Considering Buying a New Dodge
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SE MI
The GM and Ford trannies aren't all their cracked up to be. I know 2 guys with the Ford 6.0's, both in buy back mode, to many problems to list, including trannies.
Go with the Dodge, 3500. The money you save over the Ford and GM stuff, you can install a complete after market tranny. And you will still have a chunk of change left over for more accessories. Those GM and Fords cost so much more because of all of the warranty costs to the manufacturer associated with these particular vehicles.
Heck, my Dodge was $20,000 less then the comparable 03 Ford SD! And $24,000.00 less then the GM! That's allot of money!
My 03 Dodge $28,000 + tax, title and extended warranty (stickered at $43,000, good rebates!)
03 Ford $48,000 (negotiated $4,000 off sticker of $52,000)
04 Chevy $52,000 (no one would talk to me at dealer, sticker price shown)
Look for the JD Powers post from yesterday, that tells the whole story on these diesel pick ups.
Mike
Go with the Dodge, 3500. The money you save over the Ford and GM stuff, you can install a complete after market tranny. And you will still have a chunk of change left over for more accessories. Those GM and Fords cost so much more because of all of the warranty costs to the manufacturer associated with these particular vehicles.
Heck, my Dodge was $20,000 less then the comparable 03 Ford SD! And $24,000.00 less then the GM! That's allot of money!
My 03 Dodge $28,000 + tax, title and extended warranty (stickered at $43,000, good rebates!)
03 Ford $48,000 (negotiated $4,000 off sticker of $52,000)
04 Chevy $52,000 (no one would talk to me at dealer, sticker price shown)
Look for the JD Powers post from yesterday, that tells the whole story on these diesel pick ups.
Mike
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 934
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From: Alabama
Yeah, I think you REALLY don't want to just mindlessly flock to the the chevy because it has the allison transmission. Read the chevy forums now, or maybe buy one and then read them. At that point, it will be an unpleasant surprise, instead of useful information.
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From: Ila georgia
The surveys are a few years back but the ALLISION had the HIGHEST amount of warranty claims of the big three.the Torqueshift is barelya FIVE SPEED.It splits 1st and 2nd gear cause the 6.0 has no low end power.The 48re has not had many complaints or problems.I'd rather save THOUSANDS over the price of a Duramax and modify the 48re or have to put up with the repair/failure record of the 6.0. Two friends of mine wanted DuraMaxes bad until they started dealing on price.They read some of the Dieselstop.com on Fords and ran from them.The same type Duramax equiped truck was 5 to 6k more the a Dodge.
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Ditto almost everything already mentioned. Laramie pkg - My wife wanted it, I did not, wanted to save a few bucks......Boy am I glad we got it, you will love it and the heated seats are a must.
Go for the 3500, when ordering, it costs only about $300.00 - $400.00 more and the ride is as smooth as a 2500.
My 5th wheel currently weighs in around 9k unloaded, so I will be in the range of about 11k loaded, my 3500 is rated to tow over 14k.
3.73 vs 4.10 - we could debate this one all day, I opted for the 3.73 for better fuel economy, because we don't tow that much right now, maybe four 600 mile trips per year, also - I like to tow OUT of OD, which will raise my rpm's to keep the tranny cooler and provide more lubrication, with the 4.10's I would probably have to tow in OD due to high RPM's I would have if out of OD. Towing in OD is not the best for your AT. So - the 48RE w/3.73 works fine go ME.
If you tow alot and do not live in a traffic congested nightmare of a city, you may want to consider the 6 spd, but the auto is very nice.
The 48RE vs the ford & chev....I would take the 48RE over both of them. The others have had their share of problems and the 48RE has had very few problems....UNLESS you turn up the power.
Go for the 3500, when ordering, it costs only about $300.00 - $400.00 more and the ride is as smooth as a 2500.
My 5th wheel currently weighs in around 9k unloaded, so I will be in the range of about 11k loaded, my 3500 is rated to tow over 14k.
3.73 vs 4.10 - we could debate this one all day, I opted for the 3.73 for better fuel economy, because we don't tow that much right now, maybe four 600 mile trips per year, also - I like to tow OUT of OD, which will raise my rpm's to keep the tranny cooler and provide more lubrication, with the 4.10's I would probably have to tow in OD due to high RPM's I would have if out of OD. Towing in OD is not the best for your AT. So - the 48RE w/3.73 works fine go ME.
If you tow alot and do not live in a traffic congested nightmare of a city, you may want to consider the 6 spd, but the auto is very nice.
The 48RE vs the ford & chev....I would take the 48RE over both of them. The others have had their share of problems and the 48RE has had very few problems....UNLESS you turn up the power.
It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,256
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From: Central Mexico.
My preference is the 6 speed. OK, it can be a bit of a pain at times in stop and go traffic, but that is a very minor pain. I often drive my 6 speed in one of the worlds largest cities and the stop and go traffic is murder no matter what tranni you have. When the traffic is just creeping along I use first gear. It is easy to slip it into neutral when the traffic is stopped to rest your left foot. After years of driving both slush box and manual tranni's on long trips and in large cities, I still say go for the manual. I don't get tired of shifting.
