I'm tossed up... have an opportunity for a '97 3500 4x4 Lariat crew cab, 163k miles, with a new auto tranny for $13k.. Also, a '98 2500 12 valve 4x2 Lariat quad cab, auto, 210k miles, one owner... only $8500.

I really want the 3500.. both because of the training wheels, and being a 4x4 (though the 4x4 front end has a host of issues discussed all over this site)

Either truck will work for my towing needs (my rockcrawler), they both are in similar condition (very good)...

Will I really miss the quad cab doors? I don't have kids or a dog, and have lived with a smaller truck without rear doors for a few years with no issues, but I gotta say I LIKE the idea of having the 4 doors, as well as the newer dashboard

4wd...well, I'm sure there are times when I'll want it... But I can buy a suncoast tranny and a winch for the price difference.. It doesn't snow/ice but a few times a year, and everything shuts down anyway.

What would you do in my shoes?

 

They say 4wd only pays for itself once and I have to agree but thats just me. Either truck is a dodge so you won't be disappointed!

Although the 97 has less miles and its 4wd it seems high priced especially since it is a year older. The other one sounds like a decent deal.

 

Just my .02, I have noticed that I don't really need a 4x4 till I don't have one.
And as far as the 4 doors, not really necessary but definately handy.


CJ

 

You have to ask yourself, how often will I use the 4x4 or 4 doors? Which one will gets the better anwser? All and all, it just depends on which truck "out-does" the other one. Which one has a better condition interior? Which one will fit through the bank drive thru? Which one gets better milage? Do you feel comfortable driving a truck w/ 210k miles. Most ctd owners do, but some dont.

My vote goes towards the 3500...lower miles, 4x4, and 1 ton 4x4's are just plain mean. What ever your gut tells you, stick w/ it, cuz it ain't worth taking other people's advice when it ain't their truck.

Good luck and keep us up to date,
Hunter

 

Eskimo,

Like Hunter said, weigh the pro's and con's of both and the decision is yours. But, I agree with CJ. I decided I didn't need 4wd on my last truck, a F350 CC. I wish I had a dollar for every time I got stuck on wet grass. When I ordered my '01, my wife asked if I REALLY needed 4wd. Heck yea. I don't use it much, but when I do, it saves a lot of frustration. Good luck with your decision.

David

 

I have noticed that I use 4 wheel drive a lot more than I exptected I ever would. I love my Dodge but it would be stuck on flat ground without the 4wd when it gets slick. I live in NE Ohio and it just seems like the truck is nose heavy or something.

 

Well guys, I appreciate it.. I held out for exactly what I wanted... and got it! Flying down to pick it up on 7/30, and then a 1400 miles drive to get acquainted on the way back home...

If ya see a White dually Sport with Texas temp tags on it, a Ranchhand front bumper, and a driver with a big 'ol grin, gimme a wave!!

 

HAHA, glad to hear you found the truck you like. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hunter

 

What part of Texas?? If I'm close I will be happy to check on the truck for you. Make sure it is as good as they say.

 

I appreciate it Dodge4x4.. It's already been looked at by one of DTR's own... I'm confident that under the dirt, there's a good truck.

 

Ok well I hope you enjoy your new truck and have fun driving it back.