Sumdumgi

I am a former 99 F350 dually four door 4x4 PSD owner, had 411s and positrac, auto tranny. I had a turbo chip installed and a larger exhaust and pillar gauges. I was very happy with it the whole time I owned it. I ordered it new and sold it at 35k miles. Never a problem. Towed a 40' Triple Slide 5th wheel quite a bit. Sold the trailer, and decided to part with my dream truck. Didnt need it anymore. My only complaint was the low gas milage and high cost of oil changes.

I have always heard great things about the CTD. Dependability, Gas milage great. I may have bought one in 99 but they didnt make the full size rear seat at the time. And I had heard that Dodge Chassis under load didnt hold up well. (Granted from Ford and Chevy owners)

I didnt even consider chevy due to the diesel rep they had.

Now I have a very nice 2002 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4 quad with the 360 and 32k miles. Its as bad on gas as the ford was on diesel. I like the truck just fine, workmanship is good, ride is good, looks are great. My problem with it is I am 6'3 250# and its to narrow for my body to be comfortable in on long rides. It is smooth though. I am in sales and cover OK & KS.

I love the new look Dodge. I am considering a 3/4ton quad 4x4 short bed with the standard CTD not the high perf model. I assume the stock CTD will pull anything I have, boat, small trailer, etc with out the hp model. Besides I can always add a chip etc to gain HP & Torque later. My questions follow, and thanks for any comments to a potential new CTD owner.
1. What is average milage that you can get out of the CTD?
2. Is a CTD pretty reliable up to 300k miles before major work needs to be done?
3. WIll this truck ride as smooth as Ford and Chevy?
4. I see in the post the Ford 6.0 has troubles, what about the Duramax and its tranny?
5. Is the HP CTD a waste of money since you can modify the standard?
6. What recommendations would you give me knowing that I hunt/fish and use this vehicle as a sales car?
7. I want the diesel due to longer life or higher milage plus in the CTD fuel milage, any thought?
8. If you could re-order your truck today, how would you equip it?
9. Are the new dodges having any problems?
10. What price can I expect to pay on this truck in an slt with or without leather?
Thanks to all who help.

My 03 HO

I happen to be about your size lol. I'm 6'3&quot; and around 260lbs. I have an '03 quad cab HO 6-spd. I happen to have a bad back and a comfortable ride is a must for me. Never once felt un-comfortable in this truck. IMO its like sitting on an easy chair while riding down the road. When unloaded though the backend will fell every bump in the road... something I have just learned to live with, that and its pretty common among most trucks.<br><br>As for your questions:<br><br>1. I have 3300 miles and so far average 19mpg unloaded.<br>2. Can't answer that one but so far no problems at all<br>3. Have rode in an Excursion and IMO it felt too bouncy (soft). I like the ride in this one better... personal prefference.<br>4. Not too sure but I have read a bunch about the troubles on the Ford 6.0L<br>5. For only about $600 extra for the HO (and optional 6-spd) its well worth it IMO.<br>6. no clue there Don't hunt, fish or sell things<br>7. ? <br>8. Maybe a dually since I like the way they look better. Also, IMO, the 6-spd is only for those that have to have a stick and need the extra gearing choices (heavy loads). I will only tow a light load once in a blue moon and kinda wish I had an auto. I also happen to do alot of city driving which of course requires A LOT of shifting <br>9. Nothing that I have experienced so far.<br>10. the MSRP on mine was about $35,000. I paid $27,100 after rebates and discounts. In Texas they are really trying to sell these trucks and you can find some VERY good deals on them <br><br>I'm new to the truck and diesel scene so take my opinions for what they are worth. I'm very happy with my truck and would not change my mind (brand wise) at all on my choice.