Newbie struggling with truck choice

Another new guy! Sorry, y’all! Really looking for recommendations from the crowd who knows these trucks well. Aware of the infamous exhaust manifolds and rear window leaks. And know to look for Carfax / service records. Seems half of the trucks I’m finding are northern trucks with noticeable rust under it. Maybe I should pay $1k and have a truck shipped from the South. Truck needs to occasionally tow the boat 3-4 hours.

Long story short, goal was to find a $40k-$43k, 50k-75k mile 5th Gen Limited (or loaded Laramie). But now I’m thinking it’s smarter to decrease that by $10k… have a hard time justifying $1k+ monthly on total truck cost. And at $45k, that’s close to a new Big Horn.

Today I almost pulled the trigger on a 2017 BH that had 95k on it for $25k (had the hemi tick but would be a low payment). Leather would be nice since I have toddlers.

Did they make a BH package with the heated/ventilated leather? And is it worth it to go from a 17/18 model to a 19/20/21 for a few more thousand? Seen some great deals on a 17/18 Ecodiesel but heard those (pre-3rd gen) were full of problems.

Welcome. You have some mixed things going here. The manifold bolts are 5.7 Hemi issue. Ecodiesel is a different animal, do a search with that term to see what others have typed about it and it's capabilities.

Agree that a southern truck is best. Decide what options are critical must haves, and start searching that way. Perhaps some others here will have good dealers in their area. Also, in our vendor section are dealers, Mark Dodge and Granger Motors. They might be able to help.

Here you go op, shop away


Or if you want a classic

gopokes86 said:

Another new guy! Sorry, y’all! Really looking for recommendations from the crowd who knows these trucks well. Aware of the infamous exhaust manifolds and rear window leaks. And know to look for Carfax / service records. Seems half of the trucks I’m finding are northern trucks with noticeable rust under it. Maybe I should pay $1k and have a truck shipped from the South. Truck needs to occasionally tow the boat 3-4 hours.

Long story short, goal was to find a good deal… $40k-$43k… on a 50k-75k mile 5th Gen Limited (or loaded Laramie). But now I’m thinking it’s smarter to decrease that by $10k… have a hard time justifying $1k+ monthly on total truck cost. And at $45k, that’s close to a new Big Horn.

Today I almost pulled the trigger on a 2017 BH that had 95k on it for $25k (had the hemi tick but would be a low payment). Leather would be nice since I have toddlers.

Did they make a BH package with the heated/ventilated leather? And is it worth it to go from a 17/18 model to a 19/20/21 for a few more thousand? Seen some great deals on a 17/18 Ecodiesel but heard those (pre-3rd gen) were full of problems.

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stay far away from the eco diesels all years they look nice but engines are trash i see em blown up all the time just had 2 in the dealership we gave up on and wholesaled em 2015 120k and a 2017 140k.

tron67j said:

Welcome. You have some mixed things going here. The manifold bolts are 5.7 Hemi issue. Ecodiesel is a different animal, do a search with that term to see what others have typed about it and it's capabilities.

Agree that a southern truck is best. Decide what options are critical must haves, and start searching that way. Perhaps some others here will have good dealers in their area. Also, in our vendor section are dealers, Mark Dodge and Granger Motors. They might be able to help.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I’ll check them out. I think Granger sells extended Mopar warranties at good rates if I remember correctly.

Bigskyroadglide said:

Here you go op, shop away

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=62254&selectedMakeId=m191&selectedModelId=d2110&distance=100&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2110#listing=380409821/PRIORITY/DEFAULT

Or if you want a classic

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?zip=62254&selectedMakeId=m191&selectedModelId=d2110&distance=100&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d2110#listing=379688777/NONE/DEFAULT

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Thanks! The first one just reminds me of the price I’m trying to avoid on a used truck. Funny story, I was at the dealership with that 2nd vehicle (2018). Was being sold when I arrived.

jws123 said:

stay far away from the eco diesels all years they look nice but engines are trash i see em blown up all the time just had 2 in the dealership we gave up on and wholesaled em 2015 120k and a 2017 140k.

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Even 3rd gen EDs?

Found my truck in N.C., flew down and drove it home. 2011 with only 60k. No rust, exactly what I wanted.
Take your time looking, until you find one you really like.

gopokes86 said:

Thanks, I’ll check them out. I think Granger sells extended Mopar warranties at good rates if I remember correctly.

Thanks! The first one just reminds me of the price I’m trying to avoid on a used truck. Funny story, I was at the dealership with that 2nd vehicle (2018). Was being sold when I arrived.

Even 3rd gen EDs?

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All of them if you want a diesel get a cummins those things run forever If not just go with a hemi.

Southern is always the way to go. If you live somewhere near CHI...it's a cheap plane ride down to Dallas where a lot of clean trucks await you. So you could search there too. Or Orlando area...Atlanta, etc. I think 2018 is when they updated the EPS unit, wasn't it? How much service, if any, do you plan to do on your own?

Jeepwalker said:

Southern is always the way to go.

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Yes we are. We have them stacked up in neat rows waiting on you.

We do ask if you bring one up north for a few years, please do not bring it back down.

Ha ha...

I've known FL residents who ended up buying vehicles from, northeast snowbirds and got a surprise!

Would y’all have any hesitations about a 2017 Big Horn, 96k miles, clean & Missouri history for $25k? Local dealer just took one in. Recently had the exhaust manifolds replaced and new tires/brakes.

When do timing chains usually get replaced on these 5.7’s?

I got my 2017 Lonestar for 18.5k with 124k miles on her, got her from a local Toyota dearer who for the life of them couldn't seem to sell the truck.

