I am looking at another 2001 Ram 3500 5 Speed with 56k on it and was wondering if owners of similar trucks would buy again. I know about the IP problems, rust in the doors and front end issues, seems like a lot of stuff to be concerned with. Are these good trucks and would you buy again or go after a 3rd Gen. truck next time?

 

Now that I have my first 2nd gen, I think next time around I'd go with a 3rd gen. Not that the 2nd gen. is a bad truck, the 3rd gens have their problems too, but I like them just for the simple fact that they ride so much better than the 2nd gens. It'll be easier to make more power with the 3rd gen. unless ofcourse you get a 2nd gen. 12v.

 

i would buy a 3rd gen just for the fact that they have better braking, comfort, ridability, and four full doors

 

I dont have a 3500, but I can't seem to find a good reason to get rid of my truck.

So, no I wouldn't probably hesitate to get another truck if it was clean and a good price. I have the service manuals, extra parts, and I know a whole lot about how to take care of it and how to fix it.

As for an 03 and newer, Im sure its somewhat similar, but Im sure some things are going to be different. Id also need a newer service manual.

Good luck in your search, and low miles doesn't always mean nice. Ive seen cleaner trucks with 200k than 50k.

 

I have driven Chebby diesels in the past. This is my first Dodge/Cummins. I will never drive another brand after the 6 in a row experience!!!

 

With all the VP problems with the 2nd gens and dodge and cummins not getting a better fix for it , I wouldn't have another 2nd gen with a VP.

 

Depends on price. I'm sure you can pick up a pre-owned 3rd gen that's not too much more expensive.

 

The 2nd gen is the only one I have ever driven, and so far I like it. The truck will prolly outlast me.

 

I love my 2nd gen I will always stick with the cummins trucks

 

I would buy it again. my ex managed to kill the first vp. after that I made the mistake of buying cheap instead of quality. all in all i put way less money and time wrenching into my 00 than any other vehicle i have had. I hope the turd that stole it gets what's coming to him.

 

This is kinda funny... it looks like since he made this post he has sold is '01 and purchased an '06. Now the real question, did you get a new service manual? .

I love my truck, if I had to do it again I might go with a 3rd gen but if a nice 24V popped up I would certainly give it some good thought. The way I see it now is that anything is going to have issues, each are going to cost a decent amount of money, so if you like a 2nd gen just get a second gen and don't worry so much about VP failure. The commonrail setup has it's own issues so nothing is fool proof.

 

I haven't had any problems out of my 01, but if I had the bucks, I would go with the 3rd gen., my son has a 06 that I really like,

 

I would definitely buy another one. Only next time I will go with the 5 or 6 speed as opposed to the automatic.
I have had no problems with my truck since I bought it and it has done well with the mods I have thrown at it.
Anything that I have had to spend money on is to make it better, or fix what my power adders have helped to break (TC, valvebody and soon new trans).
Very good truck and a great community of help and support when needed.

 

[QUOTE=JHew84;1803937]This is kinda funny... it looks like since he made this post he has sold is '01 and purchased an '06. Now the real question, did you get a new service manual? .



No new service manual yet. Its going to be here soon though! I couldn't resist the new truck. They are really nice and the four doors are nice since we're going to be having kids soon. Oh, the new dog approves of the truck too.

Have a good one.

I still kinda feel bad about trading my truck in though. It was sold within 24 hours of me trading it in though.

 

If I were to do it again I would buy a 3rd gen.Just comes down to price.there are several fixes for the lift pump issues,dont let that scare you