This is on my 1997 Full Size Dodge Ram 1500 with a 5.9L and auto transmission (not 4 wheel drive).  In September, I will have owned the truck for 10 years.  It had 52,752 miles on it when I drove it off the lot.  I figure with my averages, it will just about be at the anniversary date when I get to 200,000 miles past that, making an average of 20,000 miles per year - and that average has been pretty consistent.  I see no problem getting there.

 

I'm sure I'm jinxing myself when I say that in that time, I have only had to make the following repairs:

 

Replace the Water Pump (and the timing belt at the time just because)

Replace the Radiator

Throttle Body rebuilt

Replace the battery twice

 

If some of you recall, I made a post about the battery when it needed the second replacement.  The first replacement happened about 6 months after I got the truck and the dealership replaced it free of charge.  That free battery didn't even last a full nine years (it was about 3 months shy of that).  I've also only had to put on two sets of tires in that whole time.

 

Now, the cruise control hasn't worked in a few years, and I run on either 255 or 355 air conditioning depending on whether or not I open the back sliding window, but I still love my truck!!  I change the oil fairly regularly (I love that I don't have to jack it up - I just slide in underneath).

 

The truck has seen the Atlantic and the Pacific since I've owned it.  I've driven it in Florida, California, South Dakota, Texas, and all points in between.  It's made it on many a family vacation and nary a "are we there yet" was heard.  It's been to Las Vegas and travelled Hollywood Boulevard.   I even drove it in Downtown New York City where I made like a native and cut off a cab!!  If you ever get a chance to drive a full-size pickup truck in Manhattan, I suggest you pass on the opportunity - especially if you plan on parking.

 

Even at an avergae of $2.00 a gallon (I figure that's honestly about right over the last ten years), I've now paid more in gas for the truck than it cost me to buy (even including financing), but it's been worth it.

 

My original deal with my wife was that when the truck reached 200,000 miles, I had earned a Corvette, but she never went for that deal (although she did give in about the same time).  I guess now I'll have to start working on convincing her that when I get the truck to 300,000, it'll be time for me to get my second Corvette!

 

But I'll still LOVE MY TRUCK!!

 

Here's a couple of shots of the tight fit in the garage.  The truck only gets in the garage anymore to change the oil.  The Vette took it's old spot.  Need a bigger garage!!