A lot of guys on here have helped me with buying another truck. I really appreciate all the help everyone has given.

I work on the internet all day, so I have spent hours everyday for the last couple of months looking for a truck.

I found one that I am really interested in.

It is a 2002 3500 Dually, quad cab, 6 speed 4wd with a 56 block. 150K on it. It was used by a 41 year old women to pull her 3 horse trailer all over to rodeos.

I have driven the truck and looked it over for an hour or so. It drove really solid, shifted well, had some oil leaks but nothing too severe.

The owner told me that she maintained it well, but has no receipts or maintenance log. The only body damage is a few dents on the outside of the bed, and 2 small cracks on the rear fenders. I can have the body damage fixed for around $800. Oh, it also needed a windshield.

It has power everything, rubber floor instead of carpet. It is silver (the color I want).

I was going to buy the truck on the spot, but I am concerned about the mileage being 150K. It has new shocks and tires, new batteries, and of course they changed filter an oil since they are selling it.

Those of you who are really familiar with 2002's what advice would you give about the truck? They told me that when they start it cold, it has to warm up for 2-3 minutes before it runs very well.

I have them at $17500 for the truck.

Thank you for all your help.

 

Have the fuel pressure tested and pull any codes that may be stored. Ask what she means by "maintained it well". Her definition and yours may vary widely. The only real thing that can sting you for big bucks on a non-auto tranny truck is the VP44 or a clutch. You need to get more info on the cold start thing. That is NOT normal.

Otherwise, I like the sounds of the truck and the price.

Good Luck!

 

amartinson, thanks for your input. I just talked to the owner again. The women's dad is actually the one selling the truck for her. She couldn't make the payments, so he paid it off and now has it. He is around 75 I would guess. Seems to be a real good guy.

He said that there is a diesel shop close to him. He said he would take it there and have them check codes and also fuel pressure, or he would wait till I flew in and then we could both go together.

He told me that the oil got changed around 5000-7500 miles, but there were some times that it went over.

It has never had a major repair.

He said the cold start issue is everytime you start the truck when it is "cold". Cold meaning first start of the day, not the temp outside.

I am leaning towards getting it, except for not knowing the exact maintenance schedule.

Is $17,500 a good price for this truck even with the miles. NADA and KBB show it to be an OK price, but nothing great. When I do a search for 2002 4wd duallys on the net, this price seems cheap in comparison.

 

I would say "If it feels good......DO IT!!" Sounds like you found a decent truck to me. Do you think you would find another one that seems to be in that good of condition with all the maint. records? It don't sound that promissing to me.... allthough I have been known to be wrong before. Just ask my wife.
Tom

 

Dunno much,

it seems aweful cheap, i seen them with that much mileage and autos in south tx for 19 thousand or more... Perhaps the man just wants to get rid of it.. Pulling a three horse trailer, too easy for a six speed 1 ton, and woman driven.. well i might have some issues with that, not ALL OF THEM are careful. BUT some of them really are good with their vehicles.... I can name a few that i know that are, and some that well.. just arent...... Other than that it seems you have gotten a real good deal, id jump on it if it drives well, and suites your fancy.. then again you can start all over and start givin the truck the proper maintainance it rightfully deserves...

TxDiesel007

TxDiesel007

 

forcefed88,

If you are flying in to look at ONE truck - thats crazy. Fly into Houston where there is a GREAT number of all types of Dodge Diesels...many of them are very lightly used by wanna be cowboys, and Ill guarantee you that youll find a good, rust free truck for a good price. Check out the Houston Area in the online truck trader or similar....find one you want and go pick it up.

http://www.trucktraderonline.com/ads...chprocess.html

 

I did make the mistake originally to go to TX to buy one truck. When I got there it was junk, so I spent the day looking at many different trucks. That is where I came across this dually. I have driven it, looked it over, including the 56 block. I came back to KC and thought about it. I called the owner's father back and told him that I would buy it under one condition, he needed to take it to a reputable diesel shop for a fuel pressure test and to check codes.

