Time to trade in the Cummins?

[dodge man]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[dodge man]

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]

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]

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]

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.