Looking for some expert advice. I'm in the market for an 06 or 07 Ram.

My must haves are:

Mega cab
Diesel
Automatic
Alloy rims

Would like:
power rear window

Wouldn't mind:

4x4


What should I be looking out for? What is the real difference between the 5.9 and 6.7? Fuel economy? Power? I've been aiming for an '06 or first half of '07 because of the 5.9, but does it really matter?

Any words of advice on specific issues to look for?

I've encountered some manufacturers' buybacks in my search. Would I be an idiot to even consider these? One in particular was returned for an unspecified check engine light and the "repair" was "could not duplicate". I'm a commercial pilot and chronic write-ups followed by "could not duplicate" are a huge red flag, so this one is a no-go. But it got me wondering about the buy backs in general. Under what conditions would it make sense to pick one up?


Any and all help would be appreciated.

 

I doubt if there's anything fundamentally wrong with the 6.7s, per se. You just have to recognize they come with a new/different set of pollution control devices, EGR, DPF and associated complexities and unknowns. There have been issues. But they do make more power, have the way cool VGT turbo/brake, awesome 6sp auto, etc. As long as it's under warranty shouldn't be a problem. I went with one of the last of the 5.9 Dodges simply because I like less complexity and proven technology. To each his own.

 

every one i know that has a 6.7 gets poor mileage and has the check engine problems and more. one guy took a loss and traded it in for an 06 and is tickled pink now that he's away from the 6.7

 

Your response and Rich's response basically describe the two schools of thought I've heard. I'm a simple is better guy - hence the search for the 5.9

Thanks

 

My 5.9 gets the mileage of a 6.7, which isn't the norm. If I could have test driven the truck for a week and known that, I wouldn't have thought twice about buying a comparably optioned out 6.7 because it would save me from buying an exhaust brake, and it has a SWEET transmission.

Shawn

 

Your gonna hear rants and raves from both camps. I love my 6.7 and see pretty decent fuel milage with the deletes. 15 town 17-18 hiway, 12 loaded. And I got a heavy foot. The 6.7 makes great power and the exhaust break if great. I am quite disappointed with the way the exhaust sounds even with stacks but im partitial to the 12v and 24v exhaust note and nothing comes close to that. Let me rephrase that, its sounds ok, just not what I expected. Key to the 6.7 is you have to do the deletes to not have any trouble with them. Is that an option for you, well only you know that. Also for an auto the 68rfe is like a gift from the slushbox gods.

However, Im a very paticular and non satisfyable kinda guy and I am always wanting something different. If I were to get rid of my truck tomorrow I would be looking for an 06 or 07 5.9 with a g56. Just me... Heck truth be told I want another first gen, a 12v 2nd gen a 24v second gen, a 5.9 third gen and to keep my mega. Unfortunately.......... I have come to terms with for that to happen, I must find a new wife.

Good luck with what ever you choose. You wont be disappointed, like ive said before, 5.9 or 6.7, ITS STILL A CUMMINS!

 

I am sure the 6.7 be more modern technology is nice but. . . . .lots more emissions stuff to deal with. The 5.9 is tried and true, and lots more after market goodies once the bomb bug bites. I bet the 5.9 motor will help hold more value as they become harder to find.

 

The question of 5.9 or 6.7 is easy. How do you plan to use the truck? If you are using it as regular transportation the 5.9 would be a better choice. If you are working the truck with decent loads the 6.7 is great. If certain factory parts suddenly fell off the 6.7 you could use it any way you want and still have a great truck.
Don't let the horror stories scare you. My '07 6.7 is by far the best truck I have owned and it is still factory stock. My only complaint is the lower fuel mileage but it does make more power and has a larger displacement so lower fuel mileage can be expected.

 

So I'm getting serious about this purchase now. I'm a "regular transportation" driver for the most part so again the 5.9 gets the nod. But I keep tripping over some pretty sweet deals on 6.7 equipped trucks. Drove a beautiful 07 4x4 today but the check engine light actually came on during the test drive. Talk about making you paranoid, dealership said it was because of the detail they did in the engine compartment. I'm still paranoid.

Anybody know how the lemon laws work? The engine warranty runs for 100K so I should be okay.... right?

Somebody else talked about the exhaust brake being factory on the 6.7. Man, I love the sound of that thing. Might have to get a 6.7 just for that

 

I get the Black Book.