Faults:

Not enough acceleration with big tires on it.

General Comments:

This truck is great, has a lot of power, and is very quick.

Faults:

Water pump went out around 120k miles; cost me around hundred bucks for me to fix with a new belt put on at the same time (did the work myself in the parking lot of the parts store, had my wife bring my tools - I was about 50 miles from home).

Headlight switch went out around 155k miles, pretty cheap to fix yourself.

Door hinge pins worn door drops slightly when open, making it a little harder to shut.

Changed all ball joints in front, cost about 350 to change them all at the shop.

Transmission was acting up around 20k miles ago, didn't want to go in reverse as soon as it should. I put a can of seafoam transmission treatment in, and it's been fine since.

General Comments:

This truck has been the best vehicle I have ever had.

I believe it's the 11th vehicle.

I paid 4900 for it about 4 years ago, and put around 500 into over that time, so only around 125 a year to maintain, not counting oil changes.

Owner before me owned a trailer company, so I know he used it to pull a lot of trailers. But that did not seem to make any difference in performance when I purchased it.

Also I don't drive my truck rough; no flooring it or spinning tires, or fast start and stops.

Faults:

I didn't experience any breakdowns or problems with my truck (std cab, long bed, 4x4). As far as I'm concerned, it was a very reliable vehicle.

General Comments:

So, why would a person own a truck for only 10 months? I'll tell you. The 318 cubic inch Magnum V8. Excellent engine with impressive power - when it's in a Dakota! This full size Ram was so underpowered, it would down shift if it hit a head wind at any speed! Did this underpowered truck provide me with excellent economy to make up for it? No. I would get about 13-15 mpg out of this beast.

However, I must admit, this all black truck (w/o the silly silver around the rockers) was the best looking truck I've ever owned. When matched with dark tinted windows, 33" mud tires, and a large chromed Smitty Built brush guard on the front, I was constantly getting comments and head nods.

This truck was fully loaded with power seats, an excellent factory CD sound system, power mirrors and windows, key-less entry, and the behind-the-seat cargo system. An extremely comfortable ride with tons of leg room for my 6'5" frame even on 6 and 7 hour road trips. Once I got better tires on this truck, it even did a decent job of providing off-road fun.

All in all, this would have been an amazing truck and I would still own it if it simply had more torque and power.

Faults:

Since we've owned this truck, it has been very reliable and hasn't broken down yet. There have only been minor problems such as the brakes being replaced a couple of times and the water pump as well. We've recently gotten into an accident in it, and there was some damage done to the bumper, frame and radiator, but it is still running great, and the bumper was replaced. I just hope it will continue to run until I can save up for a newer one.

General Comments:

For a truck that's 10 years old with 155,000 miles on it, it still runs and looks new. My dad gave it to me last month, and I've replaced the front bumper and headlights because of the accident. The thing runs great, and I love the sound and performance of the engine. The exterior as of now is great, and the paint continues to shine after waxing. The tires might have to be replaced soon, as well as the brakes, and I need to get the engine tuned up. The interior is somewhat plain, but the seats are still in good condition and comfortable, and all controls work great. The A/C still blows out cold air. The only thing that sucks is 12 mpg city driving, but I'll get use to it. But besides that, this truck is awesome, and I hope to drive it for two years or more. I recommend this truck to anyone.