2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Best region to buy a clean second gen

[6 2 Carl]

I friend of mine has asked me to help her find a Diesel truck. She has around $10,000 to spend. Diesel trucks in my area are overvalued and anything in that price range is quite beat.



I want to know which regions in the states, have the best deals on Dodge diesels? I’ve noticed that there are a lot of places where diesel is significantly more expensive then gas (not the case where I’m from). I figured these areas would be a good place to start looking. We both need to take a vacation, and I figured I could turn this truck buying experience into a vacation. How are the diesel truck prices around Vegas?



I’m wanting to avoid the rust belt areas, and areas where trucks are often abused, i. e. in the oilfield. I would like to buy private, but would buy from a dealer if it is a local trade in with a maintenance records. Looking or a 12 valve 4x4 with a standard. Would consider an early 24valve as well.



Basically I want to find her a nice clean truck. Any help, or links to good classifieds would be much appreciated.



Carl

 

[djreed]

I might know where one is. The place I work at has a trader published internally. I seen a 1998 Dodge ext cab, 120,000 miles, 5 speed, 4*4, $10,000. The phone # is 641-780-6800. I don't know any details but it is worth a shot. This truck is out of Iowa. Good luck.

 

[analog]

check out ebay. I do every now and then, and it seems Texas has the best deals on used trucks. Don't bother with Vegas. It's too close to California where if a vehicle has a diesel motor, it's value is apparently measured by it's weight in gold. Texas does have oilfields, but whenever I've been down there, I see a lot of trucks that probably never seen a day of work in their lives. Some guys just like driving trucks even if they aren't working them to their potential. These are the trucks you want to buy used!

 

[Joe G.]

I've heard that some of the best deals on good trucks are in Kellogg, ID.

 

[fortunate1]

Beware of the "flood-damaged" truck.

 

[WDixon27]

heres another vote for ebay i found mine though ebay but bought it off auction, you get to see a good cross section of what they go for and can select from a large pool of trucks, just watch them for a few weeks or so to see whats in your range and style

 

[BTowler]

If you really want to search you might find a good deal here in Texas, but as far as what people are asking, as a rule of thumb, no. My 2000 is still valued at over $15000 and if there is any work done to the truck, bumpers, boxes, exhaust, etc. , they usually try to get full retail for any modifications (what sucks is if you try and trade it in, alot of dealers will try and deduct for any modifications off your trade in value, but when they sell it is a reason for the increase in asking price). For most 12 valves I have seen, you will have to go back to around 96 or lower to get under 10g.

 

[Gene Arnold]

There aren't too many advertised here, but southern Idaho is a good area to get a vehicle from in that there is seldom any salt on our roads. My '96 has absolutely no sign of rust anywhere. If you are heading for Las Vegas, southern Idaho is right on the way.



Gene

 

[6 2 Carl]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm in full search mode, I'm sure I'll be able to find something



Carl

 

[pwerwagn]

Texas, New Mexico and Arizona get my vote. never any rust. Usually decent priced (sometimes downright cheap. . ).

 

[Joe Mc]

Carl - I found mine in 01 on autobuytel.com. I was shocked that a less than 2 year old truck with all the criteria I wanted (excluding color preference) was to be found within 150 of my home (truck was @ dealer in Youktown Heights, NY) for under 20k. I was real leary as it was 1-at a dealer, 2-in NY and 3-it was under 20k. But, 5 years later I'm still smiling. Just my good experience or, once in a lifetime good luck. Happy hunting. Did you check the TDR Classifieds?

 

[Willys]

In looking for 5 speed trucks, they seem to be more commonly available in the western states. The south has a lot more automatics, but very little rust here, and folks tend to just use them for grocery getters more(unless its from a contractor). My family has lucked out on a few 5 speeds, but when I was looking all I could find that was affordable were automatics.