Which should I buy

[Mebe007]

Hey guys. New here and looking to buy a ram 3500. I've researched to the point my brain is numb. I'm looking for a new business truck, I run a landscaping company. It will be my own personal business truck so I dont mind nicer interior. Reason for the 3500 is my Chevy 2500 6.0 is undergunned with my 14k dump trailer.

So I've found 2 trucks I like. A 2011 Laramie mega cab and 2014 tradesman. Both 3500 ofcourse.

The 11 is at 115k miles and 34k. Seems real clean. Was listed as commercially registered so I'm guessing was someone in my shoes prior...the bosses truck. It appears to be all factory and unmolested. I like that, mine to modified and maybe not abused by others. It has the rails in bed under the tonneau but no 5er. I bel ou eve this one has the 68rfe trans

Clean carfax, open recall on transmission lock pin?

The 2014 tradesman has a gooseneck in the bed and a toolbox. Aftermarket radio, local truck. Sits currently at 130k for 32k. That's what concerns me bought and sold local. Traded in in Feb at 95k at a honda dealership. Then sold at auction in April, listed as dealer vehicle, the listed for sale this month at 130k. Then 9/22 on car fax reports fails state inspection. Call dealer (independent) they say ball joints were bad. Replaced and now car fax says passed inspection. Also carfax show damage report in 2015 but gives no details, just not an accident. This truck has the same open recall as the 11. I believe this trick has the aisin trans

So I know the 14 has def and coil springs and the 11 does not. The 11 has more reasonable mileage for year and more bells and whistles, nicer for the family and I did the mega cab. Bed size doesn't bother me so long as its 6ft min.

What's really bothering me on the 14 is the 30k miles in 5 months then a failed inspection. Am I overthinking this? Which truck is better?

Thanks in advance guys. Driving 2hr to.orrow to look and test drive.

 

[Firebird]

Having owned both, I preferred my DEF trucks, they got better economy.

 

[14hemiexpress]

The 14 will not have coils it's a 3500 only the 1500 and 2500s have the coils. The 11 I'm not sure but it may not have the def you'll have to double check that. It nice to have a newer truck but by your post it shows your already made up your mind on the 11. Personally I would expand your search and look at new trucks October is coming and if you'll expand your search you may find a brand new 3500 dually for 40k. But between the two sounds like the 11 is going to be a cleaner truck.

 

[14hemiexpress]

Here is a brand new dually.

2018 RAM 3500
David Stanley Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM
$40,220
(866) 890-6510
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1d7edee9

And here is a srw

2018 RAM 3500
SOUTHFORK Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
$39,006
(844) 243-2343
http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1d0a85c8

I think no miles and a warranty would be best. You get several worry free years out of it. But if used is a must I say drive both but the 14 seems like it could have issues.

 

[Mebe007]

Haven't really made up my mind yet. Just very rarely do we get used 3500 here. Just wondering if it can be trusted with a dealer putting 30k on a vehicle in 5 months time.

11 def doesn't have def.

There's used duallys here going for 45, it would be hard to imagine a new for 40k.

Also found a 13 Laramie 3500 4 door with 63k for 39k. Mileage is a no brainer but carfax shows being at dealer a ton starting checked body electrical, checked transfer case shifting, checked this and that. Stuff is hard to interpret.

They all 3 look clean with the Laramies being nicest ofcourse.

Are the mileages not that big of a deal?

 

[Mebe007]

Forgot to mention all these trucks are 4x4 and I require 4x4

 

[GsRAM]

As said, expand your search area...check Dennis Dillon and see what he has. End of year is a great time to buy. Lots of great deals to be had typically. That's when i got mine.

No way I'm paying over 30k for a used truck wth over 100k but that's just me. Good luck