Quick questions on 06 before I buy

[DKupfrian]

Time to trade in my 2000 and I found an 06 I like. I haven't been real active here lately so I'm a little green on the new trucks.



The truck I found is an 06 SLT 3500 SRW w/30,000 miles. It's got a few dents and dings (more than a 06 should have but I can live with that. )



What I'm concerned with is:

1) They don't have a window sticker. Can I do a VIN lookup somewhere to find the options it has. (Mainly gears and limited slip)



2) It has an electric brake controller mounted. Salesmen said they come from the factory. Mine came with wiring but no controller. Just wondering if this towed or not.



3) One of the tire showed heavy wear on the outside. My 2000 with 125,000 miles still wears evenly. I'm hoping this is something that can be fixed under waranty?



4) What should I look for in a 2006?



5) Is $30,500 cash a good price?



I want to move on this tomorrow pending your advise. Thanks

 

[B.G. Smith]

#1, don't know about the vin. but the rear gears are usually shown on the sticker under the hood up above the grill. #2, the truck did not come with a brake controller. #3, either a bad tire or mis-alignment would be a good guess. #4, injector issues, does it smoke a lot on start up, etc. #5, I have 3500 Sport DRW auto, Quad cab and I got it for a little over three grand over what they are asking brand new. Go to nada.com and look it up. bg

 

[SNoyes]

#6 Check the ball joints/U joints. Is it a Laramie, or SLT? Was it the front tire or a rear. Manual or auto? Does it have gauges? Any obvious signs of any power enhancements? Off the line does it vibrate at all?

 

[DKupfrian]

It's an SLT.



The bad tire was on the rear however I suspect they were rotated.



Auto tran



No gauges



Didn't notice any vibration however I wasn't watching for it. Is there a know vibration on accel issue with these?

 

[JimB1]

For not much more cash you can probally still find brand new '06 or '07 5. 9 and the value of the deal would be much better.



If you're ready to plunk down $30. 5K on something, at least run the numbers on what a remaining new 5. 9 would cost.

 

[CDonaldson]

I certainly would be after them to run the vin and give me whatever warranty and maint records they could give. They also can print you out a build sheet, that will tell all. They did not offer a brake controller as part of standard equipment. If you are at a Doge dealership - press them for an extended warranty being thrown into the deal at that price as well. It sounds like the tire was rotated to the back, that would have come from the right front based on their recommended rotation. Vibrations on accel go to u-joints/driveshaft issues. I would work on them about the price, bring up dents, etc and maybe also look at what you could get a new truck for - never hurts to try to negotiate.



CD

 

[BHolm]

I bought a "well used" '06 4 months ago. Mine also had some character marks but nothing I couldn't live with myself. It also had some mismatched crap tires on it. I fitted good ones and went on down the road. I bought it for about $26k, but it had 70k miles, six speed SLT Big Horn. That was with an ext warranty which ended up replacing ball joints in front, a window regulator, and the front driveshaft for a vibration. Since, it has needed an injector replaced.



I have been really happy with the truck. The first round of issues I knew about before I bought it. I just think they are about $2000 high on the price. For $30k, I agree, you are very close to a new one once all the discounts are applied.

 

[BBoling]

What Bholm & Donaldson said -- with emphasis on the price thing. Fight 'em, work 'em to get that price down. I bought my '06 brand new for like $34K b4 tax, title, etc. in Nov of '06. Another good point on the extended warranty thing -- A must with a used truck. BTW, what market (location) are you in? Just remember, there are ALWAYS deals out there if you are willing to show up with the cash, if you've done your research, you're willing to be patient, and you're a good, tough negotiator.

 

[DKupfrian]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to pass on it and look for either a clean Laramie or new 07 for a few buck more.

 

[Jengle]

You might check with Tomeygun here, for a contact for new price, if you are near the St. Louis area. My dad's new 06 last year was 3500 SLT BigHorn 4x4 QC LWB and was 32k out the door. Or PM me for the contact.

 

[Grizzly]

For it's short life it sounds to me like it's been rode hard and put away wet. Also for 30 grand, I'd consider a new truck and get it equipped the way you want it.

 

[DKupfrian]

I take delivery of an 08 Big Horn SLT 2500 Quad Cab tomorrow. Same options as the 06 and more (just a 2500 instead of a 3500). I was offered a better deal than I thought the dealer could do.



As always, being a member of TDR has its rewards.



Thanks guys!

 

[BHolm]

I take delivery of an 08 Big Horn SLT 2500 Quad Cab tomorrow. Same options as the 06 and more (just a 2500 instead of a 3500). I was offered a better deal than I thought the dealer could do.



As always, being a member of TDR has its rewards.



Thanks guys!

A 6. 7? You are a brave soul! I am sure they will sort them out, but for now, the 5. 9 is surely a less troublesome, much more easily modded machine. Congrats on the new truck in any case.

 

[Grizzly]

I take delivery of an 08 Big Horn SLT 2500 Quad Cab tomorrow. Same options as the 06 and more (just a 2500 instead of a 3500). I was offered a better deal than I thought the dealer could do.



As always, being a member of TDR has its rewards.



Thanks guys!

Smart move. Congratulations on the new purchase.

 

[KennethS]

My 2006 only has 10,000 miles on it

30,000 is a lot of miles on it. I would talk to the past owner about the truck. I would look gor a better deal. 22 to 25 would be tops for a truck with high mileage on it. I don't drive as much as I use to. Start checking around for a better truck.

 

[DKupfrian]

I expect to have a couple recalls on the new truck however I realy hope I don't have too many issues.



I already miss my 2000 and I haven't traded it in yet. It gave me 130,000 miles of near trouble free driving.

 

[BHolm]

30,000 is a lot of miles on it. I would talk to the past owner about the truck. I would look gor a better deal. 22 to 25 would be tops for a truck with high mileage on it. I don't drive as much as I use to. Start checking around for a better truck.

High milage? Maybe for a grocery getter but a lot of these trucks get driven. Mine had 80k miles on it in one year of service. Besides, at 30k, it is hardly even broken in yet. It is typical for me to do 30-50k a year. I would rather have a truck like this that was worked than one that was babied anyway.