I've got a budget of $3,000 so Im interested this 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 235,000 mi for only $1,250 cause it's so cheap it runs good but has power steering pump leak but still drives if you keep filling fluid. Im using this to commute 8 miles to work everyday so I dont haul stuff.
https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/d/las-vegas-2001-ram-1500-slt-quad-cab/7705175302.html
Considering the price of used trucks these days, if that’s the only thing wrong with it then that’s a good price. But if that’s the only thing wrong, why doesn’t the current owner just fix it and keep driving it? You need to know, so you should probably get a prepurchase inspection.
BTW, if you get it, I would not just top off the steering fluid and keep driving. You need to find the problem and fix it. You don’t want to suddenly lose steering if it were to get worse.
Im using this to commute 8 miles to work everyday
Reading the ad description, this does not sound like a reliable daily driver. I think you would regret buying it.
I definitely wouldn't touch it with a 50ft pole without at least a mechanical inspection.
I would be super careful, and inspect it like crazy. I would want proof of who did the transmission, and how it was done. I would want lots of maintenance records.
One good thing I can say about it, that year is a pretty good one. Dodge was owned or in cahoots with Daimler, merces benz for several years, and they improved their quality. My friend had a 2002 Ram that lasted 430k, but that was road miles.
Ram with 235k miles is probably on its last legs. There is a reason why someone sells there cars because something is wrong with it. Why would they sell a car that runs perfectly fine? Since you said you only commute 8 miles to work everyday it should be ok. But do expect for your wallet to drain money along the way cause rams are endless money pit as they age. I am saying this from my experience. For $3k I would look for a Toyota pickup truck. Tacoma or a Tundra. They can last a really long time if you take care and maintenance on those is super easy and affordable. I bought a 05 Camry with 200k miles for $2k. I drove it till it reached 330k miles before the engine gave up and sold it to a mechanic. Where as my brothers 06 Camry is currently at 374k miles and still going strong.
Well of course for $3,000 dont expect any trucks in good condition so maybe a car since I dont haul stuff I just needed to commute to work.