im lookin to buy a dodge ram..because of the look..but i need a decent gas mileadge because i drive quite a ways to get to work everyday. its mostly highway miles..

- are the diesels expensive? im lookin to get probably a 2002..cuz im broke and cant afford much of a payment. how is the mpg on the diesels..and do they only come in the 2500..or are the 1500 diesel too. basically im trying to get a dodge ram..2002+ for a cheap price with a decent gas mileadge..can anyone give me some pointers or advice ?

 

that generation of diesel will get you into the low 20's from what I hear, you must be aware however of issues with the VP-44 pump failing. That if i'm not mistaken applies to the SO (standard output) motor (250 hp) and not the HO (high output) setup (305 HP) (started in '03 for the current body style). The pump is an expensive part that apparently fails from low lubrication (from what I understand). there is additives that will help extend the life of the pump, Power service diesel (16 oz) and marvel mystery oil (8 oz), per tank will help out alot.

you can tell which motor your looking at in the '03's by the sticker on the side of the motor... it'll say 305 hp on it, no sticker then it'll be a SO motor.

when you find a truck you could post any other questions here and I'm sure they'll get answered.

 

My 2002 RAM 2500 Cummins is having the lift pump and VP44 injection pump replaced as I write. It has 90K miles so it's still in warranty. btw, 22.5 mpg average

Find a used truck still under the 100k mile warranty.

 

When my truck was stock it got 21Mpg, it's a 12 valve wich will be a little less expensive and is not prone to the IP failiures.

 

You seem focused on cost and I recommend you carefully do some research before you jump in. In the internet world "Cheap" covers a wide $pectrum.

Don't get me wrong, I love my ctd and I can't imagine driving anything else.

But...

As with any used vehicle you should be prepared to shell out some cash to do repairs unless you can find something with a warrantee -- but then you step out of what I consider "cheap". Before I got my truck I scanned many forums, and talked to a few mechanics to estimate the costs of some *common* major repairs based on the mfg/model/year....Things like, replacing the IP pump, the injectors, getting a rebuilt transmission, or a turbo...I did this for Ford/Powerstroke GM/pre-duracracks and Dodge/Cummins.

Also, don't ignore the service costs...( like 3 gallons of oil) , etc....If you are not planning on doing routine maintenance yourself, then I doubt you will find ownership "cheap".

Personally, unless you are a high-mileage / heavy load driver, I don't see a cost savings from owning a diesel...But then again money isn't everything!

 

diesels aren't cheap and neither is the gas, but there designed for the highways I get anywhere from 23 plus miles a gallon, if you want to go cheap and save money I think a car with a four banger in it will do you better.