Posted by Jonas on August 13, 2000 at 23:37:22:
In Reply to: 2001 4X4 DSL CAB + CHASSIS Hi Output engine + 6 speed posted by METALMAN on August 13, 2000 at 14:03:14:
You may have read about my unfortunate USED vehicle purchase on the last forum. I did research the different vehicles quite a bit and talked to just about everyone who owns one that I saw drive by. I heard nothing but good things about them by people who drive them basicly like cars and occasionally pulling a horse trailer or something. But I talked to a friend who owns a drilling company and bought a small fleet of them to replace the '95,'96 cummins dodges he has and he said that they are junk and they have had quite a few problems with things like transfer pumps and problems with the ABS. They use the rigs hard as I am sure you will. His company has always used Dodges and he thinks that mechanically the best are the 1st generation '90 to '93, And stay away from the ABS. A fellow I work with has 20k mi on his 2000 and he dropped his rear driveshaft in the middle of the freeway going 65MPH! But there are many people who take these things (24v) up into the 200k mi mark without any problems. It is rumored that now that F#$d owns Cummins they are using inferior parts and lower quality metals in their engines, This is just heresay though. I read in popular mechanics that a Mercedes diesel will be offered in the Dodge lineup as a option in a few years. I think that I am going to try and wait for that and hopefully a true Crewcab to buy new. Until then, I'm happy as a clam in Old Blue ('67 W-200)
Not to turn you off to the truck, just be very carefull, and dont pay much over the dealer invoice (which you can find at kellybluebook.com) as they get at least a 3%-4% kick back from the factory to sell you the truck, maby more. Good luck and happy hunting!