Searching for first truck

[atomicflatulence]

Very new to the truck and diesel world and I'm starting my search for a Dodge 2500 Quad Cab diesel. I can probably go as high as $20K, but would rather aim for $17K.

Gonna tow a CJ7 and need room for wife, baby and two dogs for trips.

What do I need to know? Anything to stay away from?

I heard to keep away from trucks that have been set up for plowing. They might have been beat on. True?

Debating on whether to go with a gasser.

[peobryant]

Why would you go with a gasser?

Diesels get better mileage (especially while towing), last longer, have better resale value, and will have the same "luxury" options as a gasser.

If you have to have a quad cab, I would look for a '98 12 Valve. Stay away from the '98.5-'02 VP44 24 valves.

You can't go wrong with a Common Rail either.

With what you're doing, stay away froma 6.7 (even though, I doubt you could find one for 17K.)

Hope that helps.

[atomicflatulence]

Originally Posted by '91 1st Gen

Diesels get better mileage (especially while towing)

Not everyone seems to agree with this. I always thought they did too.

My commute to work is about 1 mile and I hear that short trips are bad for diesels. I could just drive my CJ to work more often.

I'm also concerned about higher maintenance, repair, and fuel costs. Should it even be a factor?

I think I'll be happier with the diesel in the long run.

[dodge17]

If you get some pre-emptive maintenance than the short trips shouldnt be a problem. Get a pre luber system and a turbo timer to let the turbo cool down before the truck shuts off. I think there is something you can do to take extra stress off of a starter but I cant think of it right now. A diesel is definitly the way to go, no doubt about it. With your needs, Id probably get an 03-05 Quad Cab. Theyve got a lot of stock pulling power, good mpg, and the most interior space. And diesels definitly do get better gas mileage, loaded or unloaded. People with gas trucks are just jealous of diesel owners and make bogus mpg claims to make themselves feel better.

[atomicflatulence]

I need to stay around $18K. How many miles should I be looking at on a truck at this price?

I'm concerned with a lot of the ads making a point to say the trans has been rebuilt already. Already? and they only have about 140K miles. Is that normal?

Found a few private sellers that are around 15K, but they have been modified already. I'd prefer something stock.

[dodge17]

I would try to find one with around 100k, but these engines will last a lot longer than that. Transmissions can need a rebuild for a lot of reasons. A lot of heavy towing, hot rodding, or a to aggessive a programmer can tear up a stock tranny.

[atomicflatulence]

Found an '03 for $16K.

2500 QC 4x4 with 113Kmiles. Only issue is the color.

Anything to look out for on an '03?

[dodge17]

Not that i can think of no. What trans does it have?

[atomicflatulence]

Not sure. I know its an auto.

This one.

[stock cummins 24v]

that is not a bad truck

[dodge17]

Looks pretty good to me