Im looking at buying an 03. Is there a way to find out what options the truck came with from the factory with the vin number? Also, the trucks im looking at that I can afford all have over 100k miles. Am i asking for trouble or are these newer trucks just as reliable as my old 12 valve was? Thanks Chris

 

If you go to any Dodge dealer with the VIN they can run you a printout of the original build list. It shows everything that went into the truck at the factory.

I just sold a 2001 2500 with 92k miles on it. There was absolutely nothing wrong with that truck. It had 81k when I bought it last year. The only reason I got rid of it was I wanted a dually with more power and quieter.

Engines are supposed to be good for 350 - 400k miles before a rebuild is required. Totally different than a gasser. Of course in that time the other components like suspension etc will need some work.

 

Yes request one online at: http://www-5.dodge.com/wccsapp/unive...ull&category=U
Ask for a "build sheet" for your VIN
Mike
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Thanks for the info. Im not really worried about the engine itself, but i am worried about lift pumps, frontend, transmision etc.

 

Don't mean to get too much into your business,but,are you gonna finance this thing??????Most banks and auto lenders don't wanna toch anything over 85,000(and if they do they jack up the intrest rate even if ya got excellent credit).They really should have a different scale for diesels,but they don't.Well anyways if ya do go for one at that high a milage I'd definitely get the front end checked out before take it,and carfax it,other than that ya should be ok(but since the mechanic is checking the front end I guess he can check the whole thing).Good luck.

 

Well you bring up some good points. The lender I was going to go with will only finance vehicles with less than 60k. Hmm.... Well I guess ill look some more. The trucks im looking at have right under 150k.

 

What exact models are you lookin' at,and what are you seeing price wise?I got this 03.5 slt 4x4 ctd h.o.48re with 74,000 miles last year for 20,500.It took alot of hagglin' but I think it was very fair,but like i said,check that front end,mine was good when i got it,but 20,000 miles later i'm seeing an over 600 repair bill.

 

Wow thats a good deal. Im lookin at 03 4x4 quadcab lwb diesel automatics. They are just under 150k and asking around 19,500. Mabey I should look some more?

 

Yes keep lookin',mine is quad long bed,guess ya need to come to north tx to get a deal.I'm sure this truck is gone by now,but,there was a truck just like what ya lookin' for('cept it was 6 speed)with 71,000 miles,in giddings(about 60 miles from austin,towards houston,not too far from you i guess)they had it marked at $21,000,this was 3 months ago,but don't worry i'm sure ya can find a good deal,sometimes ya just gotta look hard for 'em.Hit the auto trader but don't put a price limit(the call for price ones won't show up if ya do that).Good luck.

 

Im willing to drive to houston or austin to get a truck for the right price. Ive broadend my search to trucks that are listed at a little higher price with lower miles and im going to see if I can negotiate them down to what I can afford.

 

Sounds like you don't need a build sheet, you need the service history.
Mike
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How can you go about getiing the service history?