2012 6.7L Truck any good? Help!

[HerbW]

Hi. I’m so tired of the recalls on my 2015 Ram Ecodiesel even though it runs great. FCA sucks with records showing the recalls complete. The ones in May of last year still show incomplete. I was looking at a 2012 6.7L 4x4 truck. It’s only got 60k miles on it and it’s RED! I see they use DEF too. Is this year okay? I know it’s not a 5.9 but it’s not an Ecodiesel either. can I bone it out? I thought of fully stock so I don’t get an EPA suit.
Thanks again, Herb

 

[sag2]

2012 is not DEF, that started in 2013. They are nice trucks but you will be hating the fuel economy compared to the ED. 2013+ get a little better economy.

 

[RVTRKN]

Even though the pre DEF trucks were OK, I'd look for a 2013 on. On edit, the fuel filtration is far superior on the 2013 on trucks as well.

 

[AH64ID]

Even though the pre DEF trucks were OK, I'd look for a 2013 on. On edit, the fuel filtration is far superior on the 2013 on trucks as well.

Also some pretty awesome frame and suspension improvements

 

[Jim W]

I would look for a 3500 series truck after 2013.5 model year. As these have the improved frame and the AISIN transmission. Where as the 2500 model for 2013 year still had the old style frame. This did not change until 2014MY but this series never receives the AISIN transmission.

If I was to buy a new truck it would be a 3500 SRW with the towing package and AISIN transmission.

 

[Wiredawg]

I'd go for the 2012 2500 after coming off an ED 1500, especially with low miles and not think twice.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Randomrunner12]

I can't complain about my 2012 2500. Rides great when working. It's also a truck so when people complain I tell them they can drive themselves in their cars lol.

Mileage wasn't that bad either and with the new emissions friendly tuning it can only get better.

 

[HVAC2]

I just jumped from an ED to a CTD in October. Mine is an 18, 4x2 Laramie. Upfront I use it as towing 8klbs throughout the winter up and down the west coast and cross country in spring and fall.

Initial takeaway is mad I didn't do it years ago. Night and day difference towing in wind, elevation etc.
But the turning radius is wider, it does ride a bit rougher, but not too bad and getting used to it. The Cummins is noisy, and a harsher idle in town. Its a purpose built tool, if you need it get it. If not, get another half ton, the ED is a troubled design and if not tuned nothing but anxiety.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"Also some pretty awesome frame and suspension improvements"

My 2011 HO DRW suspension was simply wimpy in comparison the my current 2015 DRW.

 

[Wiredawg]

I guess I can make an even broader statement: I would (and have) own(ed) every gen except the 2019 and above and was/am happy.

Lots play into the formula how it was maintained, driven, and of course a little luck.

If any year was clearly worse than another, it MIGHT show up here on the TDR. I imagine TDR can pull some ownership distribution by year.

Anyway, if still considering the truck, follow the standard used vehicle checklist, maintenance records, and pull a VIN check. Give it a decent test drive with radio off, run the AC, heat, pay close attention to any strange sounds. Test combined city and interstate. Feel the steering. If you're not a wrencher, find a diesel mechanic willing to check it out for you.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Newsa]

Hi. I’m so tired of the recalls on my 2015 Ram Ecodiesel even though it runs great. FCA sucks with records showing the recalls complete. The ones in May of last year still show incomplete. I was looking at a 2012 6.7L 4x4 truck. It’s only got 60k miles on it and it’s RED! I see they use DEF too. Is this year okay? I know it’s not a 5.9 but it’s not an Ecodiesel either. can I bone it out? I thought of fully stock so I don’t get an EPA suit.
Thanks again, Herb

I think only the 4500 and up used DEF in 2012?

 

[HerbW]

Great replies gang! I’ll check it out. This 2012 only has 60k, one owner and includes a full Carfax report. I’m retired and really use the truck as a two butt, one dog car. No big boat or trailer anymore. I just want it without the Ecodiesel even though mine runs as new. The recall junk with FCA has me worn out. I get them completed but it never gets removed from the records. I drive only about 8k a year and know the Cummins engine inside and out. Not fond of dash electric shifter on my truck or even how to get to the belt or water pump if necessary on the Ecodiesel. Nice no DEF too on the 2012. The 2012 has Edge decals on it but I don’t see a screen. I’m hoping it already has deletes too.
Thanks again, Herb

 

[AH64ID]

If you’re going to run emissions equipment you want DEF. The early 6.7s are more problematic than your eco.

 

[Jim W]

Not if it is deleted and it sounds like it might be since he has stated that there might be an EDGE tune on it!

 

[Wiredawg]

I know the 2007.5s through 2009s had some problems, but I never had emissions problems in the 2 years out of 9 that I ran emissions on my 2009 4500. And there are good aftermarket products to clean the EGR and DPF. If those items still on and you choose to delete, I'd hang on to them. If they're off, I'd negotiate that into the deal either to get them or to offset not having them.

Just like gassers with cats being enforced, one day they'll be enforced on diesels uniformly. Lots of money for Feds to make in fines.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Jim W]

Will mine is locked away in the garage attic! My DPF was removed due to a rash of thefts in the late 2008 and early 2009 time period in my area!

 

[HVAC2]

Great replies gang! I’ll check it out. This 2012 only has 60k, one owner and includes a full Carfax report. I’m retired and really use the truck as a two butt, one dog car. No big boat or trailer anymore. I just want it without the Ecodiesel even though mine runs as new. The recall junk with FCA has me worn out. I get them completed but it never gets removed from the records. I drive only about 8k a year and know the Cummins engine inside and out. Not fond of dash electric shifter on my truck or even how to get to the belt or water pump if necessary on the Ecodiesel. Nice no DEF too on the 2012. The 2012 has Edge decals on it but I don’t see a screen. I’m hoping it already has deletes too.
Thanks again, Herb

The more you tell us the more I would suggest a gas half ton. If your willing to buy used negotiate a max care warranty on a hemi. I'm convinced a 2500 is a purpose built tool, and the new half tons are very capable vehicles.

 

[HerbW]

I just jumped from an ED to a CTD in October. Mine is an 18, 4x2 Laramie. Upfront I use it as towing 8klbs throughout the winter up and down the west coast and cross country in spring and fall.

Initial takeaway is mad I didn't do it years ago. Night and day difference towing in wind, elevation etc.
But the turning radius is wider, it does ride a bit rougher, but not too bad and getting used to it. The Cummins is noisy, and a harsher idle in town. Its a purpose built tool, if you need it get it. If not, get another half ton, the ED is a troubled design and if not tuned nothing but anxiety.

I traded a 2007 5.9 Meg cab 4x4 3500 for my ED so I'm familiar with big rigs ride. I also think of a 1500 with a V6. I don't like the VVT 5.7 layout. Looks like trouble. Thanks again, Herb

 

[Ozymandias]

The 5.7 HEMI is a proven and reliable engine.
I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

While the 2013 2500 does not have the upgraded frame, the 3500 does. Mine has gotten all zeroes on emission testing each year. The DEF system works well. Solo on the highway at 75 mph, even through the mountains, I have gotten an average of 20.4 mpg.