gvb

Ok, I think I've found it!

03' 2500 SLT 4dr 4x4 SB, HO 48RE, 3.73 w/LSD, prem cloth w/ power driver seat, fold flat rear floor, tow package, fog lights, fold out power tow mirrors, tekonsha prodigy brake controller, oem chrome bug guard and grill inserts, oem splash guards, sliding rear window, oem slush mats, oem nerf bars, oem window vents, power wagon wheels with newer BFG's, spray in bed liner.

43k miles, good & documented service history, super clean grey with grey interior. Other than missing the electric shift tcase, this is EXACTLY what I am looking for, and I've been looking for awhile which is why my search has expanded so far.

Problem is, the lowest price I can get is $26,600 plus a plane ticket and a 1000+ mile drive home. Granted, NADA and KBB are up around that price, real world sales seem to be much lower.

Should I quit being a pansy and jump on the deal, or hold out for a better value (and something closer)? I need to make a decision tomorrow.

gvb

pic:

BigDave12768

I honestly think it is too high

BigDave12768

I paid 25k for my truck listed below. And I have all the options. Electronic shift and infinity system. So Keep looking. I just did a search and found as nice and newer for same or less money. Go to Edmaunds.com and use the buy car option. Then use advanced search to narrow down colors and tranny options, miles and price. Oh yeah and don't forget to add the plabe ticket and fuel into price. You are paying 27,600 when all is said and done. Check my gallery 25k had 50k on it. Check dealer history on my truck only had recalls done and an oil change at dealer

MedicShawn

I have to agree it's still too high.

gvb

I've comparison shopped, and I agree the price is high. My problem is that I just don't trust dealers at all, especially if I am buying sight unseen, so I've been sticking with private sellers (craigslist and the forums). In the last few months, I've widened my search (from San Diego) out to Washington and Texas and this is the first one I've found that matched exactly what I was looking for (03 2500 SLT HO 4x4 4 Door 3.73 LSD Tow Pkg & Mirrors).

I've asked that he include a one way plane ticket and pick me up with a full tank. I don't mind the drive, in fact, I love the southern WA to northern CA drive.

How far off is the price from a fair number for both of us?

starvin

Do not walk, run! This price is out of line in my opinion. Drop me a PM and let me know where you are and what you are interested in. Perhaps I can help.

packard8

$26K is getting real close to a "brand new out of the box” truck. Check Dave Smith motors in ID, Lou Fusz in MO, Melton in OK etc. I think you can drive off in a new truck for around $32K + tax & DMV. I paid $32K (before T&L) for the truck in my sig in Folsom CA.

gvb

Am I selling myself too much on the "03's have a roomier front cab, get better gas mileage, less emissions, etc.." stuff? As you've stated, for this price I could get an 04, or even pay a few extra bucks for a brand new truck.

MPG is a huge concern for me though.

53 willys

that's to much IMO I would rather buy new or get him down to
23-24k

Call Dave smith in Idaho and get a new one instead.


good luck

v8440

I agree wholefartedly-Dave Smith. My wife and I ordered one through them, and when it was delivered we flew out and picked it up. Buying about 3 weeks in advance the plane tickets were only $575 for TWO people. I think you can get in one there now for less than 30 grand before taxes tag and title. That's probably not equipped the way you want, but rest assured that their prices are among the lowest you will find.

On a final note, I agree about the price of the one you're looking at. Somebody is trying to violate your watertight integrity with that one, and they aren't offering the use of vaseline during the procedure.

Blast Chamber

If you eliminate buying from Dodge dealers, then you are missing out on a lot of nice used trucks. I had specific search criteria as well, but using the Dodge.com website I was able to do pre-owned inventory searches of Dodge dealers within a given ZIP code. Found my exact truck 3 states away.

You can ask lots of questions and request digital pictures to confirm condition, plus ask for contact information to speak with the previous owner about why they traded. If the dealer says the truck came from an auction, move on.

packard8

You will also be taking a big depreciation hit on an '03 @ $26K...check NADA.com, Edmonds.com, KBB.com etc and see what the TRADE-IN/WHOLESALE value of that truck is.

I'm prety sure that Dave Smith or maybe even a local dealer can put you in a nice new QC 2500 SLT for around $30K....if so it's a no brainer. I took a quote from Dave Smith to a local dealer and he matched it on a similar truck, which saved me the cost of a trip to ID & back.

I don't think you will see much difference in MPG between an '03 and an '06. Also keep in mind you have a 3/36 bumper to bumper and 100K mile engine warranty on a new truck....what is the guy offering for a warranty on the used '03?

Peterbilt

You may have a problem with California emissions. I don't believe Cal. allowed HO 03/04s. You might check.

Pete

BigDave12768

No they didn't allow them. Just like MA and ME didn't. So go the safe route and buy an 04 or an 04.5 for the same money. The truck you are looking at is 4 years old. You can buy the truck you want for about 34k with the options you want. Get a 2 year old truck for same money with same options. But I will warn you about the fuel mileage.Get the 3.73 rear end. Also the 04 is doing better than the 04.5 and 05's keep that in mind. Check that edmunds site that pushes you over to autotrader. Thats how I found mine