saw a nice 3rd gen for cheap, need opinions

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

rambob

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Posts
1,594
Reaction score
41
Location
LA/MS
Ram Year
2001
Engine
318 5.2l
saw an 02 four door silver ram near my work forsale for $4k

no body damage. flower petal 20s, but missing one.
2wd
no hemi badges

the only part that I worry about is, it is a wrecker yard, but they have been selling cars for years.
so basically it was likely towed and the owner never paid to get it out.
my buddy bought a 78 z28 from them once that was super nice and a great deal.


I was thinking of getting it and selling my truck.

what should I look for when I go look at it?

what are common 3rd gen problems??

if it has a v6, will I hate it? what is the towing cap.

thanks
 

HemiBabe

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2010
Posts
7,214
Reaction score
921
Location
DFW
Ram Year
2004
Engine
Hemi
I say pass on it, the V6's get worse mpgs than the hemi's...
 
OP
OP
rambob

rambob

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Posts
1,594
Reaction score
41
Location
LA/MS
Ram Year
2001
Engine
318 5.2l
okay, no hemi option in 2002?
so maybe it is a 4.7l or 5.9l
 
OP
OP
rambob

rambob

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Posts
1,594
Reaction score
41
Location
LA/MS
Ram Year
2001
Engine
318 5.2l
gas mileage is not a huge concern. its a dodge ram. it will suck gas. lol

I would love the extra space.
wouldn't mind giving up 4wd
would like to give up the solid axle due to its prone to problems

I would still likely lift it a few inches (2-3)
 
OP
OP
rambob

rambob

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Posts
1,594
Reaction score
41
Location
LA/MS
Ram Year
2001
Engine
318 5.2l
I guess its not that cheap now that I look at kbb. PP is $5k.

hard to believe my truck is worth more
 

02blkram47

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Posts
1,147
Reaction score
138
Location
Lebanon, NH
Ram Year
2018 Ram 1500 Limited
Engine
5.7 Hemi
i say drive it and see how you like it. I paid about $5K for my 02 4x4 with 125k and have very good luck with it.
 

popcenator

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2012
Posts
917
Reaction score
291
Location
Omaha, NE
Ram Year
2019
Engine
Hemi 5.7
If it's a V6, I'd stay away as mentioned. You're not only sacrificing MPGs but power as well. Why get worse mileage AND power?. If it's a 4.7 or 5.9 I'd say go for it.

It just depends on your preference and how it drives. Good luck either way!
 

txbass06

Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Posts
4,129
Reaction score
54
Location
NE Texas
Ram Year
1996
Engine
5.9 Magnum
There's not many problems the early 3rd gens have that the 2nd gens didn't. The dash in some of them look like most of ours do
The trans is an issue like most 2nd gens
If it's got the 5.9L then the plenum gasket is still an issue
And the earlier 4.7L's were prone to overheating and warping heads
 
OP
OP
rambob

rambob

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2011
Posts
1,594
Reaction score
41
Location
LA/MS
Ram Year
2001
Engine
318 5.2l
I'm gonna pass on it. Figured I'm not really gaining much.
 
Top