I have a 2002 F-250 4x4 shortbed 7.3 diesel its a good truck but im stuck with the infamous "cackle and idle knock" that the dealer says is normal in some trucks. Im thinking this is crazy, but what can you expect from a dealer that is trying to save money because of the 6.0. Anyway I found a left over 2005 Dodge ST Quadcab 2500 5.9, 6-speed manual 4x4 shortbed for $32,500 drive off the lot. Does this sound like a good price, I know I cant touch a Ford for that price. Im just trying to make up my mind, dont want to jump into something I will regret later. Thanks for any replys.

 

sounds like decent deal to me that you wont regret

 

I have pretty much that exact truck.... 2005 ST QC 4x4 6spd SWB. I paid $31,380 back in April. The options mine has are cloth seats, CD player, tow mirrors, cruise, "bright" grill w/ deflector, 4.10s w/ LSD, and snow-plow prep group. All manual stuff (windows, mirrors, locks) and vinyl floor.

Of course that wasn't including tax, because I had to pay that in another state (bought in PA, live in VA)

 

Right now, you should be able to drive an 05 off the lot for 10-11k below sticker. Last month they had 4k in rebates. I'm not sure what they have for rebates right now. I bought an 04.5 SLT in November 2004. It stickered for 39.5k. Got 10k off and drove it home.

D a KBB lookup on your truck. Even though it's new to you, It's value has depreciated because the 06's are out. That will give you an idea of trade-in value, new party value. I used these numbers when I bought my 04.5 to bargain with the dealer. I told them that when I leave here today, this is what it's worth to me.

I'm guessing you could get that truck for under 30k. It's not worth as much at retail now as it was in April (4x4not paid 31,380- not trying to offend, just using the numbers given)

Hope that helps.

 

Dunno if you'd want to touch a 6.0PSD for any price.
ST is the basic configuration. SLT is next step up. Might be one reason it is still on the lot. What mileage on your 7.3? You will get top money for it if you sell it. Is it a 6spd? I know someone interested in it.

 

Ford to Dodge: You will likely find a HP differance. I own an 03 Dodge Diesel 245 hp w/Edge EZ that takes it to 305 hp. That (305 hp) was put in the High Output 03's. But you will love the MPG. If you want more HP, put a chip on it. You will still love the MPG. Javahjoeo from Kokomo

 

Sounds high for a stipper model.You should be able to by a 06 Slt model,(full power) for around 31-32000 if you shop around.

 

The Ford will bring top dollar. I sold my 03 7.3 PSD last year, and bought a gasser (MISTAKE!!!!) sold it and bought my first CTD (see sig) I have had it now for almost a month, and seem s like a real nice truck. The Dodge will have less room (back seat area) rides rougher, steering is lighter feeling in the Dodge, better fuel economy in the Dodge, power seems to be equal in the "seat of the pants" meter, even though I am comparing apples to oranges (Ford auto-Dodge 6 speed, Ford 4.10's Dodge 3.73's) so down low the Ford really hauled A** and on the top end @60+ Dodge wakes up and starts moving out, even though it seems to take awhile to get there. All in all, I am real happy with the truck, even though I would NOT have sold my PSD just to buy a CTD. I sold my PSD thinking a gasser was all I needed, nope. So, when looking at used trucks, I could get more for my money on a Dodge becasue of the better resale value on the Ford. Both seem to be real good trucks. If you are wanting a NEW truck, then yes, becasue of the 6.0, I would not even look in the Ford direction, buy the CTD. IF you are wanting to sell your PSD just to buy a CTD, I would think you would be better off keeping the Ford.

 

If I had to buy a new truck tomorrow, it would be a Dodge. And I drive a Ford.

The Cummins is an outstanding engine. I went from a 7.3 to a 3rd gen Cummins and the difference is night and day.

 

I purchased my 05 CTD DRW 4x2 Laramie for 35,000 out the door brand new in June. To me that sounds a little high for the ST model. I think that the dealer could do a little better than that.

 

This might help you a little, since it's so recent...I just bought a new '06 2500 2wd 6 spd SLT quadcab one week ago today. I paid $31,000 out the door including tax. Yes, it's a 2wd, but it's also an SLT and an '06. I would pass on the deal you mention-try to get it for less.

 

I went from an 03 F-250 Crew to an 04 2500 Quad. I like the Ram, don't like all the stupid little problems with it that I never had with my Ford, but it's got alot of nice little goodies the Ford didn't have either. I do miss the space in the crew cab, but the Ram's a hell of alot easier to park!

 

I'll be that your '02 Ford is just about paid for by now. Personally, I would keep it and try to solve your knock and cackle. There are only a few things it could be. I know the HEUI pump and injectors don't come cheap, but why spend $30+K when you can drop a few $K000 and stay away from a monthly payment? Unless of course you can pay cash for the difference. Then I would lose the PowerJoke and get yourself a real diesel.

The 7.3L PowerJoke is a great engine. My dad has a 100% stock '97 and besides one E4OD rebuild and a HEUI pump with injectors he has 325+K on it. Still rides solid and looks fantastic (OR summers, AZ winters).

 

Thanks for all the feed back, I think I will pass on it for now. The salesman offered me $18000 for my Ford, I thought that was way low,and he wouldnt come off the price of the Dodge, so I told him not today. I'll probably just install me some aftermarket injectors, and go another 100,000 miles.
Thanks again for all the replies.

 

Yeah that's high....A buddy of mine bought his wife a 05 slt big horn for 29900 out the door back in november sticker was 40k. You need to shop around a little more, or have them take more off the truckif it's the one you want.....