I've got 2 options that I am looking at.

1. 2002 CTD, 6 speed, 3.55:1, long bed, spray on bedliner, quad cab SLT
63,300 miles, single owner, Great shape, front of the motor leaks a little
warrranty expires 9/1/2007, carfax checks out
$22,499

or

2. 2004 CTD 325/600, Auto, 3.73:1, long bed, plastic bedliner, crewcab SLT
99,300 miles, came from an auction, Great shape, haven't seen carfax yet
$22,999

Any help\questions would be appreciated.
Both are 4X4.



Also, could anyone tell me who makes the 6 speed?

 

I don't know where you are, but the 02 seems a little high and the 04 a little low. I would check them both out really close and do some price comparisons for your area.

 

The 02 could be more like $20,500 to $21K. The "leak" might be the breather bottle, they can cause what appears to be a leak up front by the PS pump.

04 has high miles for the year, nothing to be afraid of, just that the Cummins warranty is about to run out on it.

I'd go with the 6 speed, tell them you really didn't want to spend more than 19K, see what they can do on it.

 

I did look the 02 up on Kbb and it booked for $24k

 

Just me, but I would offer more like what PJ said or less. It's going to be your truck, and you have evidently done some research. If the deal makes you happy, that's all that counts.

 

I'd try to get a better price on the 02 and go with that.

 

I like both but Id also talk the 02 down, otherwise get the 04. Both great trucks.

 

doesnt merceded make the 6 speed tranny for dodge?

 

Not on an 02 but they might on the newer trucks.

 

The 6 speed in that 02 is a nv5600 from New Venture. Heavy, tough transmission. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are all pretty close which makes for some busy shifting, but is ideal for towing.

 

good deal

 

What would these trucks be used for?

I love my 02, but the newer fuel system on the 03 and newer trucks is worth paying a premium for, imo-- esp if it's an earlier 04 that's not a "Cummins 600".

Personally, I'd use the high mileage to try and talk down the 04 a little in price.


The VP44 on the 02 is something to consider. On one hand, it IS a known quantity in that we know about what to expect from it. ON the other hand, the Vp equipped trucks may have the least reliable injection pump of all CTDs.

Something else to consider-- the 6 speed and 3.54 gears is a setup that seems tailor- made for the CTD-- the gear splits are perfect! This 6-speeds older than 2005 are very tough, and failures are quite rare even with lots of abuse.

Counterpoint to this is that the 48re is the best automatic yet offered in a Dodge truck (until we get that 6-speed Aisin). It's also pretty tough and the convenience of an auto trans is nice in traffic. Gearing with the 3.73s and auto is good overall.

If you plan on making this a tow-only truck, then maybe the 02 is better for you.

But if you plan on using this truck for anything and everything-- towing AND commuting, etc, then the 04 is probably better all around.


I love my 02, but the HPCR is a quantum leap forward in diesel fuel management technology, and I'd think VERY hard about taking advantage of it.

Either could be a nice truck, and only you can decide where the cost/benefit falls for you, and what you're willing to pay for.


Personally, the MUCH better frame and MUCH more sophisticated fuel system of the 04 would make that my first choice.....

jh

 

Very good points, HOHN. I'd lean toward the 04' as well. They seem to get the best mileage, when driven properly, and still have excellent power. But I've always had a thing for 2nd gen body styles... Too bad you couldn't get em' both...

 

rkworthy when you said you looked up the "book value" on kbb and it was 24k were you speaking of the trade-in, private party, or retail value? I have always tried to strike a price between the trade-in and private party value. NEVER pay retail value for a used truck.

I would be curious on the '04 - make really sure it's not a salvage title, a flood veichle, etc. If it's a first Cummins, that one-owner '02 would be *nearly* bulletproof. Add a fuel pressure gauge - to monitor for a lift pump failure - and you're good to go.

 

Agreed. The other place that you might check out is Edmunds.com. They give what they call at TMV or True Market Value that is usually closer to what these guys are talking about.

If you notice, dealers use the KBB when they are trying to sell you a car because the retail values are higher and banks can loan more that way, but if you are going to trade one in . . .oftentimes out comes NADA or Edmunds.