Need C/R buying advise

[BradyWilliams]

For what it's worth you can get a very good deal at Dave Smith Motors in Kellog Idaho. I think it would be worth checking with them. You can get a truck for 31,000-35,000 there and it's new. If they still have some 06 trucks they might come with rebates. Or 0% int. or something. Just a thought.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I guess my initial thought was a good one but the more I look at it the more it just looks like a bunch of $'s. I like the Dave Smith Motors idea the best right now and if I didn't already have so much catching up to do on the 12V in the $'s department I might just jump on that. How cool would it be to have a toy and a nice ride too with nothing done to it and hopefully never work on it.



For Giggles I may just call up there and see what the deal is.



Jim

 

[Willie G]

06

I would not pay that much for a used truck. When I was looking, everyone wanted that much for 04-05 trucks. I paid 33k for my NEW 06 and I am glad I did it. By the way, two weeks after I bought my truck (at Helfman Dodge in Houston, Texas) my buddy found an identical truck (NEW, Lonestar edition, 4x4, auto) at a dealer in Dallas for 31k.



Just my two cents worth.



Willie G

 

[BigDan]

If DTR hasnt banned you, check out there classifides because there are alot of cheap 3rd gens for sale over there. You should be able to find a nice 3rd gen fore 23-26K.



Also if size doenst matter then get a regular cab for cheap

 

[Forrest Nearing]

If DTR hasnt banned you

LOL! it's pretty easy, isn't it? :-laf

 

[AMassaro]

Another vote for for an 05'. I love mine and haven't had any problems and good mileage to boot... I would think you could pick one up for around 25k as thats what I see around my parts...

 

[Tryingit]

Every one I know (About four people) purchased their truck brand new for 34K, myself included. This includes my 04. 5 am 05 (2)and an 06. All paid the same price. The trade in value is around 22K-24K

 

[Lektrikman]

Jim, You might be surprised if you look at the dodge website for new trucks. I bought a brand new 2005 in May of this year for $31K. I went to the Dodge website and entered the zip codes for the cities I wanted to search in. At the time there were a lot of 05 trucks down in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so there may be some left out there. Just a thought... ... ... . Lektrikman

 

[mattymac]

The 05's dont have an OD lockout the 04. 5's and 06 do. I have messed with all three and the 05's are fair IMO with the 04. 5 and 06's being better trucks.

 

[JJPage]

Jim, My father in law has an "03" he purchased brand new, the same time I got mine. It is 2500 QC 4X4 Sport slt w/snow plow prep, 48RE, White, etc.

Around 30k miles.



He has convinced himself he needs a new truck? A chevy gasser .

He wants around 25/26k. I do not believe he will get that from a dealer on trade. If you or anyone else is interested, send me a message.



The truck is like new, completely stock, the only problem I know he has had was the transmission, Dishman Dodge rebuilt it at 11k , do not know the reason but he has all the paperwork.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Here's a truck locally that I'm looking at: 04' Laramie C/C, S/B, 2WD, 6 Speed, 23K, good tires, 2 Hitches ect..... excellent exterior and interior..... $23,500.



Jim

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The early 04 like mine has no catalytic converter, gets better mileage as noted earlier in this thread. If you aren't going to run egts very high, you shouldn't have any valve seat problems--if you are going crazy with it, get a later head. The earlier trucks have the NV5600 transmission, later ones the aluminum case G56. The overdrive ratio is better with the NV.



You are where I was 3 years ago. I knew I would have to start spending big $ to continue the hp chase on my 97, and it wouldn't do anymore what I wanted a truck for in the first place. I had learned what I wanted taking it to 800 with 1 turbo. AT that time twins was the rage, but now a lot of folks have gone back to a single--with the much better singles that are available now.



You don't have to entirely give up on power with a 3rd gen either. Top dog at MM06 was Reb B wtih 893 on nitrous, using an 03 standard output Cal truck (stock 235 hp). After all the fanfare, I see that the Fall Brawl top number was 101 hp lower than that, with a second gen Ram.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Thanks Joe, with that info I know what to look for in the future. As of now I'm not going to sell the 98' as I don't really have to but a truck payment will surely put a damper on doing much more to it.



I like the idea of an Auto better than the 6 speed but then I would have to go through it also... ..... that's another 5K. The price is close to what I'm willing to give and he can find me a buyer for my Sonoma (2nd truck) I could live with 20K difference between the two.



Perhaps I should do the drive, look over with it.



Jim

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Other opinions wanted: I found an 03' 4 door auto in good physical condition with 97K on it, would any of you think about buying that! The price is more in my line at 18K but still a little too high. Probably the only thing I would be concerned about is the transmission, but I have a good transmission guy.



Jim

 

[JDHenning]

The 04 sounds like a better deal considering the miles, just my . 02. I may look you up when I'm down that way, I would like to feel 800 hp in one of our little trucks. I've driven some older KW's with KTA Cummins that were 1000 hp and god knows how much torque. Toodle-oo.

 

[BigBadDodge]

Try Texas Direct on Ebay,



Look at this baby: CLICK HERE



BBD

 

[Jim Fulmer]

The 04 sounds like a better deal considering the miles, just my . 02. I may look you up when I'm down that way, I would like to feel 800 hp in one of our little trucks. I've driven some older KW's with KTA Cummins that were 1000 hp and god knows how much torque. Toodle-oo.

It's a little ugly on the bottle! I like the 04' a little better but don't know if I can live with that 6 speed.



Jim

 

[JDHenning]

Handshake vs. Slushbox

I'm glad I have one of each transmission I can get a handshake fix and then cruise in the new one and enjoy the scenery. Heck in my KW i have plenty of gears to go around. I've always had manual trucks and I was hesitant when I bought the 06, haven't kicked myself... ... ... ... . yet. Take care.