IS this a good deal??? 2006 DRW for 18000?

[MAshley]

IS this a good deal???



I have an option to buy this truck…. Details



2006

3500 DRW

Quad cab

4x4

6spd Manual

Cummins

Engine is completely Stock

Pac brake Exhaust brake

Linex Lined bed

90,000 miles



Maintenance

Tires are near the end of their life, other than engine oil changes, and fuel filter changes, and a few warrantee replaced parts, it an all factory truck. Paint, and exterior are ok, truck was used for hauling equipment around mostly by the owner……. Bed has been used, dings dents ETC on the inside AKA it’s a truck that was used. But the outside looks great and the inside looks great too.



So is this a good deal at $$$ 18,000



Thanks

David

 

[seafish]

At 90k, the truck you are looking at is just now due for some routine manintenance. I am not sure if this list is complete, or not, but it is certainly time for a new fuel filter, new serpentine belt, maybe belt tensioner, almost a valve adjustment, almosta coolant change out. Depending how it has been driven (hwat kind of roads) it also might need new shocks or other front-end and/or driveline parts.

I would NOT buy the truck without first--

1) making sure that it has not had any performance mods done to the engine, not even an upgraded intake or filter box, unless the filter meets cummins specs, and certainly no power boxes, ((with the possible exception of smarty. ))


2) Have your own competent mechanic (or yourself if you are one) check for wheel bearings, u joints, steering box and ALL front end component wear, especially if the truck has been run with oversize tires or on back roads delivering heavy equipment.

HOWEVER, I would also say that if it is outfitted JUST the way you want it, and HAS been maintained according to schedule by a competent mechanic, and you don't mind the dents, and need nothing but tires, well then the truck is only less then half old (by miles and age) ... $18,000 is certainly not a terrible price to pay... That being said, have you checked KBB.com for a value on it??

If you are not foaming at the mouth to buy it, and/or if he is a motivated seller, then you could get it for something less--at least the cost of routine manintenance that it is due up for, and certainly less for any front end parts that need to be replaced--ball joints and wheel bearings ARE expensive and the 4x4's seem to wear them out pretty quickly for some people and driving habits.

Hope this helps a little...

 

[HBarlow]

I agree with the good points made by seafish above. I would also inquire if the seller has maintenance records and who maintained the truck. If it received regular service from the same place records should be available. Who maintained it, what service intervals were followed, and what oil and filters were used would matter to me. So would the age and/or maturity of the seller?

If I were considering that truck and serious, before I reached for my check book I would take it to a dealer and pay to have a cylinder performance test performed and ask the Cummins tech to look for evidence of a black box having been on the engine. Ask the tech to explain the results of the performance test. It will disclose how the engine has been used.

It could be a good truck at a fair price or one that has been used hard and neglected or well cared for and properly serviced. You have the opportunity to determine that before you buy. Spend a couple hundred dollars to know. You'll be glad you did.

 

[NavyDood]

Sounds like a good deal to me without over analyzing or over scrutinizing the cost to condition. KBB says $22,000 private party sale in fair condition. $17,000 trade-in value in fair condition.

Spray line the bed and it sounds like you will have a near new looking truck. You are going to spend around $1000 easily on new tires. All of the near maintenance coming due is easy maintenance and not that costly.