buying 07 advice please

[MarkP]

hey all. Ive been searching for a truck, think I found what I want. Give me your opinion/advice. Its an 07 Ram 3500, 5. 9 ctd, 4 x 4, 6 speed manual dually with 32000 miles. I have been reading alot of posts on here and it seems the 6. 7 unfortunately has been troublesome for some people, so i decided to stay with the 5. 9. I have had great luck with the manual trans, what I have read about the automatics scares me, I dont want to spend a bunch of money on the trans to make it bullet proof so I want to stay with a manual. Its a lonestar package, not exactly sure what that is. They have agreed to 30,000, I think thats plenty, but twice I have held out on similar trucks and they sold them in a matter of days. I found this truck on the internet, my local dealer is tired of me being so picky so I have been looking on my own. This will be the first time I have bought a truck that wasnt local, its a little risky, but these trucks are getting harder to find. By the pics it looks clean and its a 5 star dodge dealer, hopefully a reputable one. Any major problems with 07s, recalls etc. I think I will pull the trigger tomorrow, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brianv31]

Should be a nice truck... you'll like the G56.



Lonestar package is the Texas version of Big Horn and Thunder Road option groups that trucks can be equipped with.

 

[SierraRam]

I have basically the same truck minus the DRW and it has been flawless, have over 45K miles on it.

 

[Motorhead]

CHeck the build date. If it was built in late November through December'06, It will have the AE ratio 6 spd.
My Dec. '06 build '07 has been a great truck. I traded up from a '01. 5 2wd with the auto. The G56 is a good trans. Don't expect much extra out of the clutch if you add power. Mine held 15,000 mi with 70hp setting on a Smarty jr but now I am back to the 40hp setting because it started to slip. Southbend Double Disc 3250 is coming!
Overall, I have never regretted the '07, 5. 9 over my '01. 5

Crawl under the truck if the build date is close and look for this. Don't go by the METAL plate on the side of the trans, look for the white tape with the bar code. Look for the "AE" at the end of the number. If it reads "AD", then it is the . 79 ratio.

#ad

 

[Regcabguy]

Peter's working on yet another clutch for us to address the neutral clatter. Hopefully by the time mine chokes they're will be another offering.

 

[Motorhead]

Peter's working on yet another clutch for us to address the neutral clatter. Hopefully by the time mine chokes they're will be another offering.

Good info!! Mine should last a while longer.

 

[MarkP]

update I just priced a local new truck, 34800 for the same truck only with the 6. 7 instead of the 5. 9. So for 4800 more I get the new one. This deal is pretty sweet, almost 12000 off the sticker, but do I want the 6. 7 HELP Im getting trigger happy

 

[Regcabguy]

update I just priced a local new truck, 34800 for the same truck only with the 6. 7 instead of the 5. 9. So for 4800 more I get the new one. This deal is pretty sweet, almost 12000 off the sticker, but do I want the 6. 7 HELP Im getting trigger happy

I think there are many dealers nationwide discounting 15-20K on the 6. 7's

 

[Motorhead]

update I just priced a local new truck, 34800 for the same truck only with the 6. 7 instead of the 5. 9. So for 4800 more I get the new one. This deal is pretty sweet, almost 12000 off the sticker, but do I want the 6. 7 HELP Im getting trigger happy

Mark, I still personally would buy the 5. 9 to the 6. 7, Especially if it has the LATE G56. $4800. 00 could buy alot of "goodies". for the 5. 9 truck. I could see buying the 6. 7 if you wanted the new 6spd AUTOMATIC. But you want a standard trans.
Go to the place with the 5. 9 with cash or loan approval in hand and chisel them down. Money talks and B. S. walks. Buy the 5. 9! MY $0. 02

 

[JimB1]

Mark, The smog check days are fast a commin'.



A upgraded non-stock 6. 7, if caught, could easily be fined thousands upon thousands of dollars AND impounded 'til tow truck shows up.



Those that differ please no flamming.



Whoever's in doubt please pick up the phone and check local/state vehicle emissions with same question.



On the other hand, the 5. 9 with catalytic converters flow numbers loose almost nothing and can be left in place as you make power upgrades and you're legal and if flunk smog check just return to stock to get certified.

