2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How much for my truck?

[Darel]

Since my wife and I are expecting a baby, I am thinking about selling my '97 12V for any of the QC 24Vs, so I can get that quasi-fourth door to get the baby in and out. While I'm at it I'd also like a stick. I really have no idea how much to charge for my truck, because KBB gives me about $16,000 and I'd never be able to afford another truck if I sold it for that. Anyway, here's the lowdown:

1997 Ram 2500 SLT QC LWB 4x4 3. 54, 102,000 miles.

12V: Previous owner installed a fuel plate, we haven't been able to figure out which it is but my local Cummins guy thinks maybe a 250hp, or possibly a 230/605. Engine runs beautifully. I slid the plate forward and adjusted the governor lever. The truck pulls a steady 34 psi boost here at altitude, down at sea level I've seen it around 38. The engine is one of the late-production 12Vs, with the six separate valve covers but the big aluminum plate over them. I heard something about these engines having a beefed-up injection pump but really, I have no idea.

Auto trans: The transmission was completely rebuilt using a DTT master upgrade kit and valve body by Cummins-only mechanics to the tune of about $3000. Everyone who drives it says it's the nicest Chrysler auto they've ever driven. It also has a previous-owner installed aftermarket torque converter, he couldn't remember the brand name of it, but I'll say that TC lockup feels like a whole extra gear! No slippage at all. Mag-Hytec pan.

We've had the truck about 2 years and in that time it has only been maintained by Rocky Mountain Cummins, professionals through-and-through.

Some other highlights:

- straight-pipe exhaust

- KDP killed!

- Auto Meter boost, egt, transmission gauges

- Kenwood 10-disc CD changer in factory Infinity system

- PW, PDL, power seat, power mirrors

- Carr steps

- 285/75R16 Bridgestone Duelers, less than 1 year old (maybe 10,000mi. )

- el-cheapo drop-in bedliner hiding a kinda-beat but solid bed

- At one time we got 21 mpg with 1000 lbs in the bed. Around town mileage is good when my wife drives. Usual highway mileage is around 18-19.

Problem areas:

I should get around to replacing the track bar and front end components, since they have over 100K on them, but I really haven't noticed any problems. I'm sure it wanders, but since everything else I drive is 40 years old it feels tight to me. Camry drivers might notice something else.

The power steering leaks a bit in the cold. It seems like once every winter I have to top it off. I think the leak is the sector shaft seal on the box, I just haven't gotten around to pulling the pitman arm to replace it. Right now, 1/2 a bottle of power steering fluid once a year is cheaper than a new seal.

I think that about covers it. You can see I stand to take a big loss if I sell this for what Kelley's Blue Book thinks it's worth. Does anyone have a better idea what a Cummins guy might want to pay for it?

Better yet, anyone want to trade me for a 24V QC SWB 4x4 stick?

Thanks a lot!

Darel

 

[Darel]

Here's a pic.

 

[Reb.B]

that same truck, my bro bought it for 10K, my uncle bought the same truck in a 96 for 11K this Thursday, the doctor of diesel at Fresno State has bought and sold those for 10. 8K. My buddy jrobinson1 bought his for 9K and its a 97 just like yours too and he bought the truck in 2000 i believe. Everybody wants the 98 trucks and newer, with the good ineterior, mirrors, QC. Take its for whats its worth.

 

[Darel]

Crap. And the only things I don't like about possibly getting a 24V is the engine and the interior. I love the '94-'98 interiors. Well, going off those prices I won't be getting rid of it anyway.

 

[Reb.B]

well, it sounds like the 98 with the 12v might be the best truck for u, ... only thing is everybody else around has the same idea, ... those things are worth a mint, at least in my book.

 

[Pit Bull]

Darel, what a nice truck . You need to keep that one forever. The only hassle you have with it is the "door" to the rear and it is a automatic? Somethings in life you can live with and these are both in that group. I have a Landcruiser that is a 95 with 120K miles on it. I could sell it around here for $15K but I could never replace the quality, class and safety it provides for less than $30K. I will be driving it till the doors fall off, which will be a long long time. Some are just keepers.

