Just a question.

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DodgeDodger

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Hi, I'm 16 and am looking to buy my own car. I have about $8,000 saved up from birthdays, my job at Lowe's, etc. I was looking for trucks and i found out the only trucks in my price range (about $5,000) was 1990's - 2000's. I don't like the looks of the ford or chevy so i chose to go with a dodge. I just wanted to know which year has the most reliable engine and if there were any recalls and just what some problems are like major rust spots or just some stuff you learned that maybe some sellers try to hide.

Thanks,
Philip
 

dodge dude94

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1998 Ram 1500
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5.9 Magnum
First off, welcome to RF and good for you for saving and buying your own stuff!


Here are the main problems with powertrain:
Blown plenums, leading to clogged catalytic converters then cracked heads. (I have a write up in the engine section on this, very informative)
Torque converters that like to go out due to excessive heat from clogged trans. cooler checkvalves
For trucks with limited slip differentials, they like to explode then the clutches wear out too badly.
For 4x4s, the is the infamous snap-ring failure in the tail shaft of the transfer case there the entire yoke will let go, causing the t-case to grenade itself.

Then you have the cracked/blown out dashboards, crappy headlights, wornout steering boxes, etc.

I'm sure there is more I am forgetting. Now, don't let this scare you, it's just somethings you need to consider when LOOKING for a truck since all brands are going to have their issues being you're looking at trucks that are a newest of around 12 years old.
 

Merc225hp

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Are you willing to get 9-14 mpg? These trucks are not cheap to run. Do you have your own tools, you will need many. These are good trucks but they are getting old and like new parts that are not cheap. For the cash you have skip the gas bombers and look at a diesel trucks (I will burn in hell for typing that lol).
 

dodge dude94

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Are you willing to get 9-14 mpg? These trucks are not cheap to run. Do you have your own tools, you will need many. These are good trucks but they are getting old and like new parts that are not cheap. For the cash you have skip the gas bombers and look at a diesel trucks (I will burn in hell for typing that lol).

Why, yes, yes you will. :evillol:




:happy175:
 

jsl6v8

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2013 Ram 1500 HFE RCSB
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3.6L V6 And proud.
Are you willing to get 9-14 mpg? These trucks are not cheap to run. Do you have your own tools, you will need many. These are good trucks but they are getting old and like new parts that are not cheap. For the cash you have skip the gas bombers and look at a diesel trucks (I will burn in hell for typing that lol).

Really cuz my 01 ram 1500 4x2 gets 17-18 highway 15 mixed.

The plenum pans are a bigger issue that seems to be pretty common definitely check out that thread. Also I'd highly suggest making sure you take it to a mechanic and having them give it a look over before you buy it. Do the common things you'd do when buying any vehicle, check under the engine look for signs of leaks, moisture/wet spots on things that shouldn't and low fluid levels, low fluid levels could also just point to the fact that someone isn't taking good/regular care of the truck in the first place. I'd crawl under the truck if you can and look around too, just make sure nothing is out of place.
 

Johnn123

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Really cuz my 01 ram 1500 4x2 gets 17-18 highway 15 mixed.

The plenum pans are a bigger issue that seems to be pretty common definitely check out that thread. Also I'd highly suggest making sure you take it to a mechanic and having them give it a look over before you buy it. Do the common things you'd do when buying any vehicle, check under the engine look for signs of leaks, moisture/wet spots on things that shouldn't and low fluid levels, low fluid levels could also just point to the fact that someone isn't taking good/regular care of the truck in the first place. I'd crawl under the truck if you can and look around too, just make sure nothing is out of place.

RCSB 4x2 manual 5.2? Thats believable.

ECSB 4x4 Auto 5.9? Merc is totally on the mark.

Agreed on checking it over well.
 

B-g-K

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Sounds like you have just enough budget to get you into trouble lol.
 
OP
OP
D

DodgeDodger

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Are you willing to get 9-14 mpg? These trucks are not cheap to run. Do you have your own tools, you will need many. These are good trucks but they are getting old and like new parts that are not cheap. For the cash you have skip the gas bombers and look at a diesel trucks (I will burn in hell for typing that lol).

I'm fine with a gas because my uncle has a '98 Ram and his gets about 14-17 MPG. My parents are giving me a credit card for my gas so they're are going to be paying for most of it. Once I get in senior year I will have to [ay for it myself though.
 

jsl6v8

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3.6L V6 And proud.
RCSB 4x2 manual 5.2? Thats believable.

ECSB 4x4 Auto 5.9? Merc is totally on the mark.

Agreed on checking it over well.

Quad standard bed 5.2 Auto, you're making me feel even more proud of my old girl.

I'm fine with a gas because my uncle has a '98 Ram and his gets about 14-17 MPG. My parents are giving me a credit card for my gas so they're are going to be paying for most of it. Once I get in senior year I will have to [ay for it myself though.

That is awesome of them. Good way to start building credit too. So find any in particular that you are looking at, I'm sure the guys and I would love to take a look at the links if you have any and give you some suggestions.
 

dodge dude94

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For most drivers, the mileage difference between the 5.2 and the 5.9 is minimal.
 
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