Looking at buying a 05' ram 1500 SLT

[Thdoctor]

Hello all, im new to the site and dodge vehicles in general, this will also be my first truck, im currently looking at this 05' 1500 4X4 with the 4.7 Magnum and was wondering it seemed like a good deal and if there was anything major i should know about the motor or trucks of this year.

Thanks for the help.

This is the information on said truck:
2005 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD XD SERIES ALLOY BED LINER GRILLE GUARD Houston, Texas | Drive with Pride

 

[schwarz]

Hey welcome!

2 things I noticed, looks like truck has either a leveling kit or a lift and that front brush bar make it look like this truck was used off road...I personally wouldn't buy a truck that has any sort of suspension mods and big tires

 

[braindead0]

Hey welcome!

2 things I noticed, looks like truck has either a leveling kit or a lift and that front brush bar make it look like this truck was used off road...I personally wouldn't buy a truck that has any sort of suspension mods and big tires

+1 on that. Lifts can be easily done wrong, larger tires cause more wear on the suspension components as well. If there is a good 4x4 shop in your area (avoid bolt-on palace truck accessory places, find one that does custom lifts) pay them to check it out. It'll be worth the money/hassle.

 

[NWRQC]

It looks like the torsion bars might be cranked slightly.
I did notice the front brush guard right away. That can be from anything from off roading to not paying attention while parking (in such places as while camping E.G). It could be a cheap bar meant merely for aesthetics and doesn't offer any real protection, thus bending easily (something to look into)
I would have it inspected thoroughly and if it checks out, start negotiating.

 

[WulfGang]

It looks to me like it's been keyed or something.

I saw the scratch on the passenger door and looks like it's dented as well.
Then I saw the same kind of scratch on the tail gate.

Hard to tell from the pics but the tires looking a little less than desirable on tread.

OH, it has the 4.7L - NO GO imo...That right there would pretty much kill the deal for me. I specifically wanted the HEMI and wouldn't settle. YMMV

It is a good lookin truck. Don't get me wrong. I think it's priced a bit high though.
But, I have noticed pricing is sometimes dependent upon the location.

Me? I'd keep looking.

 

[RonJon '06]

^ Me too...

 

[05daytona]

What the others have said, plus, if you look a the battery terminals, there's a little something extra. Look inside and you see some wiring behind the ashtray area and a toggle switch. It wasn't done very well as far as I'm concerned, which leads me to believe it he half assed something simple as that, what else did he half ass? It has 18 inch rims, which I don't believe are stock. IMO, I wouldn't buy it unless you're OK with it's faults and the 4.7. Just my .02 cents.

 

[Thdoctor]

I'm going to look into everything y'all have said so far, I didn't realize how haphazard thy wiring was till you mentioned it...kinda spooky

 

[xb1230]

No Go IMO...

+1 on the 4.7L. I would get a 4.7L brand new and knowing what it requires in regards to proper maintenance to be maintained in a good running condition. But I know first hand what it involves buying 1 used and abused.

Also it does look like some of the abuse on this truck was somehow "covered up" with some badly used detailing techniques.

Now I can't say about the price in your area, but in my neck of the woods, this is on the pricy side for a 2005.

My 2 cents.

 

[RAtmosphere]

I would pass on that one as well....too many little "red flags" or at least yellow ones. I think if your patient on looking you will find a much better conditioned one, and with a Hemi...