Buying a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab

[Simmons]

Considering buying this truck.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Truck 4x4 Quad Cab

MILEAGE
200,382
2004 DODGE RAM 2500 ST/SLT

CREW PICKUP
5.9L I6 F OHV 24V
DIESEL
REAR WHEEL DRIVE W/ 4X4


The truck is in very good condition on the inside and outside. Transmission rebuilt at 180,000 in 2017 and came with a 3 year 36,000 miles warranty. So about 8 months remain on the trans warranty.


Any thoughts on what I should look for and pricing?

 

[Simmons]

Well, I purchased the truck for $14,500. It has about $16,000 in aftermarket parts.

Fass Fuel system: $1000
Injectors: $1500
RBP Rims: $3600 ($850 each) (RBP Atomic Forged Chrome Wheels)
Tires: $1200
Exhaust: $1500
New Heavy duty Transmission: $5000 (20,000 miles on it)
Lift Kit: $1200
Air Bag towing lift (for rear): $500
5th wheel hitch: $500

The Good
(1) The diesel engine runs great - I suspect it puts out quite about above stock HP and Torque.

(2) Interior is really nice for a 15-year-old truck - not perfect - but clean and nice

(3) According to computer - gets 23-25 mpg cruising at 65 mph no load; gets about 18 mpg normal driving street and highway mix.


THE NOT SO GOOD

(1) Front end needs work; U-Joints both sides and wheel bearings - ABS light stays on all the time and computer shows left front bearing bad; Bearings are $500 total and U-Joints about $100 but the U-Joints are a major pain to install - will cost about $1000 I suspect.

(2) Steering wheel tilt adjustor broken - will cost $500 (guess) to repair;

(3) AC works great on drivers side not so good on the passenger side - diverter plate issue - say $260 to repair;

So figure paid $14,500 plus $1760 for the truck : $16,260 for a 15 year old truck with 200,000 miles on it.

I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[Marley]

Still sounds like a great deal for diesel but milage wasn't stated.

The ABS light is usually triggered by rust on the hub and those speed sensors can be quite finicky.

Me ? I'd just pull the fuse to the speed sensor motor and run it as I really don't care for ABS but you'll have a light.

 

[Simmons]

Thanks for the feedback. Mileage is given in the first post but not the second post. Mileage is just above 200,000 - say 200,400 or so.

Not sure what is going on in the front end yet. Rides great and one cannot detect a front end issue unless one puts the truck on a lift and examines it closely and checks for wiggle.

The ABS sensor comes with the bearing kit so both will be replaced at the same time.