I believe out of the three dodge V8 engines, 4.7, 5.7(hemi) and the 5.9 that the 5.9 is the hardest on gas.

 

If you are still considering the purchase of THAT vehicle, and I'm not suggesting you should, ask to see all the maint and repair documentation. You also might want to ask the dealership if the frame has been racked (out of square), or bent in any way. The tire issue making it pull to one side should be gone if the back tires are rotated to the front. Have them put it up on a lift and start the drivetrain turning to see if any rotating component is bent, like a wheel or axle hub or brake disk. If the frame is racked, quietly turn and walk away---then run when you get around the corner. 2k into a front end repair and it still pulls sounds really strange, especially if the guy is trying to sell it. If you have someone around that is really familiar with trucks, you might consider taking them along. When the truck is sitting on level ground, look at the back end across the top of the bed. If it looks twisted at all. Walk away!
Go look at a new one first, then go back and look at the one thinking of buying straight is straight, and bent is crooked.

 

Wow... Thanks for all the feedback. You all have given me great imput.

I called the seller back today and asked if he setup the appointment at the dealer. He told me that the truck was left this morning at the dealer and when they start looking at it he was going to give me a call. He is paying 70 bucks for the dealers “used car inspection�. I believe it’s a 70 point inspection. When they start looking at the truck I’m going down there to ask a few questions and take a look at a few things like you guys mentioned. If the inspection comes back with no problems and the truck checks out fine I’m probable going to buy it. I checked out some dodge dealers yesterday and could not find any 02+ 1500’s within 5 to 7k. I told the dealer the offer I had and he told me that was a good buy. I checked Nada and Kelly blue book and my dealer trade in for this truck with the miles is 13,5k. I have a daily driver that gets great gas mileage so this truck will only be used for moving friends and picking up large items. Within 3 to 4 years of light driving I hope to get the truck closer to what the avg mile per year should be.

Once again thanks for all the input. If you think of anything else I should check or question please let me know. Once I hear from the dealer I will post those results and see what you guys think…

Thanks again.

 

When I worked at the dealership we had numerous trucks in the 12K price range with a lot less miles, you'd just have to haggle. I also looked up the KBB and it is around 11.5K for that truck in good condition in my area (trade-in). The Black book would be considerably less.

I do have one question...If you have a daily driver and you are using this truck for basic errands and running around, why not shop for an older model with less miles and spend less to boot? I think 12K for a weekend runner is a lot of $$$ to just throw away, not to mention insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. If you absolutely need a full size, why not a SC 2wd truck? OK, I guess that is 2 questions. Just trying to save you some money.

 

Yeah, I have to agree with osteodoc here.....

I saw 10 trucks with less then 80k on them in my area for between 7500-14,000.

These were Regular and Clubcab Fords, Dodges, and Chevy's. These were decent looking trucks and I seriously think you should consider looking for something less expensive and maybe even a little older.

I almost considered buying a 97 Ram 2500 4x4 for $6500 with like 105K on it. I just dont have that much to spend right now.

 

Thanks for the info. I guess i like to look of the new 02+ 1500. As far as price goes you are all right. A friend of mine just got a 97 1500 for only 3,600. It had 127k and was used as a work truck. Wasnt the best looking but got the job done. Im going to re-think this and make sure spending 11,5 on a truck is worth it.

thanks all

 

Hey Justin, it's all good man. I know the feeling when you just like the look of something and want it. It's a great feeling and often its an expensive feeling too.

You do what you feel is best for you. I personally would rather spend $5-7K on a truck I use to move stuff in, then spend $12-14K on a driveway queen. Especially since you already have a daily driver, why fork out the big bucks?

If you really want a 2002 or newer Ram... check out this site.

http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp

Insert your zip and the type of vehicle you are looking for. You never know, you might just find a better buy 50 miles away. Good luck on whatever you decide!

Btw....welcome to DF and hopefully you will be successful in your desire to purchase a Ram.