Major Newbie member looking to buy 96' laramie, seeking input

[crncher]

Looking to buy 96' 2x4, v6 w/ 146k - $2,250. Deal?

Hey all,

I've owned two cars in my life thus far, never owned a truck, but I've been eyeing a 96' Dodge ram laramie w/146,000 miles to get a change of pace from driving around my bright-blue 2001 "Ewwwdie" [audi] S4.

Anyway, I believe the truck I'm looking at is the WS version , with the V6, 2x4.

I couldn't find too many user reviews on the V6 2x4 model elsewhere, so I wanted to register here and ask any current or previous owners how their experience/thoughts have been with this particular model concerning reliability. Just lookin for some nitty gritty info I guess.

Besides some very little rust below the doors, the exterior looks to be in great shape as well as the upkeep on most of everything else on the inide, besides a torn seat and maybe a couple other mini things. It's priced at $2,250. Yay or nay-sounding?

 

[SmokedRam]

I had a 96, before I got the 05. Not with the 3.9 though, mine had a 5.2. I'm not too fond of 6 cylinder full size trucks though. ONly thing I had to do with mine, was of course the transmission had to be rebuilt, it started to act up with less than 95K miles on it. Did upper and lower ball joints...(common repair) and the alternator.

 

[crncher]

Yeah I was wondering if one day later on (assuming a deal goes through here) I'd be thinkin, 'hmmm this v6 2x4 isn't enough' but I'm mostly planning to use it for just regular driving now and then, not for towing or hauling any super heavy stuff.

Thanks, I'll be sure to inquire about the ball joints and alt.

 

[swamp_life hemi 05]

My cousin had the 3.9 in his 98 scsb and got decent mileage out of it. Close to 21 on long drives, lasted a long time, his had the 5speed.

Sent from my ADR6350

 

[V-10 RAM]

I don't know how the 3.9 V-6 does in a full size truck, but guys with that engine in Dakota's loved them. A friend once bought new a 91 Chevy 4x4 full size 4.3 V-6 with a 5 speed & it was impressive. 20+ mpg, towed a 4 horse livestock trailer good. Pulled his Ford backhoe around. It had good power for a V-6.
I think you will most likely fine the same with the Dodge. Neither will be fast but the Chevy wasn't a dog either.

 

[Nickxxxr]

Had a 3.9 in my Dakota. Hell of a motor. Loved it, best part of the truck. Now it'll be a bit slower in a full size but i put over 180000 miles on mine with out any repairs at all. Just general maintenance. Motor was bullet proof.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

 

[johnnyjaws98]

go v 8

 

[WhiteExpress]

I've owned the 3.9, 5.2 and 5.9. I really didn't like the 3.0 personally.

It always felt funny, like it wasn't running right. It's enough to move a rcsb around just fine, mileage wise... eh... I think I got better with my 5.2.

The price sounds decent for a 'clean' truck. "a little rust at the bottom of the door" can quickly (like 1 winter) into WTF where did all this rust come from?! The 2G doors rust from the inside out. Just something to think about.