Hey everyone,
I co-worker of mine is looking at buying a diesel and he would like to get your honest opinion of the two he has narrowed it down to. He doesn't know much about diesels and if he gets one of them, he will definitely be joining this site.

Here are the specs on the two trucks:

1. 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Truck SLT
Price: $19,995
Mileage: 103,761 Miles
Body Style: 4 Door Crew Cab Truck
Transmission: Automatic
Engine: 5.9L I6 24V Turbo Diesel

2. 2005 Ford Dualie
Price: $24,900
Mileage: 31,250
Body Style: 4 Door
This truck arrived on the lot this weekend and they don't have a spec sheet available for it yet. This is all the info they gave him over the phone.

So what do you think? Please help me out with the pro's and con's of both.

Thanks!!!!!!

 

Is it going to stay stock, how long do they plan on keeping it, what do they plan on doing with it? Those are some questions to get started with.

 

first thing i would do is find out waht all work has been done to both of them. mainly the ford under warranty. i'd look at previous service records for both trucks. also does the guy have a family? what is he going to be using the truck for? if making long trips i'd say the ford will have a better interior (more backseat) and a smoother ride. it has less miles and is newer. the dodge sounds like a good deal but at that mileage if he is going to be doing any towing heavy with it the tranny needs to be addressed. i'm biased to the 5.9's but if that 6.0 truck is in good condition i'd jump all over that.

 

Yes I am Biased too, but, I would have to say find a D-max...

 

just read this..... lets see what i can do here

6.0L pro's....... nice roomy interior, good ride quality

cons....... possible head gasket failure, possible EGR cooler failure, Possible injector failure, possible turbo failure due to sticking vains,

5.9L pro's......... descent room in the interior, good ride quality, proven longevity of motor gets descent fuel mileage

con's......... Auto tranny isn't up to par IMHO, rear seat legroom, unless a MEGA cab, is inadequate


these are just my opinions from what my friends have dealt with. please don't anyone take this to the bank.

 

I'm biased towards the Cummins, but both trucks seem overpriced

 

He'd basically be using it like we use ours. Pretty much a daily driver with occassional towing. Nothing crazy big either. He'd most likely get a programmer for it and that would be about it for mods.

No family,single guy. He's been driving a Rodeo for almost 10 years and is ready for something newer. He is looking at diesel trucks hard, but doesn't want to drop $50K on a brand new one.

I looked at both of them today. The Dodge has all leather interior and all the trimmings to go with it. We think it was most likely used to tow a camper. The Ford is fully loaded as well... sun roof, power everything. My concern is why in the heck someone would get rid of it with only 34K miles on it... I'm just a little suspicious.

 

warranty.... or a lease turn in....

 

because it's a POS 6.0? :o

I'd definately get an Oasis report for it!

are they both 4wd?

 

That's what i was thinking.

Yes, they are both 4WD.