Hey Guys,

This is a carry-over thread from earlier post of mine. (see link below)

After reading several posts about performance, mods and such...I'm getting closer to finding a new rig. Now I'm just trying to find a fair deal for what I'm getting.

One of the rigs in contention is a 97 2500 club cab, 4x4 auto with 155k. It's at a dealer so they have the usual overhead and "perceived retail value" thing tacked on. Asking 12,995. Seams a bit high, but here are a few thing that have been added:

Air Bags, pillar stack, New Tires, engine heating system (won't need this in the AZ desert), ATS 47re Heavy Duty Tranny (this might make it worth the drive), K & N Cold Air Intake. Sirius Satellite Radio, Infinity speakers.

Let me know what you think. It's about 700 miles from me, but I'm always open to a road trip.

Thanks


ORIGINAL POST:
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...l-t271348.html

 

paid 12,500 for my 1998 24v quad cab 4x4 with 107k five years ago. That's WAY TOO MUCH. I'd pay 10 maybe not even that.

 

Thanks guys for the advice and input. I took a leap of faith and bought the 1997 2500, auto with 155k on it for 12k even, out the door. It seemed high until the manager started rattling off all the work that was done to the truck.

I bought it sight unseen. They haven't shown the truck much since they were taking care of some issues including putting in a new rear end.

The dealer sent me a video of the truck, and it looks pretty clean and well cared for. It was a one-owner rig, and it sounds like the PO really took pride in the truck. He gave the dealer a big folder of all the items he put into the rig.

The ATS 47re transmission just went into the truck in October of 2008. The bill for that alone was over 9k, so it's sounds like I'm getting a nice rig for the money.

I'll let you know how it goes when I pick it from Denver on Thursday of next week.

 

Sounds like a pretty good deal. Keep us posted and post pics when you get it!

 

One thing you will find is that 155K on this truck qualifies it as a low mileage ride............... Normal trucks you find are way into the 200K bracket if not 300K.......

 

I'll definitely post some pictures as soon as I get the truck. Probably before I even get the truck back to AZ!!!

 

I must have skipped over the rebuilt tranny part. Sorry about that! 12 out the door is a great deal. ENjoy the new truck

 

The description of your truck is contradicting. I can understand the need for a transmission, but isn't $9000 high for one, and why does it need a rearend replacement? I would be suspecting something, if the truck seems to be well cared for, but needs all of this expensive work. I am not saying that you shouldn't get it- it's your money, and ultimately, you have to be satisfied, not me. But, what I am getting at is that for that price, with these contradictions, I would not buy it sight unseen, unless there is a whale of a warranty attached. A warranty that can be used in your area, not having to travel 700 miles to get work done. I can be wrong, and it has happened before. I do hope that no one is taking advantage of you, but rather, that you get a nice truck for the money. Did you go a carfax search on it?

 

Hodge, 9K for an installed top of the line trans is not out of line.

And a bombed 12 valve will flat out kill a 70..... I think there has been more done than the dealer knows about.......

 

Hey guys,

Thanks again for all the advice on what to look for.

I picked up the truck in Limon, Colorado on Thursday and did some sight seeing before we drove back to Phoenix. 155k when we picked her up. added 1200 miles and she drove like a dream. This truck is in excellent shape. 12k was well spent.

After looking through the folder from the PO and driving it for four days, I think I got a really nice rig.

Here are just some of the items that came with the truck:

New HD ATS transmission (stage III w/ 5 star Viskus, controllable TC and 5qt deep pan)
Commander controller for TC and Exhaust Brake
New injectors
New PacBrake exhaust braking system
New pillar gauges
High Mileage maintenance including valve adj. and new injection pump
New 4" straight pipe exhaust
Tow Brake controller
Air Bags
New starter
New brakes front and rear
K&N cold air intake (include new replacement filter for rapid changes)
New tires and wheels
SuperHide protective covers
Galaxy RF alarm w/ remote start
New Kenwood CD player
Sirius satellite radio
Rhinolined bed and lower 12" of the entire body of the truck
New batteries
2k lbs winch in the bed for pulling quad up
Power everything including tow mirror extenders
plus the typical routine work on the front end like ball joints and such.

Here are a couple of pics. I'll post more pics soon.

 

Forgot to mention...it also has on board air.

 

That is a SWEET truck.

Good buy...............