opinion on 2006 ram 2500 or 3500

I have a 2005 dodge diesel,
fine truck was well care for and I got it at 42K miles.

one problem with the 2005, you cannot lockout overdrive,

my old chevy 2500 as it did not have tow haul mode, I always shifted to 3rd and that is what I pulled in. worked fine for me as I am no speed demon.

however, some other models of dodge pickups do allow you to lockout overdrive and the newer models, have the exhaust brake,

that is what I wish I had is the exhaust brake, on a long steep down hill pull, would sure be nice to hit that exhaust brake button and set back.

just my two cents.

goducks10 wrote:
Seems hard to justify $30,000 for a truck with 86,000 on it. Bought my 12 Ram 2500 CTD CC LB 4x4 ST for $36,000 and change brand new. Almost $10,000 in rebates. I know some don't like the newer 6.7's but after 15,000 miles and not a glitch, I can't complain.

The 2007's with the 6.7L had numerous issues. I have one of them! All issues related to the emissions. Have had the turbo changed out twice, O2 sensors, EGR & grid cleaned multiple times etc. That was all in the first 2 years of ownership. I believe all of the issues have been resolved. I now have 80,000 miles on it and have not had any further issues in over 3 years. Dodge did give me a 100K mile extended warranty because of the problems and still have 1 more year left on it just in case. Great strong engine and love the 6 speed auto tranny.

goducks10 wrote:
Seems hard to justify $30,000 for a truck with 86,000 on it. Bought my 12 Ram 2500 CTD CC LB 4x4 ST for $36,000 and change brand new. Almost $10,000 in rebates. I know some don't like the newer 6.7's but after 15,000 miles and not a glitch, I can't complain.

The same truck but 2013's are going for that same price ($36k) out here in AZ. I'd definitely shop new if I were looking used close to that price range. 5yr/100k powertrain warranty and a known service history since new seems worth the diff in cost. If your set on used you should be able to get a better deal than either of those 2 are priced at. Closer to 20k.

So the 3500 is the SLT, and has 86K miles at $30K asking. That is 50K miles less than the 2500 Laramie, for $27K.

Seems like to spend $3K for 50,000 less miles would be my choice.

Your wife is looking at new trailers. You would do well to get the truck with the largest payload capacity. Check the door sticker, to make sure you are not under-trucking your needs, if you choose the 2500.

I know the Laramie is better appointed inside. The SLT is more basic. But form follows function. If the 3500 SLT just does not meet your "comfort needs", just don't automatically default to the 2500, because it is the Laramie package. The comfort factor goes away quickly if it cannot handle the job as well. If it were me, if I could not accept the more spartan SLT, I would keep looking 'til I found a Laramie 3500 Cummins. At the pricing your are looking at, neither seems like it is any bargain. So you can probably do as well or better, if you look further.

And not to bad mouth the 2006 Rams, But the GM/Chevy Duramax in the same (06/07)vintage is a great choice too. Might be in the same $$$$ range.

Of course this is all just my personal opinion.

Seems hard to justify $30,000 for a truck with 86,000 on it. Bought my 12 Ram 2500 CTD CC LB 4x4 ST for $36,000 and change brand new. Almost $10,000 in rebates. I know some don't like the newer 6.7's but after 15,000 miles and not a glitch, I can't complain.

I have seen this also. Some fellas are tickled pink buying an 05 with 175000 miles or more for just under what we paid for our 05 in Dec 04. Easy to figure the reason if you are looking at a new truck. After re reading this I added on a 05 2500 GM.
chevman

Checking over the classifieds tells me I have lost about $2000 to 4000 in value for my truck since I bought it 4 years and 65,000 miles ago. My last Dodge/Cummins (a 2002) I drove it for 3 years and sold it for $1000 MORE than I paid for it. I got it cheap, and it was pristine when I sold it too, but still.... They are good value for the $$ at least in my experience.

I paid $34k for my last 5.9l NEW in '07...
Same truck today with low miles will still bring $34k...
There is something wrong with this economy and new trucks bringing $55-$60k+

That said - the market is limited (depending on area), everyone knows these were great trucks and the price is so overinflated it makes me sick...

Rant over - the other posters have already summed up the trucks.. :)

It's crazy how much these trucks hold their value.

I love the RAM, and know that the 5.9 was a great engine, but I can't see spending that much cash on a 8 year old truck.

If you paid 30 five years ago. And u only have 42 thousand now you got one heck of a deal. I think I am going to go after the 2500. Reviews show there isn't that much of a difference and adding a spring in the rear will match it up perfect