2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins - $11k for 200k miles?
Greetings all!
New to the forums, new to the idea of RV-life, but eager to get started! I'll post an intro post in the beginner's forum later, but wanting to get some opinions here on a potential tow vehicle.
First, let me say i've tried to do my homework:
- Researched tow vehicles, trailers, and 5ers a bit online
- Browsed, searched, and read a bunch on the forums here
We don't have an RV selected yet, but we're likely looking at 26-32' TT (or possibly light 5er). Hoping to pick up something used in the $15k range, with the goal of cross-country full-timing for a year starting this fall. I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself by looking at TVs, but what can I say - I'm excited :)
I'm looking primarily at the 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 w/ 5.9L Cummins - also looking to spend around $15k for the TV - and these seem to be in that range (and lets me avoid the DPF/EGR issues of the 08+), and there's a fair number of them around (I'd rather get a 3500 SRW if I can find one around here, but they are pretty rare).
Ok - on to my real question! Most of the vehicles in this age/price range have 150k-200k. One that I want to go test-drive this weekend is an '06 with 195k for 11k (Megacab 2WD auto). I emailed the dealer - it was a trade-in and he has no history (service or otherwise) on it.
What kinds of things should I be looking for when evaluating vehicles of this vintage?
- Some have said looking for holes/rails indicating 5er usage
- Others have said don't touch a plow vehicle (plenty of those in the upper midwest!)
- Look at overall condition (pictures look good, will know more when I see it in person)
What about stuff like transmission condition, injectors, u-joints, hips, etc? Are those things a mechanic can evaluate the condition of, or am I just rolling the dice? What are the big-ticket items to evaluate & watch out for?
(I expect to have a mechanic look at anything before I buy, but as I go farther afield I'll be dealing with shops I have no experience / relationship with)
Note: Unless I find a really good deal on a 3500 SRW, I don't expect to buy before finding a TT/5er, or at least really narrowing down our options to a short list
New to the forums, new to the idea of RV-life, but eager to get started! I'll post an intro post in the beginner's forum later, but wanting to get some opinions here on a potential tow vehicle.
First, let me say i've tried to do my homework:
- Researched tow vehicles, trailers, and 5ers a bit online
- Browsed, searched, and read a bunch on the forums here
We don't have an RV selected yet, but we're likely looking at 26-32' TT (or possibly light 5er). Hoping to pick up something used in the $15k range, with the goal of cross-country full-timing for a year starting this fall. I know I'm getting a little ahead of myself by looking at TVs, but what can I say - I'm excited :)
I'm looking primarily at the 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 2500 w/ 5.9L Cummins - also looking to spend around $15k for the TV - and these seem to be in that range (and lets me avoid the DPF/EGR issues of the 08+), and there's a fair number of them around (I'd rather get a 3500 SRW if I can find one around here, but they are pretty rare).
Ok - on to my real question! Most of the vehicles in this age/price range have 150k-200k. One that I want to go test-drive this weekend is an '06 with 195k for 11k (Megacab 2WD auto). I emailed the dealer - it was a trade-in and he has no history (service or otherwise) on it.
What kinds of things should I be looking for when evaluating vehicles of this vintage?
- Some have said looking for holes/rails indicating 5er usage
- Others have said don't touch a plow vehicle (plenty of those in the upper midwest!)
- Look at overall condition (pictures look good, will know more when I see it in person)
What about stuff like transmission condition, injectors, u-joints, hips, etc? Are those things a mechanic can evaluate the condition of, or am I just rolling the dice? What are the big-ticket items to evaluate & watch out for?
(I expect to have a mechanic look at anything before I buy, but as I go farther afield I'll be dealing with shops I have no experience / relationship with)
Note: Unless I find a really good deal on a 3500 SRW, I don't expect to buy before finding a TT/5er, or at least really narrowing down our options to a short list
