Hi everyone!

I've been lusting after a Ram QC for years now & I'm finally ditching my minivan days and shopping for a Black/QC/4X4/Hemi. I just wanted to ask if there's anything major I should look out for in regards to problems??

I've been looking at 03's & 04's. 05's are a bit too pricey & I really don't like how they changed the look of the 06/07's. It's a drag because they have such great deals on new vehicles these days with the lease options & 0% financing!!

There's an 03 Laramie that's very nice but it has 60k miles on it. Is that getting into problem territory?

Thanks
Sean

 

I would definitely get the Hemi with the Auto. The Hemi/545-RFE combo seems to be the way to go. I would also look at the rear end and make sure that the maintenance has been done and that the C clips are in place. It is not a weakness in the rearend that is causing problems, but when the C clips let loose that cause the problems. I'd also check that the PS is not leaking as the little clamps had a way of making thier way off, or at least loose, and leaking a bit. There are some rubber lines associated with the fuel system that get brittle and crack, setting off the CEL. There are a few reports about water leaking through the 3rd brake light or the Right front grab handle. Those are probably not an issue on a used vehicle as they usually turn up right after the vehicle is first bought.

The 3rd Gen Rams have been rather trouble free. The main thing that I see here is the rear end tanking due to the C-clips. Do a search and you'll see what I'm talking about. Also, make sure you transfer the 7/70 powertrain warranty if applicable.

 

Pull the dipstick and look at ALL fluids closely. Run the AC on high, etc. Observe for leaks or signs of previous leaks. Read this forum completely and it will also give you a good idea of what to look for or what questions to ask. If you are buying from a dealer or an individual, don't go in foaming at the mouth with a wad of money, just begging to buy the first thing you've looked at or drove. Find as much fault as you can with a used vehicle and listen to your conscience. Ask the dealer to put it up on the lift and allow you to inspect the undercarriage or better yet, have a 3rd party with you that knows what to look for. IF you do buy this one (or another one), initiate a fluid change on everything as soon as you get it. Keep records/receipts of all maintenance that you perform (or have performed) and enjoy a trouble free and dependable ride. Welcome to RAM COUNTRY!

 

what are the c clips?

 

Check Carfax to see if the vehicle was registered in a Fema declared disaster area during 2005. Watch out for Katrina vehicles!!. They are out there. I ran across a place in the Atlanta area that specializes in cleaning up flood damaged vehicles. They appeared to be real good at hiding water damages. Look behind the dash for signs of high water, places where it would be difficult to clean. It is my understanding that the title is supposed to show that the vehicle was in a flood but once it is transferred to another state they can fall through the cracks.

 

Thanks for the tips guys!!
Just registered with carfax today, very cool service!!

Still hunting...
Sean

 

Keep in mind the incentives on the 06's are gonna get better each month until they're gone.
Truck sales were WAY down across the board this summer, and everyone has a lot in inventory...

You'll get MDS and some cushy stuff with an 06 that wasn't available in an 05, along with not having to worry about a Katrina Truck, or mileage already against a warranty.

Might be worth waiting another month to see what happens.

 

Look over and read the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for the model year you are interested in:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/index.html

 

Thanks guys!

Just pulled the trigger on an 04 Blk QC SLT Hemi with 21k miles on her. One owner, from a local Dodge dealer. Still subject to my approval once they clean it up (it just came in) but I think it's the one! The 3 year warranty is up in Dec so I bought an extended warranty that will take me to Dec 08. All I can think about is getting through
the winter & the AC doesn't work next summer! LOL

The bad thing is I have to wait until after the long weekend (Canada Thanksgiving) on Tues to give the final look over & take the keys!

Will keep yas posted!

Cheers
Sean

 

Congrats on the new ride. Post some pics when you get a chance.