Thinking of buying 04.5 dodge 3500 drw 4x4,130000 mi.every thing apparently sstock.Should I be looking for anything specific to be wary of?They're asking 18500 and i've taken it for a spin and it seems to run strong.Its an upstate ny truck so it has some frame rust, not to bad for a 12 year old truck???New tires ball joints,all factory recalls or bulletins fixed.There have been 4 owners.Any adviceFor someone new to the world of diesels?

 

Not a bad deal, mileage is pretty low. Northern vehicles always get the hair on the back of my neck up, I've owned one before, you couldn't fix anything related to the undercarriage without replacing the three things it was attached to. I would get under it with a good light and check it out for sure, make sure the threads aren't rusted off the bolts, etc.

If the owner is saying bone stock, I'd look for an EGT probe on the exhaust manifold, if there isn't one, or a hole and a plug, chances are they never used a programmer. EGT probes don't necessarily mean they did use one, but it's highly likely that EGT probe = programmer.

I'd ask about the injectors, see if they've been replaced yet. They start to become pretty worn around 100k, and it's 1200 bucks for new injector bodies, not to mention the labor if you have someone else do it. I've seen trucks go over 150k with stock injectors and no issues, but it's not terribly common. I'm not saying you'll need to do this right away, just be aware of it.

I'd ask a dealer to pull up the VIN and see what work was done on it, if they had the steering recalls or work done. Maybe ask for an oil sample to make sure nothing crazy is going on.

Is it a 4 door? Not a bad price if it's in good shape. I'd consider it.

Keep us posted.

mad