Help with a truck i want to buy?

Im looking at a new car, im only 15, ya, ya, right now im fixing up a 99 escort, so im gonna sell that and my car right now to get a truck(my dad owns a car business(junkyard)) So i was looking at a 95-99 dodge ram 1500, probably a 97. Are these reliable trucks? i have only driven chevys for trucks. If it was well maintained how many miles do you think it could last(estimate) and how much is insurance for a truck for a kid my age? thanksHelp with a truck i want to buy?
It depends mostly on how well the truck was maintained.



Over that time span (1990s), the Dodge Ram racked up one of the worst reliability records for a fullsize truck (according to Consumer Reports), along with the Chevrolet C/K-Series and Jeep J-Series. The Ford F-Series and GMC Sierra were a little better. The top one was (if you actually consider it a "fullsize" truck) was the Toyota T100, but it didn't come with a V-8 or a crew cab. When you factor in diesel motors, though, the reliability for all of these models is much higher since diesels are so reliable.



If you find a Ram that's been extremely well maintained, most likely it will be a good truck for you. Also, especially with less reliable vehicles like the Ram, you'll have to continue to maintain it to the best of your ability. If it's a gas-powered Ram, expect about 150,000-200,000 miles before needing an engine replacement or major overhaul. For the diesel, that number could be a lot higher provided it's well cared for.



On the other hand, the Ram, along with the Jeep J-Series, is considered the least "civilized" of the fullsize trucks. The ride is rough, gas mileage (except for the diesel) is low even for a truck, the interior isn't anything special, and the quad cab model, despite having four doors (two regular doors and two halfdoors), has very little room in the back seat. On the other hand, it has plenty of power, good styling, is excellent for towing (especially the diesel), and is very good off-road thanks to the extra high ground clearance over other fullsize trucks. There are also a lot of aftermarket parts for it (unlike the Jeep and Toyota) for customization and repair.



As for insurance, when I was 15 and my father gave me the keys to his 1990 Ford F-150 4X4 (beat to death, rusted through, and with 130,000 miles on it, but still with a solid, strong engine), the insurance was $1,250 per year. That was in Michigan, and neither my father nor I had any accidents, or even a bad driving record. Depending on where you live, the results may vary. All you have to do is take out the phone book and call your local insurance companies. They'll ask for information like make/model/year/VIN number and your name/age/etc. to create an accurate quote.



I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.Help with a truck i want to buy?
Those trunks are excellent running trucks.. just make sure the owners before hand have always changed the oil often... and if it has over 100,000 miles or close to it.. make sure you change the Timing Belt.. because if it does break your screwed..Help with a truck i want to buy?
That truck should do well. Just check the ball joints, or the steering may fall off.



It'll last as long as you like, if you change the oil regularly and don't drive like a maniac. So will you. Good luck.Help with a truck i want to buy?
If you go for the dodge they are nice looking trucks.I had a 99 dodge 1500 extended cab 4x4 with a 360 engine.The truck was very hard on gas.The heater core went out at 40.000 miles and front wheel bearing at 52.000 miles.I loved the truck but it did not hold up .The rear axel fell out while i was driving down the road nearly causing me to crash.The truck also rusted very badly within 6 yr.My friend had a 98 dodge pickup standard cab v6 and put over 300.000 miles on it with no major problems.It ran and drove fine when he traded it in for a new ford F150.Just because my truck was junk does not mean all of them are.I would not buy another one at this time but i will consider it in the future
im personally a chevy fan i have several friend with the 90's model dodge and all of them have had nothing but trans problems .dodge uses the same trans for their 4calender cars as they use in the trucks you do the math. not strong enough for the larger vehicles. im currently driving a z71 i purchased new 1999 and pull snowmobiles up north every other weekend in the winter and bikes in the summer and currently have 230,000 mi and have done nothing except full pump and regular maintenance.