A sad day is looming ahead. I've had my Explorer for almost 5 years now and I'm definitely hearing the death rattle in my engine and my family is growing. We've got a 4 year old and one on the way. With the dog and future plans we're really starting to outgrow the Explorer. She's got my blood, sweat and tears running through her and I hate to see her go, but it's about time.
I do a lot of work on the house myself, up to and including some large projects like building rooms and will be doing outdoor projects as well requiring brick and wood and things of that nature. I would prefer to get a pick up this time with a crew cab. And here's where I need advice:
My dad's 04 Ram 2500 w/ CTD is is great shape. And he's asking below blue book if I want to buy it. My biggest hold up is that it has 253,000 miles. I know he's pretty on it for his maintenance and this is his 3rd diesel after 2 F-350s. His 7.3L was pretty good, he hated his 6.0L.
I've been looking a lot locally for even 1/2 ton options because I'm not sure that I NEED 3/4 ton but if the price is right and the mpg is really nice. I've narrowed down my options and OHC engines are definitely something that I worry about after the Explorer. Transmissions too. Truck has to be a crew cab so most 1/2 tons don't enter that until 2001 thanks to the F-150 SuperCrew. I think I'd be looking at 03 for longevity. But again OHC is my concern. I checked the 04 Hemi and liked those and then the next good year I saw was the 07 F-150.
Of course for these to even come near my price range they have almost 150,000 miles or don't have all the features I want. I will not live without at least limited slip and 4wd. And it must have a crew cab. Most of those even enter the $16,000 arena which is out of my price range. I guess I'm looking for good advice that's maybe less bias than my parents trying to help. I want to find a good truck that will last quite a few years with standard maintenance. At least 5 years if not 10.
Thanks in advance for any input.
I do a lot of work on the house myself, up to and including some large projects like building rooms and will be doing outdoor projects as well requiring brick and wood and things of that nature. I would prefer to get a pick up this time with a crew cab. And here's where I need advice:
My dad's 04 Ram 2500 w/ CTD is is great shape. And he's asking below blue book if I want to buy it. My biggest hold up is that it has 253,000 miles. I know he's pretty on it for his maintenance and this is his 3rd diesel after 2 F-350s. His 7.3L was pretty good, he hated his 6.0L.
I've been looking a lot locally for even 1/2 ton options because I'm not sure that I NEED 3/4 ton but if the price is right and the mpg is really nice. I've narrowed down my options and OHC engines are definitely something that I worry about after the Explorer. Transmissions too. Truck has to be a crew cab so most 1/2 tons don't enter that until 2001 thanks to the F-150 SuperCrew. I think I'd be looking at 03 for longevity. But again OHC is my concern. I checked the 04 Hemi and liked those and then the next good year I saw was the 07 F-150.
Of course for these to even come near my price range they have almost 150,000 miles or don't have all the features I want. I will not live without at least limited slip and 4wd. And it must have a crew cab. Most of those even enter the $16,000 arena which is out of my price range. I guess I'm looking for good advice that's maybe less bias than my parents trying to help. I want to find a good truck that will last quite a few years with standard maintenance. At least 5 years if not 10.
Thanks in advance for any input.