Thread Starter
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I appreciate all of your thoughtful comments. Your comments very helpful in persuading me to buy a Dodge. Now that I have made the decision to buy, I am having trouble finding the model that I (ie, 3500 Laramie, 4x4, srw, lwb). If I order one, I am told it will take 10 to 13 weeks before it is delivered. Consequently, I do not know what the incentives will be at that time, which could have a big impact on the purchase price. Also, I will have to negotiate the price of my trade-in after the arrival of the new truck. In addition, the dealers I am talking to are willing to provide normal discounts (10-12%) but I thought perhaps better discounts might be available based on comments I have read on this web sight and because I know the auto industry is experiencing some softness in sales. Any comments on how to get the truck I want delivered quicker and how to get the best price would be much appreciated. Thanks again for all your help.
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Where are you located? If your in the Northwest, there are several dealers that will sell at invoice or less on in-stock and ordered vehicles. Ordered mine mid August, took delivery around the 3rd week in September. Dealer should be able to provide a timeline.
What I like about ordering, is that you equip the truck EXACTLEY like YOU want it. Good luck!
What I like about ordering, is that you equip the truck EXACTLEY like YOU want it. Good luck!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 270
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From: SE MI
Burlhall,
Where do you live?
Also, I would get on the internet and start looking. Most dealers have internet sales depts. that sell on-line. I don't know about the pay services, but I would avoid. Also check e-bay, lots of new CTD's there from dealers at some good prices. And don't forget about the dealer trades, if you find one elsewhere. They trade vehicles all the time, but some dealers are goofy about doing it. You have to do the leg work to find the truck, most of these dealers will check the daimler inventory for your region, but rarely is that correct. I wanted to see a new 300M, my dealer said there were none in town according to their computer. Boy were they wrong, I found about 10 of them in a 30 mile radius via the internet.
Also, maybe someone here has an extra Daimler discount pin# for you. Chrysler employees usually can help out in situations like this. I think they have a friends and family deal, someone correct me if I am wrong or can help. There should be some good incentives comming, sales are slow during the comming holidays.
Mike
Where do you live?
Also, I would get on the internet and start looking. Most dealers have internet sales depts. that sell on-line. I don't know about the pay services, but I would avoid. Also check e-bay, lots of new CTD's there from dealers at some good prices. And don't forget about the dealer trades, if you find one elsewhere. They trade vehicles all the time, but some dealers are goofy about doing it. You have to do the leg work to find the truck, most of these dealers will check the daimler inventory for your region, but rarely is that correct. I wanted to see a new 300M, my dealer said there were none in town according to their computer. Boy were they wrong, I found about 10 of them in a 30 mile radius via the internet.
Also, maybe someone here has an extra Daimler discount pin# for you. Chrysler employees usually can help out in situations like this. I think they have a friends and family deal, someone correct me if I am wrong or can help. There should be some good incentives comming, sales are slow during the comming holidays.
Mike
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 335
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From: London, OH
Burlhall,
You should be able to get in the neighborhood of $8000 off sticker.
We were roaming the lot of Arena Dodge in Dayton, OH and the sales guy came out to us and the first thing he said was "Great deals on these trucks now - $8000 off sticker... and they'll be even cheaper next month (November)"
That was before we ever negotiated a dime with the guy.
Yesterday I called Christopher Dodge in Colorado and the guy on the phone quoted me $10,000 off sticker.
Both of those are a lot more than 10-12%
You should be able to get in the neighborhood of $8000 off sticker.
We were roaming the lot of Arena Dodge in Dayton, OH and the sales guy came out to us and the first thing he said was "Great deals on these trucks now - $8000 off sticker... and they'll be even cheaper next month (November)"
That was before we ever negotiated a dime with the guy.
Yesterday I called Christopher Dodge in Colorado and the guy on the phone quoted me $10,000 off sticker.
Both of those are a lot more than 10-12%
Thread Starter
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Sorry, I forgot to tell you my location. I was looking in the southern Indiana region (Indianapolis and south). However, I would be willing to go into neighboring states if I could get a good deal.
It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 207
From: Central Mexico.
Call Sydna at 1-888-891-JEEP and tell her that Stan sent you. It is a little way away from you but they may be able to not only find what you want, but also give you a deal to justify the trip. PM me if you want more info.
Thread Starter
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I can't thank you folks enough for all of the excellent responses that you gave to my questions. It really did help me in making a decision. I am now the proud owner of a 2005 Dodge truck. I have had it now for about 5 days and have been busy preparing it to pull our 5th wheel camper. I owned 3 Ford diesels prior to buying the Dodge and it was a little difficult to make the decision to switch brands. However, so far, I like the way the truck handles, the convenience accessories, and I especially like the Cummins. The engine is very torquie, and I love to hear the exhaust rumble. Ah, music to the ears! Anyway, thanks again and happy motoring.
Thread Starter
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The local dealer gave me a good deal. Approximately 17% off sticker including DC incentives. I also got the Kelly Blue Book "Excellent Condition" value for my trade-in (it was in excellent condition but most dealers don't want to give you that value). Over all, I think I came out alright on the trade.