Cause now people are forced to sell their beloved trucks, so unless they get a reasonable amount for it, they'd rather keep it and just watch it if they have to. They made the 2nd gen 12v for only 4.5 years and they're very popular. Finding clean ones are getting harder to find as they are getting older. You may be able to pick up a cheap 12v, but it was probably a work truck or a beater.

 

I once saw a first gen (can't remember which year 91-93?) on Ebay and the guy was asking $12'000 for it. He talked about all the work into it. I don't care if it's brand new I would never pay $12'000 for a truck that is 15-17 years old. Some guys really think those trucks are worth a lot. I own one and they're not near as much truck as some guys think they are.

 

Just my opinion.

I think it's the same reason the prices are climbing on the old Mercedes (Pre '86) diesels. These old rotary IPs have the best compatibility with experimental fuels like bio-diesel & veg oil, etc. I bought an 85 benz and a 1st gen cummins for exactly that reason. I wanted something old and cheap enough that I won't cry if I break it, non-computerized and simple to work on, and with generally good MPG.

I live in the pacific NW and biodiesel and veg oil are hot topics in this area. Even with the high price of diesel we still achieve less $$/mile than an equivalent gasser. This economic reality increases the demand for these trucks and prices climb accordingly.

 

I disagree simon. While I see your point, I don't think that high diesel prices necessarily increase the value of the older trucks just because they can run on biofuels. You're still paying out the butt for bio, and if you home brew you still have to take the time to brew it.
It's not just first gens, it's 2nd gens and 3rd gens too. Near and past 5.00/gal diesel fuel and uncertainty as to where it will go will decrease the value way more than bio's can increase it. Nice first gens are great rigs, but they aren't vintage muscle cars that are going across the barrett-jackson block.

 

I know a dealer that has a 94 DRW 2wd single cab 170k miles for $ 6000, I am sure you can get it for less, and it has been through a little checkup since it's a Dodge dealer.