I have never owned a diesel truck. I am looking to buy a 2nd Gen Ram 4x4.
I'm looking at a 2000 that has 223,000 miles on it, but looks great. Recent new trans (auto). Am I asking for trouble with this many miles? I have no plans to tow anything, just a small camper on it. Am I asking for trouble?

G. Halstead

 

No. The truck will wear out before the engine.

 

What's the price? If you do purchase her there are a few things you will want to do for preventive maintenance. The most important thing is getting a fuel pressure gauge. If your injector pump doesn't get adequate pressure from the lift pump(that is the pump that draws fuel from the tank and supplies it to the injector pump with a minimum of 6psi pressure) it will lead them to an early death. And the cost for replacement is about $1100 if you do the work. So if you have the fp gauge you can replace the lp before it's too late!
As a warning... beware of the power bug! Once you're bit is hard to get rid of the infection.

 

If you have found the add online post a link for us. We can give you our .02 cents if you want it.

 

Here is an ad for the truck in question:
http://www.automotive.com/2000/65/do...esult&index=17

 

Nice looking truck, I would jump on it.

 

I have 212k on my 95' and I plan on driving it till the body falls off, I see trucks all the time on here with way more miles than that. I wouldnt be worried too much about the miles, your gonna have problems but your not spending $50k like you would on a new truck. Thats a good price but keep looking there are many others out there.

 

Basically, the chassis will end up desinigrating around the engine. Depending on how it is cared for and climate, salt use etc. Could last a long time.

 

I bought my 01' with a 198,000 miles on it and didnt think twice. been bood so far, almost had it a year.

 

Sounds like a good deal. If the truck is near, try to take it for a test drive. Check how it handles down the road. Our 2nd gens are hard on the stock front end parts. If your dealing with the original owner ask as many questions as possible, for example, how often was the oil and fuel filter replaced? When was the tranny rebuilt? How often was the tranny fluid replaced or flushed? Ask for reciets if possible, Check for codes in the odometer by turning the key on, off, on, off, on (don't engage the starter) leave the key in the on position. There will be a 4 digit code starting with P. If you only see Pdone you have no codes. Also look at the tires. New tires aren't cheap. Pop the hood and look at the 2 batteries for corrosion and date of installation. If the truck has been on sale for a while you might be able to talk the owner down. Thats a few of the big ones. Good luck!

 

You know you've bought a truck with too many miles on it when the Cummins is still running and the frame/body are missing.

 

I have 331,000 miles on my truck.
Follow chainzaw's advise and you should be fine.

 

Look for signs of abuse. Buying a used truck is a whole lot different than buying an abused truck.

 

That's true. But the truck costs MORE than the engine. You'll be surprised at how fast repair costs add up for fixing 4wd suspension stuff. I bought my current truck used and I don't think I will buy another high mileage used vehicle, Cummins or not. My truck was not abused either, it was all stock and actually well taken care of but it's never going to be the same as if you owned the vehicle yourself since new. Frankly, if you really don't need the 4wd, go with a 2wd and save a lot of hassle (and some mpgs).

 

my 2000 has 478,000 on it and runs great. starts better than alot of newer ones. just take good care of it