I am considering buying a new 2500 diesel automatic 4x4 from Steve White motors in North Carolina and I live California. If I fly out and drive it home (2600 miles) would there by any problems breaking it in this way?

Thanks,
LB

 

You'll need to vary your speed for the first 500 miles I think, so you should not use the cruise control. Check the owners manual though, its been a while since I read about this. Also, do not let it idle very long when it is new because that is not good for the break-in either. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

Just drive differant speeds for first 500 miles.Engine and DIFFERANTIALS both need this and have a fun trip!

 

Drive it home and have a blast. Sounds like fun!

Are they certified in CA? Wouldn't want you to have to do any tap dancing at the DMV because of your shiny new truck.....

 

I'm pretty sure that all the new trucks are 50 state legal. The old mileage restrictions for bringing trucks into Kalifornia were the minimums to bring in a truck that did not meet Kalifornia emissions standards. As I recall you had to have 7,500 miles (or thereabouts) and they also used to ding you with a $ 300.00 fee (read that penalty or fine). Shouldn't have a problem, but they will hit you with sales tax. I used to live there and brought in several trucks from Nevada. I was finally granted political asylum in Nevada.

I would expect that your truck would love a nice long ride over varied terrain for its first few miles.

 

After 500 miles roll around, buy yourself a new trailer to finish the break-in process!
Greg

 

If you want the engine sticker which is examined by the DMV for CARB approval I believe this can only be purchased (ordered) in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.

I purchased in Nevada and when I registered it in Placerville, they did come out and look under the hood for the CARB approval on the engine sticker.

When I ordered, it had to be ordered specifially with a California sticker. What the difference is I have not be able to determine.

jr

 

Did you get a quote from Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg, ID? They are the biggest Dodge dealer in the world, and they beat everyone on prices. PM Biglar-He lives in Palm Springs, CA. He would know about the licensing.
He ended up buying his there after he looked around (I told him about it).It is also closer to you than North Carolina.

Mike

 

I got a quote for Dave Smith but found a better price from Charlie Gillies at Carson Dodge in Carson City, Nevada and only 75 miles from home.

jr

 

Wow. You can't beat 75 miles.

Mike

 

Are you doing this because you're getting a sweet deal? There are dealers closer to you, like DTR member Tomeygun in St. Louis that sell for 3% under invoice. You might be better off, $$ wise, going there or to Smith in ID.

 

True, but you have to specify this when you order one since there still are two different versions. I'd REALLY check into this!

Good Luck with your truck and enjoy the trip! I always wanted to drive cross country!!!

 

They like everyone to think this, but they weren't able to come close on either of the two trucks I've bought. Add to that the airfare and time to go get it and they were basically MSRP, compared to the invoice +$200 on my 98.5 and invoice - $1000 - rebates - military on my 03. Both from local dealers. DS was pretty much invoice +$500 in 98 and maybe invoice, though I think + something, last summer.

Dave Smith is the biggest, most likely, but you won't get your service there and you can more than likely get the same OR BETTER price elsewhere.

Just my observations.

 

That could be now. However, they were the lowest price on my truck.

Mike

 

Wow, Thanks for the replies. I haven’t tried Dave Smith Motors but I will give them a call. That could work for me because I can integrate it into a vacation back home to Billings Montana. Steve White's price is invoice less rebate less 1/2 holdback. That’s way better than the fleet managers I spoke with will do around here. I will also check Charlie Gillis in Carson City. I am a little concerned about the 600’s mileage after reading the posts here so I may look for a 555.

Thanks,
LB