Looking for advice/opinion on buying a truck

So please don't tear me up if this isn't allowed. I (or a mod) will remove the post if this is somehow against the rules.

I am an old-time GM truck guy, shopping for a new/used truck and the GM stuff just isn't floating my boat any more. I'm gonna jump ship and switch brands, most likely to a RAM. I would honestly just buy brand new, but I'm an old Yankee and the RAM truck I want is over $85k, which just about makes me mess my pants.

So, in line with my cheapness, here's a truck I'm perusing, located in CA. It's a 2017 1500 Laramie Longhorn with 71,649 miles and they're asking $29,998 ; https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1C6RR7WT0HS790060

It has all the options I want, plus I really like that interior. But it's 8 years old and has a few miles. Is this something you RAM guys would be looking at, or would you pass? Thanks for any help.

Mojo88 said:

I would honestly just buy brand new, but I'm an old Yankee and the RAM truck I want is over $85k, which just about makes me mess my pants.

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It’s outrageous what new cars cost. The new leather should be “mess” resistant at that price.

I would not rule out a new truck just yet. Something to say about not picking up someone else’s problem. Are you flexible on features? New classics can be had well equipped for under 50k. What’s your budget? Leather is out in the classic.

Deals can be had on new gens if you’re willing to travel. Advertised 16k off sticker in my area.

70K miles is about low average for that age of truck, probably has at least another 100K miles or more. If it's an accident free truck and has a good service record history you might want to jump on it.
Really only known issues with the Hemi trucks is the exhaust manifold bolts breaking or the failed lifter/camshaft. Either one is a fairly low occurrence with most trucks living a long lift witi any issues. The failed lifter/camshaft issue can in part be attributed to excessive low rpm idle times.

Lsujker said:

....I would not rule out a new truck just yet. Something to say about not picking up someone else’s problem. Are you flexible on features? New classics can be had well equipped for under 50k. What’s your budget?

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Thanks for the reply.... Thing is: I have the money. I could write the check for $85+, then I gotta register it and pay another 7% (about $6k), so now I'm over $91k, which is pushing $100k!!! Yikes, that's insane to me.

This particular used truck has everything I want, plus a few extras that I like. For instance, it's got 3.92 gears, versus the stock 3.21. It's got a sunroof, a decent stereo, some chrome (I like chrome). Plus it has the longer bed, which adds about a foot in length, but likely gives even a little better ride. '4-Corner Air Suspension' should give a nice ride too????

I would pay someone from Lemon Squad to go evaluate it, prior to any purchase.

Nice truck! It will have a knob on the dash for a shifter, the main reason I won't buy a newer RAM. I leased one and could not get used to twisting a knob to shift.
Get maintenance and repair records, and a carfax.
A new one won't necessarily be trouble free.
I assume you would fly to CA and drive it home? Best way to get to know it and see the country. Having it shipped would add at least $2k to the total price.
Sometimes when you find everything you want it's best to grab it, you'll always regret missing out. Be prepared to do some repairs, hopefully minor, but that afore mentioned lifter issue could cause some grief.

I have to buy used to be able to afford a nice truck
The last Ram lasted me 18 years
and while I cant write a check for a new one
I would patiently look for a used one with lower miles and spend closer to 40 or even 50
you can find nice lower mileage trucks for your budget
Nothing wrong with the truck you're looking at
but you can do better and I think would be more satisfied in the end

You only live once. That truck seems (at least on the surface) that it would give you a decade of service. As others have said, get a Carfax report and go from there.

That's a nice looking pickup!

Mojo88 said:

So please don't tear me up if this isn't allowed. I (or a mod) will remove the post if this is somehow against the rules.

I am an old-time GM truck guy, shopping for a new/used truck and the GM stuff just isn't floating my boat any more. I'm gonna jump ship and switch brands, most likely to a RAM. I would honestly just buy brand new, but I'm an old Yankee and the RAM truck I want is over $85k, which just about makes me mess my pants.

So, in line with my cheapness, here's a truck I'm perusing, located in CA. It's a 2017 1500 Laramie Longhorn with 71,649 miles and they're asking $29,998 ; https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1C6RR7WT0HS790060

It has all the options I want, plus I really like that interior. But it's 8 years old and has a few miles. Is this something you RAM guys would be looking at, or would you pass? Thanks for any help.

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How many idle hours?

Looking at the carfax, 3 reported owners and minor accident damage in rear. Carfax shows right rear and left rear. So you need to have it reviewed. Clean up job masks a bunch of issues on the truck, if you look closely at pics, dash has got some wear and under hood was filthy prior to cleanup.

Avg intervals between oil changes looks to be 7 to 8k, with one at 12.

In my opinion you can get better, closer, for less.

Your $$, do what you want.

Look at this one. More $$, 1 year newer but less miles, and closer

My $0.02...
If you're wanting your next and perhaps final truck...
No factory air suspension as these are known to have issues... especially looking at a 5 to 7 + year old truck.

Purchase as new and as low mileage as possible if you're going for a used one.
It must have zero accident claims history... one never knows what shop has worked on it and to what extent the damage really was/is!

It's hard to really know what the service and maintenance history was on a higher mileage used truck.... buyer beware!

You could look at a new truck with fewer initial options (has warranty) for a better price, and then opt to have some of the amenities you'd like installed to suit your want list.

