We’re often told that we should never judge a book by its cover, and doing so with this 1993 Dodge Ram D150 could be a mistake. There is no denying that it is rough around the edges, and it would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh. However, it has only clocked 29,000 miles, meaning that it should offer someone years of reliable service. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ram listed here on Craigslist in Richland, Washington. The seller set their price at $15,000 OBO, indicating that they may consider trades.
The accumulated bumps and bruises gracing the panels of this 1993 Dodge Pickup demonstrate that it has worked to earn its living. It saw years of service at a Washington jail, which may account for why it has only clocked 29,000 miles in thirty-two years. The Bright White paint shows some age, but hasn’t succumbed to peeling or other problems. There is no evidence of rust, and when we combine those factors, a cosmetic restoration should be pretty straightforward. The seller recently replaced the door and window seals, swapping in LED headlights for improved nighttime visibility. The functioning Tommy Gate liftgate adds to this classic’s versatility. The trim is in better condition than the panels, and the glass is clear.
Powering this Dodge is the company’s 3.9-liter “Magnum” V6. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 180hp and 220 ft/lbs, which feed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with a floor shifter. The power and torque figures are quite respectable for a Pickup with a V6 under the hood, while the transmission should make it a surprisingly effective weapon on the open road. Vehicles that serve at correctional facilities are typically maintained to a high standard to ensure reliability. That is the first positive point to consider. The second is that the seller is adamant that the odometer reading of 29,000 miles is accurate. Hopefully, there are Service Records or other documentation that will confirm the figure. However, the final positive point is that the mileage will climb because the seller is utilizing the Pickup as a daily driver. That makes it a promising prospect for anyone seeking a turnkey vehicle of this type.
Considering the exterior imperfections, I expected to find this Dodge’s interior quite frayed and tired. It is unclear what hides below the seat’s slipcover, but the dash and door trims are in decent condition for their age. How much it would cost to whip the interior into shape would depend on the state of the existing seatcover. If it is ripped or split, the buyer faces splashing out around $470 on a replacement in vinyl. The rubber mats require a good scrub, although new carpet would add approximately $220 to the tally, and those two purchases alone would make an enormous difference to the appearance. The seller replaced the original insulation with sound deadener, and the interior features its functional original radio and speakers.
While it sports the dings and dents that testify to the fact that this former jail Pickup has done its own share of hard labor, the fact that this 1993 Dodge Ram D150 has only 29,000 miles on the clock and currently functions as a daily driver should allow the buyer to immediately slip behind the wheel to enjoy all that it offers. Its lack of apparent rust should allow someone with DIY leanings to recapture its youthful good looks without spending a fortune. Is that a task that you would embrace, or would you preserve this Pickup as a genuine survivor?
This is just a great old truck to have. 5 speed can help you keep up on the highway. It would be perfect for Home Depot runs on the weekends. I don’t know what I would do to it. Theres either a mint condition seat under that cover……… Or……. Not so much. I wouldn’t be against redoing the bench seat and any other needs it has. Bit I wouldn’t go nuts with it. Its a base model 6 cyl stick shift work truck. But I like it…. Hubcaps and all.
Those power tailgates can really be great back-savers bigtime. 5sp really is a bonus. Nice little unit ready to work👍
Great simple truck to do whatever you want and I agree the liftgate is a plus!
I wish the car and truck manufacturers would finally realize if they stopped putting so much electronics in there trucks and offered a simple work truck like this without 4 wheel drive at a reasonable price they would probably sell a bunch of them.
Seller has dropped the price to $10,000. It would be nice to know if there is more than a picture of the speedometer to verify mileage.
Steve R
I can believe the miles. Mine is not as low but still somewhat low. Especially for its age. Mine is a recently retired Department of Correction 1994 F150 with a 302 and automatic and functional air conditioning. 71k miles. It does look like it would have 271k miles but there’s proof the miles are original. Cosmetically they didn’t care but maintenance was regular. They had 3 for sale and mine was the highest miles one at 71k
I can believe the miles. Mine is not as low but still somewhat low. Especially for its age. Mine is a recently retired Department of Correction 1994 F150 with a 302 and automatic and functional air conditioning. 71k miles. It does look like it would have 271k miles but there’s proof the miles are original. Cosmetically they didn’t care but maintenance was regular. They had 3 for sale and mine was the highest miles one at 71k
As of 9/5/2025 the seller has lowered the price to $8,000. At this rate, it won’t be long until the price is realistic.
Steve R
Here’s the perfect truck for most needs. Add your choice of motivation and drive. The V6 is no barn burner but plenty for a 2wd 150. If the carpet came with the cab then there’s cloth under that cover. I believe it was called a work special. That tailgate lightens the load and adds some weight back there for winter driving.
I found a short bed version of this truck a couple years ago for $7,500 and made an offer, but I was kind of relieved he didn’t accept it since it did not have AC. The V6 and 5 speed made for a nice driving experience, although it was so loud in the cab that conversations would have been difficult.
This reminds me of the trucks that run around manufacturing plants or other large industrial complexes. They don’t rack up many miles but engine hours are very high. I would want to have a complete ownership history prior to coughing up big money thinking this is some low mile, slightly used gem.
A basic plain Jane with the v6. Somebody’s small business or it was a gov’t surplus sale.