are these trucks worth it?

[gjones813]

I'm torn between keeping my truck or getting rid of it!

I haven't had any real problems to speak of but I just don't have any confidence in it lasting 300 thousand miles, mainly the biggest concern is the injectors becoming a problem in the future due to bad fuel... I mean I have to really watch out for good places to fuel and a person shouldn't have to do this.



I you shouldn't have to install secondary filters either at a huge cost to you.



I really rather have a gasser then I could idle as much as I want, and fuel almost anywhere. my wifes Z71 is over 5 years old and it has been a great vehicle.



just a few problems I have had.



1. entire 08 upgraded front end including PS box and pitman arm.



2. injector sticking once on a trip I made, it fixed itself after adding some injector cleaner from dodge.







I just don't know???

I had plans to keep this truck 10 to 15 years, I think if you work these trucks they will go 300 thousand or more but not as your typical dailey driver over 15years.

 

[MAleshire]

As long as you keep the engine maintained and don't abuse it I wouldn't worry much about it lasting 300k miles. Installing a fuel filter between the tank and the lift pump isn't expensive and should alleviate worries about crap in the fuel. The pre-filter sceen and the OEM fuel filter will take care of other gunk and water. IMO the engine isn't the issue with these trucks. The issue is finding other parts to keep the truck going while you are putting 500k+ miles on them. Other than that, you'll have maintenance and repair costs associated with any truck you own. Looking at your signature I cannot tell if the gauges you have include trans temp, EGT, boost, and fuel pressure, but they are an inexpensive insurance. If you truly want to worry about something, given the current state of the world, worry about whether any of us are going to be alive long enough to put 300k on a vehicle.



Skip

 

[DBentley]

Install a better filter and hope for the best.

You will get killed at trade time.

I have always took giant losses at trade time in a more normal economy.

Now were in a near depression with over 10% unemployed so i'm sure my 06 truck isnt worth much more than 4 or 5 k.

But a replacement is 35-50k#@$%!

 

[AMcCormick]

I will be needing a quad cab next summer. I have asked a couple Dodge dealers what they would offer for a trade in. Each said about 7k$. So I need to try and sell it privately for more of what it is worth. I have 204k miles on my truck and am not worried at all about the engine. I was getting ready to do a Goerend transmission and a gauge package along with some Carli Suspension bits. Now the question is will any of that added cost to me come back in resale value? I know the dealers wont care but would it pay off to a private party? The good thing is that I have nine months before I need the back seat

 

[MMeier]

The only way they will add anything to the truck is if you somehow manage to find that one person that is looking for exactly what you have... . in other words, good luck ! With 204k on it now, chances are they are looking elsewhere. Was thinking about offing my '03 also, (and my '93) but I think they will have to hang around for quite a while yet... not too keen on all this new fangled emissions crap out .

 

[MickeyMiller]

Add a 2mu filter and drive it. I've had one injector event, about 30K miles ago and before adding the 2mu filter, and everything is going good now. Add the filter and drive it. 400K easy!

 

[BLNRAY]

my 03 has 360,000mi on engine problems was a fuel control actuator and a front crank seal, the 5. 9 is very capable of 500,000mi plus.

 

[Ken55]

I was also thinking of selling either my '95 or the '03. Both trucks are the best that I've owned in my life and really hate to see either go. I was thinking about the VW TDI as a replacement for one of the trucks. But seeing a trade in value of 7 grand is depressing for an '03. I'll have to stop in a dealership one day and find out what they'll offer. Edmunds TMV for my 03 is 12500 for trade in and 17300 for a dealer sale. If it's lower than that I'll be keeping mine a lot longer also.
Ken

 

[jelag]

I own several trucks... we intend to run them 500K miles while the body wears out... i'd never own a gasoline engine in a light truck again... .



The filter issue is a problem but like every manufacturer they look at cost and what they think will get them by... and in this case they goofed... but after owning a group of Fords I can tell you that these trucks are much less expensive per mile to operate than the Fords...



We've not had suspension problems or front end problems either... at least nothing that shows in tire wear... Our trucks all have 19. 5" tires for lower cost per mile over the 17" stock tires. .



We start our trucks in the morning and in some cases they run all day... On a hot day I'll leave mine running while the wife and I go into eat and the dog is nice an cool in the cab with the AC running... I just carry the key fob and lock the doors... in the winter our work trucks run all day... often at customers and might idle for an hour or so... there is no problem with this as far as I'm concerned...



If you travel into Canada and the oil patch you'll find a lot of guys who let the truck run 24/7 when they can't plug them in... . after all its -20*... .



With your 07 Mega Cab you'll take a killing selling it now... but you really sound like you've got buyers remorse more than anything else... For me, my trucks are just a tool... like any other, you take care of, its good back to you... and like most tools they have some weak spots...

 

[SHobbs]

After 9 years and over 244k miles this has been the best truck I have ever owned. I have only put about $2500 into this truck as far as have to mechanical breakdown repairs, the ones you have to do or you don't drive. One VP44 and a clutch has been it. The rest is normal wear and tear repairs as well as routine stuff to keep it running right. As stated above just improve the filtration, if you intend to keep it for a long time I would suggest coolant filtration as well. Little improvement items here and there are way cheaper than a new truck.

 

[gjones813]

I like the truck and yes it is a expensive vehicle to own, been out of work for awhile, but I always make my payments due to having savings for such emergences.



my local dodge dealer offered me 27,500 for it, which is fair, and I don't have to buy nothing from them or I can take advantage of the tax savings and buy something from there multi branded dealerships.