I'm again looking at a Dodge Ram 2500 with the Cummins engine. I have found two 2003 QC trucks, one is a 4x2 and the other is a 4x4. I like the 4x4 much better...much cleaner truck. The 4x2 has 13,000 miles and the 4x4 has 7000 miles.

First I wonder why someone would get rid of either truck with such low miles? With our current privacy laws, it's near impossible to reach any previous owner and ask any questions.

Well anyway, is there anything I need to look at or have concern over with the 2003 model diesel trucks? The body on each truck looks very good with no signs of any type of collision damage or any paint work repaired. It comes down to if there are any issues with these trucks drivelines I need to be aware of before making a deal on either one.

Thanks everyone...you have all been a great resource on my earlier posts. Hope to finally be able to get a truck here shortly.

note: After finding the 99-01 extended cabs were too small, I was looking for used GM Durmax/Allison crew cab trucks and eventually ordered a gas 6.0 truck, then backed out of the deal after finding out about a bunch of cold start knock issues GM is having with it's latest generation gas motors. I'd order a new Duramax work truck (stripper for budget reasons), but would rather not have to wait 8-12 weeks for delivery. This is why I'm again looking at some newer 2003 Dodge Cummins trucks.

EDIT: Oh yea, I have the VIN number for both trucks. Does anyone here have the ability to run the VIN to see the number of previous owners, where it was sold/delivered to new, and also any warranty/service items done by Dodge? How about any TSB's or recalls?

 

Do a good long test drive, if you like it there's are no real "hidden pitfalls" to worry about (like the fact that if you did get a duramax you'd beter keep a pocket full of injectors!) The reason they are for sale is anyones guess. Economy being what it is, and cost of a new truck what it is you may guess an owner may have lost his job and let the truck go to get by. Very unfortunate for him, cheap truck for you.
Be warry of used trucks that had 5th wheel setups, look for any holes drilled in the frames. (bad news with the hydroformed steel used by all of the big 3)

 

I bought my 03 3500 quad cab used in december of 02 at a hertz used car lot it had 175 miles on it. When i transfered the warranty i was able to find out the first owners name. I never contacted him. I have 21000 miles now with the only problem being a leaking power steering hose. Fixed under warranty also i have the cracked altinator bracket will get replaced under warranty also. good luck with your decision

 

No need to be wary of drills in the frames - - OK'd by Dodge. Just drill it correctly.

Ford does not have hydra frame yet that I am aware of - - still the old fashioned frame. And we fivers are really very nice to our trucks.

 

Could even be that somebody got the "I gotta have the 600 fever" and dumped an '03 so they could get that extra stump pulling 75 ft/lbs.
If you are unsure of the truck, have it checked by an independent 3rd party. Don't worry about a 5er hitch, these trucks are made to pull. Hope one works out for you. I also think the dmax would be a fine engine, just a butt ugly truck.

 

There's also the possibily that sellers are out of work now and need to sell.

Not a pretty subject, but it's a possibility.

 

10secBu, maybe DMV can give you some insight on the history of the truck. If not, try carfax. I just bought a used 2003 QC SO 4X4 with 13,500 miles on it. The sales folks at the dealership I bought it from said that the previous owner could not put a snowplow on it without voiding the warranty.

You seem to trust your instincts about the body and paint. Do what I did and get a flashlite and a creeper and spend some time under the truck. Look for wrench marks on bolt heads or wet or oily places on the engine, frame or axels. If you get a good feeling about the truck then get it. The one I bought I could not have ordered it more perfect, and paid less for it than a lesser equipped 1500.

Doug