Time to trade in the Cummins?

dodge man · Nov 25, 2014

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton, automatic, 4x4, Quad Cab, 130,000 miles with the 5.9 Cummins. I have had a couple of minor issues with the truck recently, a vibration problem, which I may or may not have fixed, and an electrical problem, which I may or may not have fixed.

My wife has always hated the truck. I've owned it a little over 3 years. I haven't had to touch the engine or transmission other than maintenance. I've done brakes and shocks, batteries and tires and other maintenance items but so far the truck has been good. I've also battled some rust issues which I'm sure will be an ongoing battle in the future.

I don't really need 3/4 ton and 5.9 Cummins trucks seem to be in demand. I do tow and haul loads but nothing a 1/2 ton wouldn't handle. I'm thinking now might be the time to trade it in and get something newer and nicer. I really like the Cummins and the truck overall but also don't really enjoy working on it that much. It would also make the wife happy. It looks like there is a lot of used trucks in the 25k to 30k price range available.

Any opinions?

HHR · Nov 25, 2014

dodge man said:
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton, automatic, 4x4, Quad Cab, 130,000 miles with the 5.9 Cummins. I have had a couple of minor issues with the truck recently, a vibration problem, which I may or may not have fixed, and an electrical problem, which I may or may not have fixed. My wife has always hated the truck. I've owned it a little over 3 years. I haven't had to touch the engine or transmission other than maintenance. I've done brakes and shocks, batteries and tires and other maintenance items but so far the truck has been good. I've also battled some rust issues which I'm sure will be an ongoing battle in the future. I don't really need 3/4 ton and 5.9 Cummins trucks seem to be in demand. I do tow and haul loads but nothing a 1/2 ton wouldn't handle. I'm thinking now might be the time to trade it in and get something newer and nicer. I really like the Cummins and the truck overall but also don't really enjoy working on it that much. It would also make the wife happy. It looks like there is a lot of used trucks in the 25k to 30k price range available. Any opinions?

If you haven't done ball joints and upper kingpins yet, that will probably be the next thing to go (assuming it's a 4x4). If it were my truck, I would trade it for a heavily discounted 2014 1/2 ton.

dodge man · Nov 25, 2014

I've replace some of the front end parts but not all of them. I don't know that I want to trade in for that new of a truck but new is always nice. I'd like to get near my truck and throwing in another $10,000.

MikePA · Nov 25, 2014

dodge man said:
Any opinions?

I usually divide the cost of anticipated repairs by the loan payment to determine how many vehicle payments would cover the repairs. If it's 6 to 8 I usually repair. If I'm not taking out a loan, I compare the cost of anticipated repairs to the lost interest. I usually end up repairing. The last time I bought a 'new to me truck' it was because the body of the truck I had was falling apart. Drivetrain was going strong but everything else was rusting out, e.g., gas tank, brake lines, fuel lines, rocker panels, etc.

M5farms · Nov 25, 2014

the engine is hardly broke in. that truck is worth 18k min like it is. if body is in good shape you could sell it for 23 to 25k.

Egon · Nov 25, 2014

This one is easy. The wife no likes so it's shopping time.

dodge man · Nov 25, 2014

I don't think I could get 25k for it but I see them going for near 20k. Kelly blue book list about 17k for it private party, 13k trade in. Right now the truck looks good but its going to need cab corners soon.

The wife seems ready to trade it so I'm looking at this as a chance to not really get a better truck in terms of capability but a nicer one with a lot less miles.

dieselcrawler · Nov 25, 2014

Sounds like you pretty much know what you want to do... and if trading in on something else makes mama happy to boot, it's a no-brainer. Post pics of the new ride when it happens... be sure to include the smiling wifey in the driver seat!

Diamondpilot · Nov 25, 2014

The rust issue is the killer. No Matt how sound mechanically it is a crummy body will depreciate it rapidly. Trade it in for a brand new 4x4 1/2 ton. With your truck and 12K you can get a 2014 right now.

Chris

dodge man · Nov 25, 2014

I'm hoping someone will talk me out of it. I've always wanted a Cummins but every time I work on the truck it beats me up a little bit. For example when I did the rear brakes it probably took me 12 hours to do the job. Normally I'd figure a job like that would take 4 hours if I had problems.

tnjind · Nov 25, 2014

If you really like the truck then keep it, a wife is not a king.

Complete Turf Care · Nov 25, 2014

Happy wife----happy life.....That's all I'm sayin.....

bucktaker · Nov 25, 2014

Personally I would keep it, repair the rust and you have a HD truck to do as you want. Buy a commuter car to drive daily. MY 07 GMC 3500 with duramax is paid for. Comes out when there is work to do.

tnjind · Nov 25, 2014

CompleteLawnCare said:
Happy wife----happy life.....That's all I'm sayin.....

Yeah, I forgot to mention I'm divorced..........

Egon · Nov 25, 2014

The Cumins without all the emission modifications is a very sought after truck.

Don H · Nov 25, 2014

I've got a '97 Dodge Cummins with 204,000 miles on it. It needs a tranny rebuild and new seat cover but that's it. I expect it will last another 15 years. The website Turbo Diesel Register - TDR Roundtable - The Turbo Diesel Register is a great source of information on these trucks.
I'd keep it.

Wolfy · Nov 25, 2014

I would sell it now while you can get good money for it. You can never win against the rust battle. Believe me, I tried to save all of our 6 plow trucks, yet every one rusted out. They bring in painful low $ when the rust wins.

Rustyiron · Nov 25, 2014

Are you in the position to keep it? That is off the nasty winter roads and drive a "beater" of some sort for commuting? I personally like and have 2 non EPA perverted diesels and both get sidelined during the winter. To me, they are becoming "classics" and worth holding on to. I might be kidding my self also, but the reason I got onto diesels back with my first 7.3 in '88 was what had been done to GAS motors, i.e.; smog pumps, miles of vacuums lines controlling who know what, and the basic choking of engine's, not to mention diesel was .30-.40 cents cheaper than gas! Well things have reversed 180* in respect to gas vs diesel. Oops, I'm ranting, If you like your truck, you can keep your truck!:drink:

dodge man · Nov 25, 2014

My truck is my beater. I have a Challenger I park in the winter.

Diamondpilot · Nov 25, 2014

Wolfy said:
I would sell it now while you can get good money for it. You can never win against the rust battle. Believe me, I tried to save all of our 6 plow trucks, yet every one rusted out. They bring in painful low $ when the rust wins.

Yep. I have never seen rust fixed that did not come back. Even on $100,000 muscle car builds.

Chris