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I'm looking at buying a 18 year old Dodge Ram 1500 wtih 180k miles--how to tell if it's junk

E

edprush

Platinum Member
Yes, I said 180k miles on a 18 year old Dodge pickup.

What kind of 'checks' can I do to see if the major mechanicals are decent (e.g., transmission).

Or should I walk away from this possible piece of junk?
 
I didn't realize there was an 18 year old Dodge truck that still ran. If you said Chevy and it still looked decent, then I'd go for it.
 
Originally posted by: Mr N8
I didn't realize there was an 18 year old Dodge truck that still ran. If you said Chevy and it still looked decent, then I'd go for it.
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hmmm...i see older dodge rams all the time around here.
 
Originally posted by: shimsham
Originally posted by: Mr N8
I didn't realize there was an 18 year old Dodge truck that still ran. If you said Chevy and it still looked decent, then I'd go for it.
Click to expand...



hmmm...i see older dodge rams all the time around here.
Click to expand...



Museums don't count.
 
Originally posted by: Slimline
Originally posted by: shimsham
Originally posted by: Mr N8
I didn't realize there was an 18 year old Dodge truck that still ran. If you said Chevy and it still looked decent, then I'd go for it.
Click to expand...



hmmm...i see older dodge rams all the time around here.
Click to expand...



Museums don't count.
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lol nah, theyre on the road.
 
Is that old enough to be a classics?

Anyways, i would definitely take it to a shop and have them take a look at it.
 
Have a mechanic you trust check it out. Most offer it for a small fee.

In December I bought a 20 year old Chevy C10 with 190K miles on the body (75K on the engine). Best thing about an old truck is that you can use it rough without worrying about the ruining the appearance. Plus an older truck should be inexpensive and not cost much on your insurance/taxes.

EDIT: For price comparison, mine was $500 from a relative knowning that it needed $500 in repairs (replace windshield , rotors, 2 tires, and headlamps)
 
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Originally posted by: Homerboy
My 42yr old FORD runs fine...
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So does my 49 year old Ford, as does my 40 year old one also.
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I see those in your sig! Very nice.... got pics? Mines a original F250 Custom Cab. I haven't done any work on it except mechanical (starter, fuel pump etc) as they break down. Its too pretty to fix up as is. Its got a nice "patina" as they say in collectibles.
 
$1500 isn't a bad price for a beater truck.

And for you guys with 40 year old Fords, a friend of our family has a 1945 Studebaker pickup. One owner.
 
What engine and tranny are in that? If its the standard old 318 or 360 that have both been around forever I wouldn't worry to much about the engine or the 3 speed automatic if thats what it has. If its a 4 speed auto I would be a bit more concerned. For $1500 if it runs halfway decent I don't see much of a problem.
 
The only thing I could see wrong with getting it is that you need to expect gas milage that will usualy be from 8-14 mpg and not much better.
The motors and transmissions tend to be ok, its just everything else that falls apart.
 
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
What engine and tranny are in that? If its the standard old 318 or 360 that have both been around forever I wouldn't worry to much about the engine or the 3 speed automatic if thats what it has. If its a 4 speed auto I would be a bit more concerned. For $1500 if it runs halfway decent I don't see much of a problem.
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318 magnum (automatic)
 
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