were selling the 96 ram 1500 and also our ram 3500 85 model 360 gas burner. were looking at getting a new diesel. Should i get a brand new one, or a use one? I been thinking used becuase there is no need to pay that extra 10,000 and lose that when yo drive it off the show room. if i go the used route hat model shoudl i get. i kindly want a 24 vavle and also 5 or 6 speed. more preferably 6 speed but 5 is ok. and also dually rear wheels. club cab or 4 door. no single cab. now with all that info i woudl ask if yall coudl help me in my desicion in lookign for a truck. can yall help me with year models and everything. thanks for yalls help

 

Well I know in 2001 disc brakes were added, and you might need to look out for the #53 block. 24v were from 98.5-04. no 12v came with a 6 speed. Good luck with your truck hunt.

 

Around my neck of the woods good used trucks are almost as much as new. I don't see many CTDs in the classifieds, so you have to look around. Dealers around here want in the low $30K for 03-04 2500s, I paid about $34 for mine new. I figure I paid less than $2000 for the new truck smell , but I know how it was broken in, when its first oil change was etc. It was worth it to me.

My $0.02

Bud

 

You're likely best off with new. Dealers are cutting prices sharply--perhaps as much as $8k off an '04. Especially if you are willing to get not quite what you most want--you can find a great deal new. And the warrenty will be much better. Good luck!

 

It depends on what you want...all the comforts of home, or an engine/tranny that's easy to work on and modify. Comforts of home = newer models. Best engine/tranny = '95-'98 12V w/ 5 sp.

 

I fought the same battle. Used ones are only about $2k less per every year old than new ones. Finding a used one under 100k miles is almost impossible - if found way over priced. You usually wind up setteling on colors and options. If you're gonna keep it for 7-8+ yrs (it seems you will) buy a new one... Get what you want and know what you got.

Tough decision! Good Luck!

 

It all depends on what your looking for. I bought my first CTD new in 2000, a 2001 HO. Unfortunatley after a year and a new addition to the familly the wife said the biggest payment had to go. 3 1/2 years and two gassers later I knew it was time to get back in one. I searched 6 mo's for my 2nd CTD...only because I'm picky and wanted the same truck. Finally found it, drove 3 hours to get it. think I got a fair deal. Clean Truck, 42k miles when I got it. 24K out the door

Keep in mind, if your hunting for a used 5 or especially a 6 spd, youre gonna hunt for a while. Where I live AT are a dime a dozen

 

echo coming... It really depends on what you're looking for and what you're willing to pay. I looked for 'my' truck for about a year. I found plenty of late model QC CTD's but most had automatics. I wasn't willing to settle for something I didn't totally want. I got the truck I wanted for the price I wanted to pay by being patient.