Truck Choice

[Mak]

Howdy Guys... . Just read the page containing Eric's

new toy coming to town and the comments it brought. Congradulations, Eric. My question is: I have been looking at a used 2001 4x4 duelly with 6speed. It has 65,000 miles, needs tires, alignment and some tlc. The price on it falls right in line with a new 2002 six speed (non 4x4)(non duel)with all the goodies except leather. I currently have a '95 2x2 and haven't really missed the 4x4. I want to upgrade because I purchased a 10k lb 5th wheel and I either put money into my existing truck or go for the new one. I am limited on cash, that's why I'm trying to stay below $33k. In my situation, what would your choice be? Remember the money/wife part. Mak

 

[me4osu]

With the fifth wheel, go for the dually. Run a carfax report on it first, whatever you buy. The four wheel drive will come in handy with the trailer believe me. I don't go four wheelin' all of the time, but backing a gooseneck up a hill with wet grass is alot easier in 4L than 2H. Also, the training wheels are nice to have when the trailer is REALLY loaded.

 

[CharlieMiller]

Peter,

Don't know where you are located at but you should check out Melton Sales - www.meltonsales.com I see they have some 3500's listed for under 33K - 4x2 and 4x4. They are great to work with. Now as far a a truck I would go with a dually - they tow so much better. They are alot more stable. But ultimately what it comes down to is what works for you.



Charlie

 

[Kimrey]

dido on me4osu said. I feel the same way, even though I have a 2500. A dualy would be nice. See sig.

 

[HC]

For me, this would be an easy choice. The seller is trying to get top dollar so he can go for his new ride, and justifying it on the grounds that 65k isn't that many miles for a well-cared for Cummins. But if the prices are near, and you want to keep it awhile, then YOU should break in your NEW truck, and then you'll KNOW it was well cared for. Skip the leather, skip the HO (too easy to upgrade), skip any other options you don't really care about, get 4WD and dually because you'll wish you had. Go to the posted link or any one of several other dealers that sell at or near invoice, and you'll get what you want for about the same price as the used rig, or only a little bit more. Get things like HD transfer case, towing package, etc. I like my HO, but I know now that the difference between 235 and 245 HP isn't that much, and upgrades are sooooo easy with either rig if you want a few more HP. You can do that later when cash flow is right.

P. S. - You'll also have a bumper to bumper warranty that protects you against other unexpected expenses, brand new tires, etc. , etc.

 

[Cummins Corvette]

I am with HC. That used truck is a major gip. Run like he!! while you still can, you can get a lot better one for that price. I hate people who just bought a truck and are trying to sell it for what they still owe on it. You are paying sales tax twice, covering the immediate depreciation, and paying for that guy's mistake of buying it in the first place.

 

[LSMITH]

Go for the new one.

 

[Okie-Go]

New one. For my 2 cents. Unless it has been used commercially 65,000 miles is a bunch for a 2001. I may be wrong bit this imo.

 

[rrl989]

If you checked the depreciation of a 01 Ram with 65K miles, you will be shocked. Mileage kills $$$$$$$. Go to KBB or Edmunds.



RonL

 

[Mak]

Truck Choice Reply

Thank you all for taking the time to write. It looks like the new truck, 4x4 wins. I'm located in N. ca. near Sacramento so will spread out my search a bit more. No one mentioned the trans, is it a given that it must be six speed? I'm still not sure about the duelly. Thanks again.

 

[me4osu]

I agree with the recommendations to buy new, if that is the cheapest you could get it. I bought mine used, with 65k mi. on it for $24,000. 00. Use the enclosed link, you can do a nationwide search and most likely find exactly what you want. The pick-ups are in the auto category.



www.traderonline.com