Advice.....Tundra Dodge Ram 2500

suncarrie

Hi-

I am looking to buy a truck and would like some advice. I have a friend who is selling a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. I have also been looking at the Toyota Tundra. Here is what I need: 4X4 for sure (I go to the snow quite a bit). I do tow but only jet skis so it isn't too much (maybe 1700 pounds). I want a big truck but don't really want the scrappy gas mileage that goes along with it. If anyone has any advice... which is better, mileage they have gotten in similar trucks (you always here such wide range) towing realibility etc I would greatly appreciate it!!! I want a reliable truck that I can keep for at least five years. Please help.

quadrunner500

Need more info on the Ram/Cummins. Miles? Stick or auto? Great fuel mileage and range with the Cummins. If it's got an automatic tranny, I'd pass.

suncarrie

The Dodge has 37,000 miles and is a 5-speed. The clutch was just recently replace b/c the owner felt like it was slipping and he tows alot so he didn't want to take the chance, he had also buried the trucka nd the 5th wheel in the sand. He tows 5th wheels and boats alot.

quadrunner500

Either truck sounds okay at this point. The Tundra is newer, and better in the snow. The Ram/Cummins is going to get better fuel mileage, especially on the highway, where the larger tank is going to give you longer range. The diesel can be a little problematic in colder climates. They are slower to warm up, need a few precautions in regards to fuel you put in. It sounds like you know the owner pretty well, and that can be a plus. Tundra easier to park, well mannered and refined. Ram is the real deal, heavy duty truck, loads of capacity in all regards, and spacious.

Still need more info, asking price for Ram, new or used Tundra etc. And a little bit more about your driving habits. If you work downtown, parking is tight. And if you make lots of short trips, jump in, jump out, a diesel is not for you. Diesel likes to be warmed for a minute or two, before you depart, and cooled a minute or two before you shut it off. If you can adjust to this, they are fantastic, and especially highway friendly.

All in all, Tundra is going to be a lot less hassle. Either should go five years. If you put lots of highway miles, Ram may be the better choice. The Ram Cummins with 5 or 6 speed manual is the best of the Dodge trucks.

Now what do you think, so far?