 

[Oil Ape]

I bought my 97 a year ago with 92,000 on the odometer for 10k. Yea, I got a great deal and yes this is a very clean truck. Most are surprised when I tell them I'm over 100,000 now...



Since purchasing, I've put most of the extra crap seen in my signature. The problem is, that even though we know these trucks will run over 300,000 miles, the general consumer is still afraid of any vehicle over the alloted 100,000 miles. After that point, the resellable value really plummets, plus once the new model comes out, and in our case, two new models, the value falls even more. Most, even on the TDR, would have to know which exact plate by which manufacturer before we would add that as a plus.



Honestly, there are too many really nice trucks out there for cheap right now... I know that is the only reason I happen to own one... If that truck was in impeccable shape you might get as high as 14k especially in Montana. I think you'd be more in the 12k range however. It all depends on who wants it and how bad.

 

[fbaurley]

Your truck should be worth the 16,000. Here in Indiana it may even bring more. In may March dad bought his 2001 from a dealer, who also had a 97 about like yours. It had maybe alittle over 100000 miles on it. The dealer , asked 18 and some change, and got over 200 calls on it, and it sold within a week. this is no BS, because we know the dealer. If the automatic is a good rebuild, and you can convince this to people, it may actually help it sell better to the general public, even though it would hurt with TDR guys

 

[Cooker]

IMHO $16k may be a little steep, but I don't think you are too far out of the ballpark. Around here I think you could get around $15k for it.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I don't know where the hell these guys are finding trucks for around 10k at. Are they 4x4's. I looked all over for a truck about like yours. I did however want a 5 speed. couldn't find one with less than 200k plus miles. Did find one '97 3500 5 speed with 100k miles the owner was asking 22k. That was outrageuos. If your truck had a 5 speed i would have given you 16k for it if i hadn't bought my new truck, but i would have to think about it being an auto, the upgrades might make me go for it. I think your truck is easily worth 16k maybe more here in utah. On edit: i sold my first gen 3 mos ago for 1200 above book, I had 3 offers at the same time just about had to hold an auction

 

[klaybus]

For what it's worth

I bought my 99 QC LB 4X4 24V about 6 weeks ago for $18,700 @ 89k miles. Hope it helps. You've got a sharp looking truck!



Clay

 

[Darel]

Thanks guys. I also have no idea where guys find $10K Cummins. I saw one once in MT and it was a '95 2500 2WD reg cab longbed with nearly 300,000 miles and it was, like, $9,875. These trucks have a huge premium here, you'll never see a Cummins on a lot or in the paper for more than a few days. I guess if I am going to sell it I'm in the right spot. I the end, though, I'm probably better off hanging on to it, as I suspected. Thanks for all your advice!

Darel

 

[curatchko]

Well for what it's worth,



I bought this 99 back in May this year for 20,000 even from a Ford Dealer in Indiana. Had 36000 miles on it. And it's loaded, SLT everything but leather. Looked like it just came out of the show room.



Still does

 

[Oil Ape]

Granted there are a lot of our trucks with people attempting to get top dollar out of them and still others dumb enough to pay top dollar. There are also trucks in the $10,000 range that you just happen to stumble upon from time to time. You may have to look for several months like me. They may not be sitting on every street corner but they are there if you are willing to spend some time looking and negotiating.



The hard truth of the matter is value is in the eye of the beholder. The higher the mileage the lower the perceived value. Vehicles seen on a dealers lot often demand several thousand more than an equivalent vehicle parked a few blocks away in front of a home. It has to do with location of the dealership coupled with an implied reputation of the dealer. Thus a higher perceived value.



Most know that if they buy a used vehicle from a dealer the vehicle "should have been" completely looked over for safety or even state inspection. Most dealers, even if it states no warranty, will give some leyway in order to protect their reputation. Granted, I prefer buying vehicles from individuals that I know, but not everyone is me.



