Sumdumgi83

I dont own a Cummins but would like to very soon. I am sure you guys get this from new people all the time so please forgive me in advance.

I have found what I like and just want to know what things you all think I should be aware of before I go see it. Also how does the price seem? It has 154k miles and they are asking 17k. Tires are in good shape with what appears to be about 70% left. Interior looks good. Has a DVD player for the rear mounted to the roof. What should I ask this dealer? Are there any known issues with this model and year?

It is a 2003 4x4 with what appears to be a 4" or 6" lift kit and 35" tires. Ranch Hand full bumpers front and rear. It is cloth interior and looks to be well taken care of. It has some kind of chip in it as I can see the console mounted on the dash. It is at a Dodge dealership and they say its in very good condition. Is their a report I can ask them for such as (forgive me) "Fords Oasis" report? Should I ask them to have a mechanic check anything on it? It is a manual tranny...are these tougher and more durable than the auto's? The bed has a turnover gooseneck hitch. Any help for a noob much appreciated. This wont be a daily driver and will be parked in my shop most of the time. More like weekends and hunting season. Occassional pull of boat to the lake. Its only a 22' deck boat so no real heavy use. I have a 97 GMC 4x4 that I have averaged about 7k miles per year since purchase.

Hummin Cummins

Did you see this? <click>

FunFinder5

IMHO, I'd stay away from jacked up trucks and those with a programmer. 2 strikes already right off the bat.

billie

It would be wise to be a bit wary since programmers, big tires and gooseneck hitches could be a bad combination but not necessarily a death nell for the deal. It really depends on how it was treated and if everything else looks good it's worth a test drive at least. Read HC's relay post to start and do some searching for 2003 issues here. 17K sounds high to me but that is more relative to your location and your wallet. I would suggest an independent mechanic unless you have a comfort level with the dealer's reputation (a rare thing indeed!) At least get them to raise it on a hoist to have a good look around for oil leaks, after market adders, etc.

Check for the HP rating on the side of the head-305HP is the HO (high output)at 555 ft/lbs TQ and 250HP is the SO (standard output-forget the torque rating) The 305/555 is more desireable but there are many happy SO owners,

Look for the lift pump mounted to the back of the fuel filter housing right in front of the driver's seat under the hood. These are prone to fail and given the mileage, it probably has been changed out to an in-tank or after market. ($200-400) A better fuel filter system would also do you well.

The trannsmission is an NV5600 (6-speed) and definitely more durable than the auto. Check for smooth operation and no noises. A clutch is harder to check but lean on the throttle in 6th at 1800-2000 rpm and see if you can make it slip. ($1500-2500)

Try to get it "cold" to start it. Go 1st thing in the AM and don't let them "bring it around" for you. Watch closely at the exhaust smoke color at start (they can start it and you can watch). White smoke-injectors going or gone ($1500-3500) Excessive blue-possible engine wear although may not be a big deal if it dissipates in 15-30 secs.

Check every switch and option in the truck.
Check AC for balanced cold on both passenger side and driver's (See non-powertrain forum for AC issues)
Feel for vibrations at all speeds u-joints ($50-200 each)

Slowly move forward at idle and turn sharply and feel for smooth turning. Any jerkyness or popping noises up front could be axle u-joints, hub bearings ($250 ea) or ball joints ($300 ea). Some jerkiness in the rear differential may or may not be an issue. The AAM rear axle can feel glitchy and still be alright. If it is, get them to open it up so you can look for damaged ring gear.

The truck should "sound" clean at all speeds. It's a diesel so some noises are normal (mine can be a bit different on any given day) but trust your instincts.

I have oversize tires, I'm too cheap for a lift or programmer, and my truck would be a steal at 17K and 95,000 miles. Not everyone beats up a lifted truck. The 2003 and early 2004 get the best mileage (there was a change in 04.5 to 325/610 TQ) and the 2003-2004 service manual at the dealer is still the cleanest copy of them all.

Mine's been great and I wouldn't trade it for any other. I hope it out lives me. Everything can be fixed and if you're mechanically inclined, this site will guide you through so that you save the excessive cost of dealer repairs. I've tossed in some costs for reference but DIY vs mechanic can be quite different.

Good Luck!
Cya

Sumdumgi83

Thanks for the extremely helpful posts. Unfortunately the dodge sold the very next day after I had posted. I am going to hold out and keep looking for a 2003 or 2004 model w 6 speed. I will use your tips once I locate one. I may just buy one that isn't lifted or chipped and then have one installed along with bigger tires. I dont know why but I am 43 years old and still like the look of a lifted truck (6" or less) with burly tires. You would think I would grow up!

billie

Me too, but my 5th would be draggin its bumper. The 315's are almost too much. Good luck with your search.

Grit Dog

Yeah, keep lookin'.
$17k is too much for a truck with that many miles, that old and many questionable mods that are taking lifespan off of the running gear.
Heck, there's a 06 Mega Laramie 4x4, 90k miles, bunch of extras, no lift or chip for $23k OBO here right now and that truck has to be worth more than $6k more than an 03 with 150k miles.
You'll find the right truck, lots for sale. I'd personally only buy one with a lift and chip if it was fairly new and I had some sort of good indication of it's history.

Sumdumgi83

Now thats funny! I dont care who you are!

I hope I can find one that is an 03 or 04. I have heard the newer models are much worse on mileage, has all the smog on them and not built as well on the interior and oh yeah, seats are uncomfortable compared to the older units. (No offense meant Gritdog) I am 6'4 and 265#s and need comfort. I had an 03 Ram Hemi QC 4x4 and it was awesome. I guess I am a little worried about the newer models. I seriously have been looking alot over the past month and the 2003's and 04's in Oklahoma are right in this price range and most have this mileage on them. 130k on a Cummins with 6 speed doesnt scare me much as long as its been well taken care of. I heard someone say they bought a cummins and got a dodge once. I guess any truck with 130k miles on it may not be holding up to well in the less critical areas.

I just found a 2003 in Ar that has 130k on it.
Here is the description.
Dodge ram 2500 SLT .4x4, Cummins turbo diesel. it has 133,000 miles. Manual trans. 6 inch pro comp lift. Mickey Thompson wheels and Yokahoma tires. Straight exhaust. Banks six gun tuner. Line X bed liner. dark Tinted windows. It is dark green with grey cloth interior. It is my daily driver and I am getting 22 miles per gallon. I have never had any problems with this truck and hate to get rid of it. I am only selling because I have a newborn baby to take care of. This truck is awesome and turns alot of heads. It has a few surface scratches from the January ice storm that can be buffed out. The body is straight and I can't think of a dent anywhere on the truck.

He wants 18k firm. It looks very nice. I have no idea what the banks six gun is?

Sumdumgi83

Guys I found a couple more trucks. They both have goosneck hitches in them but both guys say they have never pulled much at all with them. Going to look at them tomorrow.
One is an 2004, not sure if its a 04.5, he will call me tomorrow and let me know. It has 124k and he is asking 16,400. It has had Rotella every 5k and he changes the fuel and air along with the oil filter. At 90k miles the tranny went out. Had a factory new installed. Also u-joints failed and he replaced all of them with Trice. Has a level kit on the front end with 35" BFG MTs that have 50% tread left. Has a 4" straight pipe and a bully dog programmer. Says a little black smoke when you start it cold. Interopr and paint in good shape.

The other is a 2003 with 110k miles. Has 35" tires with the leveling kit and as far as he knows never been chipped. I didnt ask as many questions on this one. He is asking 16,500 but will take 16k.

What do you think about these? The tranny failing at 90k seems bad to me.