2003 Cummins 3/4 ton
 

I'm looking to buy a 3/4 ton Ram Cummins. I'm trying to educate myself on what the "best" or years to look for to buy. I do know that there is an HO model and a standard. I have learned about the 48RE trans. Besides trying to get those two, is there anything to avoid?? How many miles is " too many" ? I'm mechanically inclined enough to do ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods etc. But I just don't know these Diesels. Thanks again for any thoughts.
This particular truck a friend has is immaculate and well cared for adult driven. He pulled a smaller camper with it. However, it does have 276,000 miles. I think he threw out $11,000. Is that ball park? High? Low? It is a 4x4 which I don't really want or need.

Check on eBay and used the advanced search feature to select the completed sales, meaning that the truck actually sold and you're not just looking at the list price. Price could be decent to very good, depending on the truck details. Assuming everything is mechanically sound, it's a good price for any model. Pull off the oil filler cap and see if there's any smoke coming out the top. If there is, and especially if the air/smoke pushes up on your hand that's "blow-by" and you want to either stay away from it or negotiate a better price with the knowledge that you will have to rebuild the motor or buy a used/rebuilt motor...

Buy your friends truck good deal. Have the injectors been replaced new lift pump? If yes your golden if no start saving just in case they fail good service is the key to long life 276k is broke in but has many miles left in it!

Look for an HO which will be a federal truck with 305 hp I believe compared to the SO California version of 235 hp. I think a service record is more important than mileage. The auto will probably have to be beefed up and bj's should be Carli's or Dynatracs when the time comes. Stock sealed units can be a bear to remove. A 4wd will have a lot more resell potential in the future.