I looked at a 2003 3500 dually quad cab 4x4, it has the automatic transmission. The sticker says 134K miles. I'm going back this evening when they're open to take a closer look. It has a goodneck hitch so I assume it towed a lot with those kind of miles on it. They're asking $20500 for it.
What should I look for, any specific problems to address? I've looked under it pretty good and didn't see any leaks.

 

Start by asking for a lower price. I was only offered $22k trade in on my 03 HO 6 speed with 55k. I would check the ujoints. I had to have mine replaced at about 40k or so. Also, is it a HO or SO. SO would have 47RE and HO the 48RE. The 48RE is better and you get an extra 55hp & 95lb/ft from an HO. Also, drive it and look for any vibration issues around 70mph. Good luck on your search.

Nick

 

Is there a way to read codes that may be stored?
Seems like you cycle the key on and off a few times or something like that.

thanks

 

I bought mine, with 96K, truck in sig...drove it, had a vibration. Looked at the tires, pretty bad uneven wear. I told the dealer I wanted it fixed before I would buy the truck. They said, tires were normal wear and tear, BUT they did offer a warranty in a contract, which i READ, that said would cover any nonmaintenance item (such as tires) for 30 days. So, I bought the truck (after checking everyhting else of course) went straight down to the tire store and put 2 new front tires on. Vibration gone. Then went and had the front end checked out, slightly out of alignment is all. Have 10k on the truck since. Oh yeah, my truck had a gooskneck hitch installed as well, AND (you sitting down???) a performance diesel shop sticker in the back window. Some may have run far away from that truck, knowing that it had been modded and driven by whom, but after driving the truck for my self, checking it out the best that I could, and knowing the Cummins reputation, I took the chance. CAll me crazy, but oh well. But, I did want to stay away from an auto with high mileage, so, the reason for the 6 speed.....

 

It doesn't necessarliy have to have a 47re trans if it is an S.O. They put the 48re in the S.O.'s after about january of 03' if my memory serves. The very first 03's built had the 47re with the s.o. engine because the 48re was not ready at the begining of the model year. From about august of 02' till december of 02' it'd have been and s.o. 47re(I had one), and the later half it'd been an s.o./48re(I had one of those also).