65pacecar

I am in the market for a new Cummins, looking at either a 2500 or 3500 probably a six speed but may consider an automatic. How do the 2006 trucks compare to the older trucks? Do they seem to be good trucks or are they having alot of issues with them? Anything to look for or avoid. Thanks for any input.

stock03

I test drove an auto two days ago. Engine seemed louder than my 03, but it hauled A$$. $43,000.00 for a crew cab SLT 4x4---This dealership is proud of their trucks.

kev94mx

Mine seems to be louder than my 05. I got a auto in my 06. Its a adjustment going to a auto but its growing on me.

mic646

For months I contemplated on trading my 02 for a new one. The bug got so bad that I finally did it Saturday. Can’t really compare the 02 to the 06 as they are different in so many ways. The 06 is quieter, turns sharper, ride is softer, seems to have more power (02 6 speed, 06 auto) and more room in the back seats. The real test will be when I tow our RV for the 1st time.

I kind of miss my old truck, but I am sure I will be just as happy with this one after I put some miles on it. No regrets so far.

65pacecar

Thanks for the replies, I am looking at a few different trucks right now. Anyone heard if Dodge is planning to expand their incentives any on the 06's

Turbobob

I went from a 2000 6 speed to an 06 auto. So far, so good. As far as I know, the last of the employee pricing ended Aug 31st. I was told be the salesperson I bought mine from that they may do an end of year clearance, but that would be at invoice. The employee deal was below that.

boostjunkie1

I would have to say that with the new emissions crap that will be coming out on the newer Diesels that they are not going to be offering any incentives on the 06 2500 and 3500 Trucks. I know that my dealer after hearing that there are allot of people that are buying 06 and early 07's to beat the emissions junk are holding steady on there prices after the EPP Discounts went away. Buy an 06 or 07 and make the dealer show you Invoice and work from there!!!! Good Luck! Oh and the 6spd is great!!!!! Drive Both and decide! I had major Problems with my 06 auto, I then traded for the 6spd! Loving every minute of it!

bluebull

I have had 3 Dodge cummins trucks (see signature) and all I can say is this 06 is the best one so far.

65pacecar

and I am still looking at 2500 and 3500 trucks. Here is what I am planning to do with it. The truck will be a semi daily driver sharing duties with my Neon. I will also be towing an enclosed car trailer probably several times a year, and maybe more if my part time restoration business keeps growing. I am looking at either a 2500 or 3500, and both automatic and 6 speed trucks. Most of the miles will be put on without a trailer in tow, and mainly country road driving with limited city driving. Any advice/suggestions. I plan to keep this truck till it drops, so I am trying to make sure I get what I really need/want.

Thanks.

Dieselhed

The 2500 will do anything you need to do. Not to mention that dealer lots are full of them. 0% interest for 60 months and no payments till March. I have never seen this good of incentives on the HD line of Dodge trucks. To be honest with you though they are still not flying of the lots in the midwest. I would hold out a little longer as I think the offers will get little sweeter. Most dealers are jam packed with these trucks and I look for DC to "do what they have to do" to get rid of them. To bad I'm in love with my '04.5 or I'd be looking at another one.

65pacecar

Thanks for the reply. How about the auto vs. 6 speed part with what I will be doing with the truck? WIll one be as good as the other. I am still kind of hoping for a little more incentives, there are a ton of 2500's left around her (or should I say 3/4 of a ton of them)

TexasCTD

You will be fine with either the G56 6speed manual or the 48RE Automatic. Both are excellent transmissions. If your preference is the auto, don't be hesitant to get it.

There are always a few guys who have had problems with either one. My 48RE shifts great and is a much stronger unit than the Dodge auto trannies of long ago.

One thing to keep in mind.........is the G56 is geared very low. In my opinion, to low. The rpms at highway speed are alot higher than a 48RE with the same 3.73 gears. Generally speaking, the fuel mileage will be better with the 48RE than with a G56 equipped truck.

If you enjoy shifting though...the G56 is about as smooth as they come in a 3/4 ton or bigger truck.

One last thought.......if you can get a Single Rear Wheel 3500 instead of a 2500, do it. Same truck. Same axle. Same spring pack, but has 2 additional overloads. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the truck is 9900 instead of 9000 on a 2500. They are only about 4-500 dollars more and maybe not even that much. That extra 900lbs of GVWR is important because you can't change that even by adding air bags etc., if you want to stay within the manufacturers ratings while pulling heavy.

Good luck in your hunt for your TRUCK!

HOV

Seconded!10!