First off I may not be in the right place if so please direct me!

I am looking to get another CTD! I miss my old one which was a 2nd gen.
A friend has a 03' 2500 4x4. I believe he will let me have it at around $14.5k.
What are some questions I need to ask and things I need to look for to see if its a good deal? Not sure of the mileage or details only seen the truck once! Thanks in advance for the help and advice!

Tayloe

 

The only real problems they had was the lift-pump, which is easy to retrofit with a better one for not too much $. Some of the 03's with SO engines had 47RE trannies, so be aware of that; they can still be ok if they've been treated well.

Nick

 

what does it have? tranny, so or ho, chip,mods?

 

not sure about trany other than auto so it should be a SO? Doubt it has any chips or mods. He only hauled a ski boat mabey 30 or 40 miles but not often. He said he wants to get rid of it because of the price of diesel!! So why am I getting it............ its a CTD!!!!!

It seems a real good price depending on the miles! I know the guy and the truck has been babied! He is a friend of a friend and I hear the lift pump, and injectors have been replaced. I'll return as soon as I can get more details.

 

Ball Joints and lift pump, also is the truck lifted? Price seems very reasonable depending on the mileage and condition. Check to seem if it is a Laramie, SLT, or ST. I'd much prefer the NV5600 over the 47RE. Check the obvious, oil leaks, signs of a chip or programmer, does it have gauges? Why did he have the injectors replaced, when was the lift pump replaced? Does he have an intake, if so check to see if it is an oiled or dry paper. There have been some issues noted on the oiled air filters. Does it have a brake controller, a usually sign of bigger trailers. How about a 5th wheel hitch or GN ball? Again, normal signs of bigger trailers. If it is an 03 under 100K then you may still have the Cummins engine warranty on it, check when he purchased it. Let us know how it goes!

 

The 03's were also available with the HO and 48RE. My 'o3 has been a bit hungry for the drive shaft U-joints, that is until I replaced every one of them with Federal-Mogul greasible joints. Still have the original ball joints and lift pump (78,000 miles). If the lift pump and injectors have been, in fact, changed, I'm afraid I'd have to jump on it!

 

Sorry to hijack you post Tayloe but Im in the same situation.. I got an eye on a 2003 with 85k, 6 speeds, 4x4, bonestock..

I read a lot on the forum, but I would like to have advice to what to check.. I already own a 94.. but i read about some story about exhaust valve problem and cracking injectors tubes..

Thanks for your advice..

Marc/

 

Seems like a pretty good price if the mileage is low and condition is good. Depending on your plans I may not even worry whether it was an HO or SO. A Smarty evens them up and you'll need a tranny/clutch with either.

 

My '03 has 65k with the original lift pump... only problem I have had is an alternator pulley going bad and eating the serpentine belt.. otherwise, it has never been to the shop (oh, and the blend door)... (knock on wood)

 

2003 HO with 207K miles. Uses 1/3 qt of oil over 10K on an oil change. Now on a second lift pump. At around 160K miles, needed lift pump, ball joints and pinion seal.

 

My '03 with 137,000 miles has had this:

• Drive shaft
• Drive shaft u-joints
• Pinion seal
• Upper and lower ball-joints
• Lift pump
• Water pump
• One front wheel bearing
• Rebuilt front differential (bearings, gears ok)
• Leaking CP3 (I think)

Having gone through these repairs, I have to keep it. The positive is that the 2003 is supposed to get the best mileage of the 24-valve models.

 

My 03 SO 47RE has had no issues. Dealer resolved the alt bracket & Tranny Line recall many moons ago & I took care of the line rub on the radiator, as well as the open vents on the fuel tank. The Dealer wont ever see it again, no matter how many letter DC sends me to get my "You dont know how to Drive Alarm"
Still less than 20k miles...so I guess I can comment only on age, not mileage/wear!

 

Sorry it's been a while but haggling takes time!!

But really back with updates on the CTD!! (quick up-date)

03 CTD 2500 4X4 177,000 miles, new lift pump and injectors, bonestock!!!

New price sale price........ $12000.00 so yes I am going to pick up the truck Sat.

The truck is in great shape! The guy is a buddy of mine and says he just does not need the truck any more/ price of diesel!! I am about to be another proud CTD owner!!!

 

Congrats on the "new" truck. Seems to be a very reasonable price.

 

That low price couple to another 150,000 miles of driving over ten years can mean real economy for someone who needs (not just wants) a truck. Hard to find a decent car at that price.