hemi with 53,000 miles. This truck was used for construction and towing, the oringinal owner traded it in for a desiel.

THis truck is in good shape and clean but should I be concerned about it usage history? WHat should I check out on the truck before buying.

Here the deal I have so far.

03 hemi 1500 4 door loaded,20" wheels, no leather. $18,359 (KBB $22000 retail)

Trade 98 SLT Ram 1500 5.9 standard cab 79,000 $5000 (KBB $6500 trade)

Balance = $13,359.

 

You are not going to get your value out of a gas hog right now. That's why the low trade-in value, but you should be able to really hit them on the price of the used truck as well for the same reasons. With dealer incentives, it's hard to not look at going with a new vehicle. Good luck with your choice.

 

As mopartodd indicated you won't be able to rely on KBB to give an accurate value at this time. I just looked through the local ads and saw 2 03 hemi rams that were loaded, but with fewer than 53K miles and both were asking under 15K.

Also, I don't know if it would be a valid concern, but I would pass if I knew the truck was used for construction and towing. There are pleanty of pavement queens around.

 

The price sounds really high for the 03. I'd pass on it and find another Ram, especially since it was used for construction/towing. That's a hard life for any truck.

 

I got my '03 in May of '05 for 17K no trade. It's a QC, no leather, 17in wheels, tow pkg HEMI, with 26K miles. Best of luck 2 u.
The Doc[sm=vader.gif]

 

For that price, I think you might want to check out some new '05s. Some won't be much more and 05s still have the 7/70 warranty, while not having been used and abused who knows how.

My $.02.

Good luck.

 

I just paid 22K for my 05 hemi slt Quad cab 4x4. You will get a better deal getting a new one and not have the questions about prior usage, Plus if yo go used on an 05 you can still get the 7/70 for a small transfer fee.

I would look. I can get a similar deal for you, but I am in Augusta GA. So if you are willing to drive. LOL.

 

I got mine for 30,000 last year around the begining of Nov. and with the insentives out right now I would shoot for a new truck right now. <IMO>