He did and he called me this morning. Just like I had suspected, it needs both pumps. He told me that he was going to get it fixed regardless. I agreed to still buy the truck, but we can't agree on a price now. He thinks that I should pay the $1800 bill on top of the $17,500 that we agreed on. I said that when we agreed on that price it was under the assumption that the truck was ready to run. Now, I knew that the VP44 would be a problem, but not this soon (before I even got the truck).

So, who should pay for it?? Do you think that I should split the cost? I appreciate everyone's help.

 

He's gonna get it fixed "regardlless" and then tells you to pay the bill??? I dont think so.

Id tell him to pay for it or its no deal.....jmo. There are lots of CTDS out there - wait to get the one you want. If you can wait long enough, spometimes you can find a REALLY nice one. Have you looked in the classifieds here?

 

There is your answer.

Lots of sellers like to say "well, I just put tires on it" or "I just had the tranny rebuilt" and then want more money.

My answer to that is "I shouldn't be expected to pay extra for a truck with tires with tread on them, or a transmission that works".

It is HIS truck, HIS pumps, HIS problem. Like you said, 17,500 is a good price assuming everything is ready to go.

 

Dr. Evil and amartinson, I appreciate your advice.

He called back and we talked. He said that his original price was $19,500 because of the miles and a few dents on the bed. He said he lowered the price to $18,500 right before I called. Then he and I agreed on $17,500. Now he had to put $1800 in to it. He said that he would split the cost with me. So that makes the total $18,400.

2002, 3500 Dually Quad Cab, 6 speed 4wd, 150K, new pumps, batteries and tires. $18,400
What do you think?

I am really thinking hard about it. It is what I want if I were to get a 24V, although I really want a 12V. Being that I have to borrow some of the cash, the bank really wants me to get a 2000 or newer. So a 2002 is ideal.

 

I think that is a good deal splitting the price. Now you know that you are getting a truck with 150K miles that has a new injection pump and lift pump. If you decide to buy the truck see if you can get the warentee on both pumps in your name. That way you get the extra coverage instead of him paying to put it on, then you buy the truck and have no warentee on parts.

 

its up to you.....if you dont need a truck right away maybe you want to hold out for a 12V....?? Its important (for me anyway) to get exactly what you want.

 

Man you guys are truely awesome. Everyone really takes the time to post informative responses with good advice.

I agree RAM2940. Should not really have to worry about anything with the truck other than a clutch and maybe ball joints, u-joints, etc...

Yes I would like to have a 12V, but since I have to borrow money to buy the truck I have to get a '98. Then obviously you know that it is difficult locating one. I know they come up though.

I currently am driving a borrowed car, which I hating doing. I haven't been without a car/truck for 12 years. I use a truck almost daily. I am leaning towards getting the truck. After taking Dr. Evil's advice, I searched for more trucks in the houston area. Most '02 trucks are around 21-24K but have less miles and appear to be in slightly better condition.

I am going to talk with him. He has been reasonable other than thinking that I would pay for the repairs.

I am going to offer him $18K. We will see. If he says no, I move on. If he takes it, I buy it and quit thinking about it.

 

Sounds good. Like I'm sure you have read over and over, your first purchase should be gauges if it works out. Keep an eye on fuel pressure and keep those new pumps happy.

Also, I am assuming that you still have not seen or driven the truck? Try to keep an open mind and prepare yourself to walk away if you are not happy. I know it stinks to drive a borrowed car and be without your own vehicle, but do NOT make a $18K mistake. If you can, bring someone with you that has a critical eye. I'm not saying the truck has to be perfect, it just has to be worth the money.

 

Maintenance items are a very funny price altering item.
A truck with new tires, batteries, & shocks is worth no more than a truck with acceptable tires, batteries, & shocks.
If these same items need replacement on a vehicle sold as-is they are price deductions. Same holds true with the injection pump and lift pump.

Very hard rules for sellers to swallow.