Faults:

A/C evaporator cracked at 100K; I was too cheap to ever get this fixed.

Typical crack in dash, but not as bad as most and has not fallen apart.

Cup holder broke at 100K; replaced it myself with one from a wreck.

Radiator replaced at 175K.

Speed sensor.

Starter.

Truck is on its third water pump.

Truck is on its third idler pulley.

Multiple wheel bearing replacements over the years, U-joints and everything in the front end have been replaced.

One rear door latch of the quad cab has not worked for years and the door will not open.

Small rear window water leak started about 150K miles, fixed with silicone every few years...

Hood latch can be tricky and needed adjustment.

Catalytic converter replaced at 100K miles.

Lost of rust, started getting really noticeable about 175K miles, the truck looks like crap now. Wheel wells, door bottoms, rear panel near exhaust are nearly gone.

Multiple patches, bands and tiger tape, bailing wire etc holds the exhaust together.

Gas tank straps rusted out and were replaced at 220K miles.

Power window motor driver's side at 220K miles.

Wiper motor at 240K miles.

General Comments:

I bought this truck brand new 17 years ago. This trucks has been with me for the last 17 years through thick and thin.

Most repairs have been expected wear items. Runs great with the original motor and transmission. I will keep it until it completely rusts out or the motor or trans give up.

I have a new 2016 Big Horn HEMI, but still use the 1999 for various "dirty" jobs such has hauling wood, trash, mulch, general trailer towing. I also still drive this truck in snow and slick roads, because I am too afraid of damaging my new truck.

Faults:

The EVS alarm System once was triggered by hooking the battery back up after working on the vehicle. We didn't have the remote for it, so it sat for a week until we figured out how to reset it.

The governor pressure solenoid in the transmission began acting up and causing the gears to slip and sometimes stay stuck in third gear. $150 later, it runs fine.

The clear coat has begun to start fading (typical Dodge problem), as well as a cracked dashboard (another Dodge problem).

General Comments:

Great and reliable vehicle to have.

For a 360 cubic inch V8, it has plenty of power (great for pulling out my neighbor's Ford).

Gas mileage, surprisingly, is about 15 MPG.

The truck rides comfortably and has never failed.

It has a few cosmetic issues, but typical for a sixteen year old truck. The body is rock-solid, but heavy. Not a lot of room in the back seats.

I would recommend buying a second generation Dodge Ram 1500.

Faults:

Speed sensor for ABS & engine, remote transmitter, paint on bedside.

General Comments:

I drive it like I stole it - and it has performed excellent. I love this truck.

Faults:

Water pump broke at 31000, then wore out at 235000.

Common rust spots found on these trucks at the bottom of the doors and tailgate.

The rear door latches on both sides have failed due to rust, and no longer open (around 200000).

Light driver's seat wear.

Dashboard is solid plastic piece, and has worn and cracked all the way through. Easy replacement.

Fuel pump wore out at 239000.

Catalytic converter at 140000. Covered by Chrysler recall.

Crankshaft sensor at about 220000.

Air conditioner compressor at 150000.

Rear differential has been going bad for like 100000 miles, but still works fine (leaks a lot, loud constant hum).

There were other normal wear and tear items, but the parts are readily available and cheap.

General Comments:

The Magnum 318 is very reliable and an adequate performer. Biggest drawback would be the MPG by modern V8 standards. No major leaks or gasket failures.

It's fitted with 3.55 gearing (for fuel economy! 15 MPG mixed). The transmission is computer tuned by Dodge to upshift quickly, and only shift out of overdrive once the accelerator is depressed down 75%. So you must learn to manipulate the shifter manually in certain situations to avoid frustration, as the tranny will act confused and hunt for the right gear, or hang between a third to second downshift for as much as three seconds (an eternity in passing, and frustrating on hills).

Typical steering wander for the year can be aided with after market parts.

The truck is a workhorse, and I've grown very found of its reliability. Always starts, and is great for hauling anything, just like a truck should be.