OK, so the dealer's prices are probably BS and I should expect to have to fight them when the time to take delivery comes. Once I have it, I will probably leave it completely stock, but if there is one thing that would be good to add, no BS, what would it be? Cool air intake? Aftermarket air filter? Synthetic lubes? Fuel additive? Fueling/duration/pressure box? Straight pipe? 51" Nelson muffler? (I would do it, too! If it would help.)

But seriously, I'm going to do the break-in just as specified by Cummins. After that, I will be looking for the best possible mileage and the longest possible life from the motor. Now that I have a BS detector, (thanks Shovelhead) I'm ready to hear some good suggestions.

 

If you want to check dealer pricing BS, goto www.carsdirect.com punch in your truck with your preferred options and check out the price. If the dealer is close your doing good, if he is way off let him know that your only willing to put one of his kids through college not all of them.

Also if you have the time visit www.citizen.org, they have an article that highlghts shenanigans that some dealers pull to extract every dime out of your pocket all the while leaving a nice smile on your face. Good reading!

_97 2500 CTD 4x4 CC LB 252K mi
04.5 HO 600 on its way!

 

this is the new "HEMI DIESEL".......

 

The oil companies are not gouging people on the west coast!

 

 

The turbo is not optional. But on an 04, the cord for the block heater is. Geez!!!

Decide what you really want and avoid all the fluff. Options put money in the delears pocket and provide you zero return on trade in. Only to put money back in the dealers pocket when he re-sells it.

Try and buy one off the lot. Drive it 20 or 30 miles. Check for the dreaded vibration and any other problems you read about here. If it vibrates try another. Most don't. But if you get a vibrator, then you get to play find the dummy with the service dept.

And, the number one thing to remember is. The dealer ALWAYS makes money. No matter how great a deal you got, they still make thousands on every truck. Those that think otherwise must believe the tooth fairy pays for those elaborate dealerships.

The dealer always wins.

 

Thanks mymaur,

Here in TX I'm not sure how often I'll need the block heater. I hope I won't need it, and I didn't order one, so I either won't get one or it's standard equipment.

I think the key is to go as high up the totem pole as possible to get your deal. I got the name of the GM and called him directly. I said I wanted a truck (like his ) and could he match my best deal of $450 off invoice plus rebates. He thought for a minute and said yes he could do that and took my name down to pass along that deal when I came in. So far so good.

I had to order mine (because I'm so &@#% PICKY! ) and I think I'll get it in June or July at this rate. Last of the 04.5s. I'm (hopefully) getting a 04.5 QC SRW LWB 6spd 3500 SLT white w/ the sport appearance group, anti-spin, alloy wheels, tow package, light group, security group, leather steering wheel, electric seat, tow hooks, the hood shield and the flat load floor for a few dollars under 31K before taxes etc. I'm not complaining. I saw a dually rigged out excatly like mine and it is AWESOME looking! I gotta have it!

Now I'm only worried about the mileage issues with the 600 and what I can do to get the best possible MPG. This truck will spend 1/2 its life towing ~ 7K lbs box trailer. I need to get 12 to 16 MPG towing in order to justify the purchase. I'm looking for the best mileage advice I can get.

 

Only mileage advice I can give is con't get the 4:10 axle and try and keep your foot out of it. From what I am readign the late 04.5's are getting better mileage. Who knows. I know with my 03 you could absolutely get 12 mpg or better towing that trailer.

Good luck.