The best way to calculate the value of a vehicle in today's market is not to look at the retail value but to look at trade in value. If you do look at Kelly's Blue Book etc... use the low value listed realizing the high number is for those vehicles that are immaculate, low miles, and sitting on a dealers lot, NOT YOUR OWN!! Remember, added things like stereo, wheels, engine mods really don't add value but rather sellability. They might make a difference between a buyer purchasing your vehicle or the one next to it. But normally you get penny's on the dollar for any additions. When people ask what my trucks value is of course I use top dollar so that I can brag, but people in this economy are normally looking for the deal of the century. Look in the newspaper, "96 Dodge... priced below book. " It is the deal that often sells the vehicle.



If you find someone that goes to auctions you can really get some great prices on the same vehicles that will be marked up thousands and sold on the lots... Many of these are even low mileage trade ins that some dealerships just don't have any market to sell.

 

[TXRam]

As far as the quad door for a baby ...

I have a 99 and a 7 month old baby. I thought the QC would work nice - WRONG. Can't get the baby seat in through that little door. I have the base that stays in the truck (one in wife's vehicle also) and the seat snaps into it - I have to put the seat (with him in it) in through the front door and sit it on the center console, get myself in, then put the seat in the backseat. PITA. I guess if you had a car seat that stays in the truck, it wouldn't be that bad. Also, not enough room between the front seat back and the rear seat - his carseat has to go in the middle of the backseat, and you can't raise the console.

 

[fortunate1]

Darel, that's a real nice truck. And the upgrades to the engine, transmission, and stereo really add to it. Unfortunately, the options usually don't return as much in a resale as the truck itself will return.



I had the same situation, but kept my truck. There's no more space in the back seat of a QC than there is in a CC; just the door. We had a permanent seat (always buckled in the truck), which worked for us. Also, the kids do eventually grow up - No, really!! They do!! I think that you'll do a lot better keeping what you have in the long run.



We used to have a conversion van with all the goodies, but usually took the truck for trips. Still do, and sold the van. Why? The kids got the choice: stretch out for several hours/a day or so and bring very little (beach toys, bikes, the dog, lots of suitcases,etc. were OUT) OR suck it up while travelling and get to bring virtually anything you wanted to. Fuel expenses for the van were twice as much as the Ram's. TV&VCR? I bought a 13" combo that I can strap down onto the console. 75% fewer "Are we there yet?"s.



Good Luck.

 

[RustyJC]

I can't explain it unless it's the redesign of the front seat backs (the seat belts are now part of the front seats in the QC), but our 1996 3500 CC had noticeably more legroom in the back seat than our 2002 3500 QC. I know that access to the rear seat can be a pain with the CC, but you might really want to compare your truck with a newer QC before making a final decision.



Rusty

 

[Dkevdog]

Rusty- The missing leg room you are speaking of comes from the interior redisgn of 98. 5 and up 2nd gens. More specifically, the dash. It pushes everything back about three inches, and the rear seat loses out. Don't believe me? Put them side by side and get out the tape measure . Since I don't sit in the back anyway, it didn't bother me.



As far as used truck values go, good luck there. The market at least on the west appears saturated. Even worse, convincing someone of the value of the Bombs in the truck is difficult. It seems that I have had an awful lot of interest generated in my low mileage 96 I have for sale- asking $17 +. BUT More people have come to go for a ride in the hot seat than are actual serious buyers. It gets annoying. My wife says to start chargin admission . If you can hold out for a serious buyer who knows what he is getting, you'll get that $16K. Yours being a 4x4 as well, you should have NO problem getting rid of it for that.



Kev

 

[Eric Kahn]

I just bought this 95 in oct with 110,000 miles on it for $9000

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Auto, 2WD SLT pkg if the sig does not show that

 

[SMorneau]

How about that conversion outfit that will add 2 full doors? I have seen a few and they look great. I understand it cost about $15k so it may be cheaper than selling and buying a new one.