Need advice on a RAM I'm looking to buy.

ScUrb · Nov 26, 2013

I'm looking at a '97 1500 with the 5.9 V8. It has 116k miles, a 6" lift with 35's. The only thing it needs is two rear tires, a sensor and a kick down cable. The owner said it will start but only in first. Is this something I should stay away from or can it be fixed? What else should I look out for?
I got it down to $4,000. It's not currently on the road so I will not be able to take it for a test drive, but rather just start it. As this would be my first truck purchase, I am a little wary and don't know much about them. Any advice is helpful.

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

Get away.

No questions asked.

ScUrb · Nov 26, 2013

Why do you say this?

iSlacker816 · Nov 26, 2013

I'd say only buy it if you're prepared to put a tranny in it if needed. Depending on what shape the body is in and with the lift, wheels, and tires, it may be a good deal.

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

ScUrb said:
Why do you say this?

It's 4 grand and you can't even drive it.
That's why.

You need two tires: those are likely close to $250 each.

It needs a "sensor" what KIIIND of sensor? Depending on what, that will determine how much that is.

And the kick town cable is a pain to install and set up.

My point: you can get much nicer trucks for a little bit more money, if any at all.

ScUrb · Nov 26, 2013

I found some tires for 150 each, installed would be around 465. Oxygen sensor I believe.
I can't really afford much more.

So there's a chance it will need a transmission?

MoparCody · Nov 26, 2013

I agree with everyone else. I picked my 97 1500 4x4 up for 2000 and drove it 2 hours home. But since I've had it a rear I've replaced both axles. So I'd as no go just because of the tranny and a 4k price tag. You can find a better one for the around That price that's ready to go. Good luck bud. Let us know how it goes

iSlacker816 · Nov 26, 2013

Ok let me ask you what you mean by only start in first. It shouldn't start in a forward or backwards gear, only park or neutral.

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

I believe he means when the trans. in drive?
I'd hope anyway. lol

ScUrb · Nov 26, 2013

I'm not too sure lol. Owner said starts in first then put it in drive.

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

Starts in first as in the engine itself needs to be started or the transmission?

Either way, if I were you, I'd pass.

ScUrb · Nov 26, 2013

I haven't a clue.
You think that's the reason he's selling it?

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

Likely, yeah.

dodge dude94 · Nov 26, 2013

Heres an example of a modded Ram for not too much money.

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins Turbo Diesel Ext. Cab

Guy is actually going on BB value rather than what everyone is selling them for. lol 300+k miles, but for a Cummins it's not terrible.

ScUrb · Nov 27, 2013

How about a 2002 1500 sport v8 with 121k miles with some rust on all wheel wells and bumper, for 3,500? I think I can talk it down to 3,000. Is this a good price?

mumbles84 · Nov 27, 2013

I paid 4000. For my 98 2500 last year i have stuck 900 in and it still needs work these truck are money pit if you dont evaluate them if you dont do your own work they will cost you tons of money .I bought mine becuase it was the best beater with big axles in my area do i get sick of working on it yes it sat all summer in peices any more a good daily driver is in the price range of 7000 and up

dodge dude94 · Nov 27, 2013

Depending on the mechanical condition, $3k sounds fair to me.

ScUrb · Nov 27, 2013

They didn't say anything was wrong with it. It's from a small mom and pops dealership. I will be test driving it Friday, is there anything I should look out for? And can the rust be fixed or will need all new panels?

dodge dude94 · Nov 27, 2013

Rust should be easy to fix in those areas.

make sure the transmission shifts properly, the truck has power and it doesn't smoke. lol

ScUrb · Nov 27, 2013

How much do you think it will cost?

Also, I'm looking to get a 6" lift with like 35 tires or something; are there any good sites out there with relatively low costing lifts/tires&rims?

Need advice on a RAM I'm looking to buy.

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