Need advice - I am considering buying a 2003 3500 CTD

[Rocket]

It's been a while. I had a 1999 CTD and a 2003 ETH DEE. Traded the 03 in for a Cutaway van because it was a short bed and was pretty much useless for my new construction company. I now have a 06 Hemi regular cab 8 foot bed now I have to spend some money for my company this year. I test drove a 2012 and almost pulled the trigger but between the EGR , DEP , the regens, and the fuel mileage it didn't sit right with me.

I found an 03 I really like . It is an ETH DEE Dually. Any advice? Has the 2003 proven itself to be a good year for a CTD Ram? Anything I should be aware of /look for when I inspect the vehicle?

I really want to get another diesel.

 

[NavyDood]

Since it is the HO motor and a NV5600 6 speed, you would be sitting in one of the most sought out trucks. The 03 and 04 HO 305hp/555tq is the best of the best when it comes to the 5. 9's IMHO. The only concerns I would have are... has there ever been a tuner and is the lift pump still original.

 

[Mark31]

My buddy Chris has an 03 3500 SRW LWB with over 290 k on it. No significant trouble. He has a Goerend trans and had a Bully Dog until he changed to a smarty a year or so ago. Still has original injectors (runs 5 micron Baldwin fuel filters), rear end work 7000 miles ago. Says he wouldn't swap it even for a new one. Rocket, hurry up and get that 03 before it gets gone! Mark

 

[Motorhead]

Don't let it get away if it is a nice truck. My $0. 02

 

[BDaugherty]

My '03 needed injectors badly when I bought it at 245K. I don't know too much of the history other than it had a bully dog on it for awhile and the shop that worked on it wasn't very good.
I agree with the above posts that 03-04 trucks are desirable due to having the hpcr fuel system, 4 doors, and no center axle disconnect on the 4wds.
One thing to look out for is the notorious blend/mode door problems in the hvac. Mine needs mode door 1 and when I take it apart to change the door, I'll change them all to the metal heater treater doors.

 

[Slow Six]

I had an 03. I liked the truck for the most part but it did cost me a lot of money. The front end needed ball joints plus the 08. 5 steering upgrade. I replaced injectors and crossover tubes twice plus a transmission (NV 5600) and the rear diff. The front seats also needed work. I did tow a lot and I ran tuners for a few years which likely led to power train problems. I really like my 2012. So far the only drawback is the mileage is not as good as the 03 although towing mileage seems to be the same. The 2012 has a lot of power, is quiet and comfortable. Having had both an 03 and a 2012 I would go with a new 2012 and definitely with the automatic transmission and Max Tow.

 

[Rocket]

Thanks I appreciate the advice.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Best Dodge they ever built though I could be slightly biased. .

 

[frank1]

I would by another in a heart beat ! Look over the front end and then put her to work! That's what these trucks are meant to do. All three of my 03's have 10,000 - 12,000# equipment trailers hooked up to them all week long, and push snow like no other truck I've owned! Good luck.

 

[rscurtis]

Best Dodge they ever built though I could be slightly biased. .

You won't get any argument from me.

 

[Rocket]

Here is the part I am struggling with, he wants 35k for it. It is like brand new, 14k miles, dually leather 4x4, the whole 9. He will even take a partial trade with my current truck. He wants waaaaaay over book and wants to give me trade in book for mine ($12k). I really like the truck but at some point when is too much $$$ too much $$$?

 

[Yo Hoot]

I paid 35 for my 04 brand new. At that price I would definitely pass.

Offer 25 and move on. Let him think about it while you keep shopping.

 

[frank1]

I'd pass also. My last 03' in my sig. was purchased last April with 82,000 miles on it and I paid $16,000. 00 ( a steal?). So far added 12,000 miles to it and a new 4"Banks exhaust. Everything else is still stock, and runs and pulls pleanty for our needs.

 

[jgillott]

I guy that works with us recently purchased an '06 Quad/Short Bed G56 4x4 with 35K on it for $35K. I know that they are holding their value well, but $35K seems a little much for an '03, even with those miles. My opinion, that is a mid to high 20's truck, but it may go for more. As much as I love my 5. 9's, I wouldn't drop that much coin on a 9 year old loaded truck when I could pick up a stripped down new one with a warranty for not much more $$$$.

With that said, I have never had much luck with low mile older vehicles that I have purchased. It always seems like there is some little thing that goes wrong that is age related, gaskets, seals, etc. I'd personally be more comfortable with a well kept one with average miles than one that has sat a lot.

 

[jgillott]

I'd pass also. My last 03' in my sig. was purchased last April with 82,000 miles on it and I paid $16,000. 00 ( a steal?). So far added 12,000 miles to it and a new 4"Banks exhaust. Everything else is still stock, and runs and pulls pleanty for our needs.

Yes, you found a very good deal.

 

[Rocket]

Thanks guys, as excited as I was about this you guys are right. I could get a new truck with a warranty for a bit more. And JGillott's comment makes a lot of sense.

 

[Rocket]

All roads keep leading me back to this truck. We bartered and I am pretty happy with the deal. Here are pics. http://s1050.photobucket.com/albums/s410/freecon3434/

 

[Yo Hoot]

She's a beauty!

Congratulations!

 

[Wayne M.]

Niiiiiiice!!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thats a nice truck!