Here I am

looking at a used 2003- what to look for?

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I am pretty knowledgable on the 2nd generation rams. my buddy has been looking for one with little sucess getting price/mileage/condition to line up where he wants it.



Now he is looking at a 2003 4 door 4x4 longbed with the cummins and 49k miles. it is a lease return and is at a dodge dealer. the asking price was around $28k.



he plans to join TDR but cannot do so before tomorrow when he looks at the truck in question. that is why i am posting for him. What specificly should he be checking for before he writes the check. i ahve already told him to extend the warranty through mopar (if possible) for piece of mind.



any pointers will be helpful.

Thanks in advance.
 
Ball joints, U joints, Door seals, fluid levels in everything. If it's an auto, make sure it engages in Park correctly. Transfer case operation. Air filter condition. I can't think of anything else right now.
 
Are the gears 4. 10s or 3. 73s

Does it have limited slip?

Is it an early 03 with the 47re (if its an auto)

Is it a later 03 with the 48re (if its an auto)

Is it the High output or Standard output?

Does it have vibration around 70-75mph?

Is there white smoke on start up?

Does it have the towing package (hitch, towing mirrors, etc. . )

Leather or Cloth? (is it premium cloth?)

Does it have any aftermarket mods on it? (if so what?)



I'm sure that I am missing a couple of things but others will chime in.

I have an 03 with 42k.
 
Thanks fo rthe replies.

I know it is a laramie so I assume it has leather.

I do not know if it is a late or early 03.

It is an auto transmission.

i will find out more info and post up asap.

Thanks again!
 
Depending on options, that price may be OK or not. You probably still can get a new Ram for not much more if you exercise restraint on the options and chec for rebates, plus the Farm Bureau $500 rebate. Try to figure out if the lessee was someone who may not have cared about the truck, or a business; if the latter, the drivers might not have cared either. Maintenance records?
 
All I can add is why buy a used truck at a few thousand under a NEW truck with 0 miles?? :confused: In my area, you can get a fully loaded 4x4 CTD Q Cab for a few bucks more. . . OUT THE DOOR! Email Tommygun. He copuld do a deal for you. Dave Smith in Idaho can do it also. $28 is WAY TOO much IMOP for a 50k mile used truck! Shop around. You will be glad you did. There is always a reason that the truck is being sold. It could very well be a lease return but some dealers will tell you anything to make a sale. That is all :--)



If you want a totally loaded truck with 9000 easy miles on it, Ill sell you mine!

$34995. Its a 2004. 5 3500 automatic SWB HO Q Cab with 4X4 and all the good stuff! Not so much as a rock chip! It sees the garage every night. My truck was bought last September. . Im open to offers! Its atlantic blue with Taupe interior. Brand New Cond! Line-x in bed but never hauled anything back there except a few quarts of milk from the store to home! Email me for complete pictures if you like!
 
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2gen3gen your list of autos is impressive. in SC it would equal over $7k in property taxes alone (yearly) and possibly more in insurance. i hope they are easier on you in the pacific northwest than here. thanks for the offer.
 
I bought my 03 Used for $29000. But I was happy with trade in also.

Still I dont think it was too bad of a deal?



03. 5 HO 48RE

SWB Quad 4x4

29,000 miles
 
2003 Purchase Checklist

Here is the address for the 9-page checklist:



http://www.dodgeram.org/buying_info/Inspect.htm



Dave Fritz at the Univ. of Vermont prepared the list. Here are his additions for the 2003 that he sent me on 7-16-03:



"I have not revised the checklist because is still works for the 2003 models. "



"I need to add:



"Test the function of all remote keyless/alarm buttons at a distance of 80' from the truck.



"Check the operation of the rear cargo storage and folding load floor in Quad Cab models.



"Check the operation of the adjustable pedals over the full range of travel.



"With the key off, press the accelerator pedal slightly -- about 1/4" down, but make sure the pedal did not simply pivot on the arm -- then turn the Key "on" and start the engine. Now release the accel pedal, put the truck in gear, and make sure that the engine responds to the accel pedal.



"There have been some software problems in the ECM that completely lock out throttle control if the idle position switch is not closed when the engine is started. A TSB has been issued to address the problem for 03 models by reflashing the ECM. This sort of problem with the idle position switch has been around in one form or another since the release of the 24-valve engine in 1998. Before you take it home, use the test above to make sure your new truck will not leave you at the side of the road with an engine that will only idle. "
 
thanks for the help.

my buddy was leaving sc for nc to check out the truck and got a call from the dealer saying it had just been sold.

he ended up buying a 2002 ford f250 4x4 super cab short 7. 3L auto with 55k miles
 
DVR said:
he ended up buying a 2002 ford f250 4x4 super cab short 7. 3L auto with 55k miles



What?!?! How could you let this happen? Friends don't let friends drive rattlestrokes... I mean powerjokes... I mean powerstrokes. . sorry took me a few times.
 
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