Then again that dealership is terrible and their employees incompetent.

Timing chains last the life of the vehicle theoretically. If you want to be super on top of preventive maintenance, sometime between 200 and 300 thousand miles would be good.

gopokes86 said:

Would y’all have any hesitations about a 2017 Big Horn, 96k miles, clean & Missouri history for $25k? Local dealer just took one in. Recently had the exhaust manifolds replaced and new tires/brakes.

When do timing chains usually get replaced on these 5.7’s?

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mine had 180k before I did the camshaft I replaced the chain but could of re used it so your good just make sure it doesnt have lifter noise at hot idle bit expensive for the miles tho you could probably find a better deal have seen them go cheaper prices are dropping.

jws123 said:

mine had 180k before I did the camshaft I replaced the chain but could of re used it so your good just make sure it doesnt have lifter noise at hot idle bit expensive for the miles tho you could probably find a better deal have seen them go cheaper prices are dropping.

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Yeah, I can see how a 7 year old, 100k truck with little features is expensive at 25k. I’ll probably check the truck out tomorrow and if it seems good, maybe offer them 23.5.

gopokes86 said:

Yeah, I can see how a 7 year old, 100k truck with little features is expensive at 25k. I’ll probably check the truck out tomorrow and if it seems good, maybe offer them 23.5.

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I'd offer 20k out the door and go from there.

Best buying experience I ever had was when I bought my 2004 1500 with 21,000 miles (back in 2006). They wanted 26, I offered 20, they took it. From test drive to driving home took all of 1.5 hours.

aszumilo said:

I'd offer 20k out the door and go from there.

Best buying experience I ever had was when I bought my 2004 1500 with 21,000 miles (back in 2006). They wanted 26, I offered 20, they took it. From test drive to driving home took all of 1.5 hours.

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Jeez. Insane they took 24% off. I know this dealer put the new manifolds on, tires, brakes, oil, etc. So expecting them to say “we’ve already put $2500 into it.” I can try with 20, but they’ll probably just show me the door.

gopokes86 said:

Another new guy! Sorry, y’all! Really looking for recommendations from the crowd who knows these trucks well. Aware of the infamous exhaust manifolds and rear window leaks. And know to look for Carfax / service records. Seems half of the trucks I’m finding are northern trucks with noticeable rust under it. Maybe I should pay $1k and have a truck shipped from the South. Truck needs to occasionally tow the boat 3-4 hours.

Long story short, goal was to find a $40k-$43k, 50k-75k mile 5th Gen Limited (or loaded Laramie). But now I’m thinking it’s smarter to decrease that by $10k… have a hard time justifying $1k+ monthly on total truck cost. And at $45k, that’s close to a new Big Horn.

Today I almost pulled the trigger on a 2017 BH that had 95k on it for $25k (had the hemi tick but would be a low payment). Leather would be nice since I have toddlers.

Did they make a BH package with the heated/ventilated leather? And is it worth it to go from a 17/18 model to a 19/20/21 for a few more thousand? Seen some great deals on a 17/18 Ecodiesel but heard those (pre-3rd gen) were full of problems.

Click to expand...

Here's one meeting your original criteria and it's in Illinois: https://www.stevefaulknerchrysler.c...armel-il-f7d573970a0e082f6b89b644a4d914f9.htm

And a Laramie: https://www.stevefaulknerchrysler.c...armel-il-2e8f190d0a0e081d114b2b41879ae3ed.htm

I bought my PW from those folks and they were great to deal with. It was a bit of a drive for me, something of an all day affair, but it was well worth it for the price I got and the way I was treated.

gopokes86 said:

Jeez. Insane they took 24% off. I know this dealer put the new manifolds on, tires, brakes, oil, etc. So expecting them to say “we’ve already put $2500 into it.” I can try with 20, but they’ll probably just show me the door.

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Be willing to walk away remember they are desprate not you lol invetory is full everywhere often they will call you back the next day.

As it gets closer to the end of the month, sales people and dealers want to move as much iron as they can. Each salesperson has a monthly tally ...and most likely a minimum quota. And there are spiffs and competitions to reach certain sales milestones (30 cars per month might get a higher percentage, ..40 even better!). Dealerships are often part of Dealer Groups...nowadays, and the specific dealer manager needs to justify his performance with how much they sold, profits, etc. But units are a clear winner if they can say "Well the profit was down 8%, but the units were up 5%. So now would be a great time to hit the bricks and work deals.

So, this is the perfect time of month you have good leverage. Like someone said, don't be afraid to walk away, but consider "Walk-Away" a state of mind, not your actual feet. Walking away is kind of a passive-aggressive way of getting out of a deal or walk away grumbling. Better that you keep your cool and enjoy the back/fourth negotiation process. Don't get overly attached ..keep your cool and wear the dealer out.. Wheel and deal a while, get their price. Change the topic for a bit. Then come back to the negotiating. It takes 3-5 no's to get a yes. That's assuming you've found the truck you like/want.

Good deals are usually awarded to guys who stick around and impassionately 'work the process' for...sometimes a couple hours! Make the deal fun and appeal to the manager for the discount you are seeking. If you need to, let them know you have a couple more you want to look at and you'll "think about it" the price you ended up with ...and go back again in a day or two, see if you can get closer to your number.

But if you end up on a deal you like right away, go for it. And post the picture of your new pickup. I can't remember the year Ram switched over to the updated electronic power steering (EPS) unit and newer lifters. I'd try to shoot for that year. Those are two expensive repairs you could do without. If your budget can handle it. I thought it was 2018..but others would know better.