 

[DWeiler]

Going to go have a look at one brought up from Wash on the weekend---sitting in Vancouver BC,2007 Mega 4x4 SLT DRW/auto 20,000miles----going with an auto this time/been there done that with the sixer in my 2001. Going to keep the 01 for me as a toy but the newer one the MRS could drive also---CAN"t DRIVE A SIXER. Love my 6 speed on the highway but getting tired of rowing the gears in the city. I figure now is the time to get the last of the 5. 9's and 6. 7 owners "no flame or war intended"---just not for me. I hope to keep this one stock or close as i'v spent enough on my 01---runs sweet,time to enjoy what has been built,just looking for a little more room down the road if the "little ones"start to come along one day. .

 

[EArp]

Hi Mark, I have an '07 with the 5. 9 with about the same mileage. It's been a great truck. I've had no problems whatsoever. With the exception of being a dually, the truck you're interested in is almost identical to mine. I'm not certain of diesel truck prices where you live, but I only paid $33k for mine brand new back in July of 2007. It seems like they are way overpriced for a truck that already has over 30k on it. I'd just hate to see you pay too much.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

DO NOT get a 6. 7... there's a reason they're so cheap!!!

 

[EArp]

I will 2nd what Forrest said. My cousin works for an oil supply company out in West Tx. His company uses the new 6. 7 in all their trucks, and he said since they switched there is ALWAYS one that is broken down or in the shop for something. He said they've had so many problems with the new 6. 7 that they've had to use an old Chevy 1 ton gasser as a backup vehicle. I'm sure one day when they finally get ALL the bugs worked out it will be a great motor, but for me i prefer the 5. 9 since it's been around for such a long period of time.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

we've got four of them at work, and something is always wrong with at least one of them

 

[MarkP]

update #2

The dealer with used 5. 9 calls and I tell him im buying the 08 becauce of the warranty, jake brake etc. for 4800 I will take my chances on the 08. He says ok, he has done all he can do for me. The next morning I call the local dealer and tell him lets do it. 10 minutes later the sales rep with used 5. 9 calls and says he will go 28500. That closed the deal, I am buying the 07, still a little scared about flying to texas and buying a truck I havent seen. I sure hope they dont lock me in a room with the finance guy and he gets all high pressure on the extended warranty, rustproofing etc. Its not like I can walk out the door get in my truck and leave. I think I am getting a pretty fair deal. Anybody in the houston area want check this truck out for me. I think I will fly down friday or saturday and get the truck. I hope this is the beginning of a long lasting love affair.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm in Houston... where is it?

 

[DWeiler]

This is what i'm dealing on-hope it lives up to what i expect after i check it over----maybe driving home in a slightly used truck(700 miles return trip) or taking a plane back home. Did the deal over the phone too but i can walk away if i have a bad feeling after checking it out. Up here most used ones are beat to hell and used in the oil patch and they still want 4-8 K more $$$ with 2-3 time the mileage. Hope this workout in my favor. Goodluck with your trip/truck Mark---DW

 

[Forrest Nearing]

beautiful truck. you'll love the mega cab!!!! and it's a 5. 9. bonus all around. you can probably knock the price down some more. the mega dualies don't seem to sell for as much for whatever reason

 

[Motorhead]

update #2
The dealer with used 5. 9 calls and I tell him im buying the 08 becauce of the warranty, jake brake etc. for 4800 I will take my chances on the 08. He says ok, he has done all he can do for me. The next morning I call the local dealer and tell him lets do it. 10 minutes later the sales rep with used 5. 9 calls and says he will go 28500. That closed the deal, I am buying the 07, still a little scared about flying to texas and buying a truck I havent seen. I sure hope they dont lock me in a room with the finance guy and he gets all high pressure on the extended warranty, rustproofing etc. Its not like I can walk out the door get in my truck and leave. I think I am getting a pretty fair deal. Anybody in the houston area want check this truck out for me. I think I will fly down friday or saturday and get the truck. I hope this is the beginning of a long lasting love affair.

Mark... . If the deal starts to smell like rotten fish, Just get up and walk out. All you're out is a plane ticket.