Hello to everyone!


Newbie here and glad I found this forum. I don't know much about dodge vehicles as I was raised in a GM family and defected over to Toyota some years ago. haha!
However even though I love my Toyota truck it doesn't really serve me well in my job. (not enough cabin space).
I've been looking at cargo vans for awhile now. I decided I wanted to go with a cargo ram van. I like that shorty look and it would be big enough for work.
There are 2 of them I've been checking out online.


Both are 2003 cargo vans.
one with the 5.2L V8 with about 75k miles
the other with 3.9L V6 with 124k miles


I'm leaning more towards the V6 cause I drive roughly 1000 miles in a week.
What are some things I should look for as I go in to check them out and test ride them?


Also would be cool to later outfit the van for some weekend camping but that's another topic...


Thanks!

 

I would get the 318/5.2


If I knew then what I know now, I would have gotten the V8. The V6 maybe gets 0.5 MPG more.
But, the transmission in the 3.9 is almost 1/3 the price to rebuild (I have done that)
The heads are 2/3 price of the V8 (I have done this)
And, tune up and electrical components are 2/3 the price.
The V6 is a lot easier to work on than the V8. If you are a DIYer then the V6 maybe more likable. They will both do 80+ MPH, so the only real practical difference is towing ability...
The mileage question is a no brainer. I don't think you will win either way The v8 probably cost more, but the v6 will probably need a tranny soon....

 

I assume you know general things to look for when car shopping and are looking for information a bit unique to these vans.

Seems to me the weak links are the trannys and overheating. All things considered, I'd look for one that has records/evidence of transmission fluid drain/flush and regular cooling drain/flush.

As for the V6/V8, my understanding is there's not a whole lot of difference betweent the engines design-wise. Basically the 6 just has two cylinders removed.
More discussion.

 

Wow! Thanks guys for your input. I appreciate it.
I am a diy'er type well amateurish but I enjoy learning new things.
I got some thinking to do for sure. I'm gonna inquire about records as well. Cause I'm scared of buying something that wasn't really maintained at all. obviously that would make my decision easier if there were no records.


So off I go to study these vans. Thanks again guys!