Don't get me wrong, I've had 25+ vehicles in my 30+ years of driving, and all but the last four were used. I have learned that buying used is a risk, but sometimes it's all we can manage at that time, and I get that 100%!

However, if one has the means to support a new vehicle, then do it, have a factory warranty, and start the journey of your specific vehicle ownership experience in a truly positive way and you'll not have to worry about why the vehicle was traded, what it went through, how it was looked after, and if you're buying a potential nightmare.

The worst experience is buying used and then having to dump a lot of money into said vehicle because it pooped the bed.

My $0.02.
Regardless, best of luck on your search and purchase, and welcome to the Ram Family.
They really are great trucks!

Awesome replies gents! I truly appreciate the help and comments.

@Racer9 - I would have it shipped, but based on comments, I am gonna keep shopping.

@TN Mopar - I concur with it all. Gonna keep shopping, thanks

@KWal - thanks

@Zoe Saldana - I would think idle hours would be hard to ascertain, as well as not all that critical for a passenger vehicle... no? I totally get your point if it was a used police vehicle or similar.

@Bigskyroadglide - thanks, very relevant comments. I will check that link out too!

@CanuckRam1313 - thanks for the expanded comments. I was kinda set on the air suspension, just because I like a cushy ride, and it appears that all four corners of the suspension can be replaced for less than $1k (if I do it myself). I have a 4-post lift and all the tools in my garage, plus I've been wrenching for many years, I could replace all that stuff easily. Does this make me a viable candidate for the air suspension?? Am I wrong about the pricing? Regardless, I am gonna keep shopping, likely something newer with less miles.

Good feedback around. Like it.

So how long have you been searching? You know the saying about sleeping in a purchase.

I gather you want upper end stuff but not the upper end price for new. That’s fine. Keep shopping. Whatever you find please share.

Personally, I’m with Canuck and would take my time. Nicer parts have higher replacement value. Could or could not fail? What’s your risk tolerance? Maybe you can fix it no problem but what’s your time worth.

Just projecting my personality. Very risk adverse and prefer a minimalistic approach.

Mojo88 said:

Thanks for the reply.... Thing is: I have the money. I could write the check for $85+, then I gotta register it and pay another 7% (about $6k), so now I'm over $91k, which is pushing $100k!!! Yikes, that's insane to me.

This particular used truck has everything I want, plus a few extras that I like. For instance, it's got 3.92 gears, versus the stock 3.21. It's got a sunroof, a decent stereo, some chrome (I like chrome). Plus it has the longer bed, which adds about a foot in length, but likely gives even a little better ride. '4-Corner Air Suspension' should give a nice ride too????

I would pay someone from Lemon Squad to go evaluate it, prior to any purchase.

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Lots of great advice around here!

Very nice truck just way over priced in my opinion

3 owners 3 collision repairs, oil changes not done in the proper number of miles, the old 4 corner air suspension in NYC may be a problem, I'll bet she has a tick maybe from the lifters or ex manifold studs broken, and how about a leaky sunroof w clogged drains and interior water intrusion, don't walk run!!

I looked 2 1/2 years before I found my truck, just 5 miles from home. 24k miles, local owner with some upgrades put on at the dealer. I talked with the previous owner that was a principal at the local school.

The price was what I wanted, as were most of the options. It took a while, but I expected this to be my last truck, and most likely will be since I had my main Ford truck since 1992, which I finally gave to my son a few weeks ago.

The truck you shown looks good, but the history scares me.

Lsujker said:

Good feedback around. Like it.

So how long have you been searching? You know the saying about sleeping in a purchase.

I gather you want upper end stuff but not the upper end price for new. That’s fine. Keep shopping. Whatever you find please share.

Personally, I’m with Canuck and would take my time. Nicer parts have higher replacement value. Could or could not fail? What’s your risk tolerance? Maybe you can fix it no problem but what’s your time worth.

Just projecting my personality. Very risk adverse and prefer a minimalistic approach.

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I've been looking (off and on) for a few months. Currently driving an '03 Silverado 1500, which has been the best truck of my life (73 years old now). I love the old girl and have upgraded just about everything in her, but rust is doing her in.

I've driven some new and used GMC and Chevy trucks, and they are crazy money for trucks that don't ride near as nice as my '03. Plus the interiors seem cheap, and the frames rust out (badly) in areas with salted roads (I'm in Northeast).

I like the advice here. I'm gonna "take my time" and look for a great deal, or at least a good one...............

Mojo88 said:

I've been looking (off and on) for a few months. Currently driving an '03 Silverado 1500,

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Man, you just tapped into my memory vein.

Purchase brand new in 03 a z71 LT dark gray metallic step side extended cab with leather buckets. 4 doors did not exist. Truck stickered for $36k and think I paid $28k. What a truck that was. Drove it hard but kept it clean. Miss it sometimes but the newer trucks do everything better. 03 did not tow great. GM did a **** pour job undercoating so every one north of Kentucky rusted out.

Had a few company trucks, Chevy, up the current gen. No thank you. Interior was a mess. Plastic dungeon. Steering wheel not centered with the seat. Layout inconvenient. Back end hopped. Way too many mechanical issues. I was a Chevy guy till 07.

jws123 said:

Very nice truck just way over priced in my opinion

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Me thinks they all way overpriced, new, or low mileage used. But wat do I know.