Relative called today, wants me to go with him to look at an 03 2500 4x4, QC, long bed, CTD
Truck has about 60k on it.
What should I be looking at?
I'm used to looking at 2nd gen trucks, so I need a few pointers on 3rd gens.

Thanks in advance
Rich

 

If you want to pull a trailer, ask which transmission it has, (47 RE or 48 RE). That year it could be either one. The 48 RE was put in the HO, and some of the SO. I have an 03, SO, 245 hp, in that same truck. I put an Edge EZ chip in it and I love it. I pull a 20x8 GN, dump trailer, and a 5th wheel camper. Go for it!! What is the price? javahjoeo

 

I believe they are looking for about 27k for the truck, haven't crunched any numbers yet.
The truck is for my cousin, he now has an 04 hemi QC Sport 1500 4x4.
He loves the truck, but is getting tired of the 10 mpg.
He's gonna trade it in, the only good thing is he bought it there.
So he may not get screwed too hard on it.
I'll check on the trans, if its an HO or SO.

 

Which trim package? SLT, Laramie? Sounds pretty expensive unless it is equipped exactly how he wants it.

Around here, long beds don't bring the same money as short beds.

 

Look for evidence of water running down grab handles on a-pillar, look for updated power steering hose, look for cracked alternator bracket...

In my neck of the woods short boxes aren't very popular, so it probably depends on the area you are in. If it is a loaded laramie, 27k doesn't sound too bad?

 

I didn't think you could get a 2003 with a high output and an automatic. The automatic only came in the standard output. At least this is what the dealer told me when I ordered my 03 RAM 2500 QC HO CTD in Oct 2002.

L8r,..........dogger

 

The 48RE came out mid-03, so at first your only choice for auto was SO.

 

How about rear drive shaft u-joints, I just did mine at 64K. Also shudder during heavy accelleration in lower gears during takeoff. One more thing make sure that the climate control changes the airflow from the vents to the windshield(defroster), some of the controls were known to go bad.

 

Don't buy the '03 I traded in three weeks ago, it had all the following:

1. 70mph vibe ........... Dealer said could not reproduce many times, Yeah Right !!, drive it and check for this.
2. Ball joints frequent problem, check them.
3. A/C would blow cold only when freon was added........Dealer dye test could never find leak.
4. Went through 2 sets rear U-joints, check them
5. A/C Blower failed twice, switching from vents to defroster.
6. Cracked alternator bracket, TSB for that.
7. Very pronounced injector knock.........Dealer said nothing wrong many times.

 

I just bought an 03 2500 4x4 ctd slt. It was an auto, 37k on the clock, short box, and i paid 25,500 for it. So 27k to me seems high.

 

I have an 03 ho 48re . I pull a 35 ft houseboat at 65mph with no problems.And had no problems what so ever with my truck . 34000 miles so far

 

I only have 85k miles on my '03 and only had #6 above and a broken "Fresh/recirc" door on my HVAC. I love the truck.

Watch for any signs the truck was in the South during any of the Hurricanes.

Good Luck