Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

My dad lives in Grass Valley, CA. He's looking to make a move to the Dodge camp from a die hard Chevy man for the last 18 years. (He really likes the Cummins Diesel)

What is your best advise for me to give him. Any good dealers to go with? He'll travel anywhere up to 200mi. I'm just not sure what advise to give his as I'm more a hot-rod GM guy, not a truck guy.

His want list includes most bells & whistles, doesn't seem to care at this point for auto vs man tranny, wants the 2500 4x4 Quad-cab, and LARAMIE package.

Any suggestions about the 4.10s vs. 3.73s? Significant pros/cons on tranny type?

I get about 42K on the Dodge website. What should I arm him with going in?

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Go to kbb.com , build your exact truck. Find the invoice price out, tell your dad to not pay a dollar over invoice. Most of us that have called around, have paid invoice minus incentives.

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Any significant advances between 2003 & 2004?

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Just a stab in the dark.

The 2004's come with the differentials filled.
The 2004's come with the right alternator bracket.
The 2004's will be the first full production year with the 48RE tranny.
(instead of the first few thousand coming with the 47RE)
Any little problems with the 2003's (that we didn't hear about) will hopefully be fixed.

Other than that, the 2004's are just 2003's a year later.

Now the 2002's, the last "real Diesels" from Dodge are another story altogether. ;)


phox

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

[quote author=phox_mulder link=board=17;threadid=18834;start=0#msg176698 date=1061868963]

Now the 2002's, the last "real Diesels" from Dodge are another story altogether. ;)[/quote]

Well, I with a decent argument, I'm sure I could convince him to get a used truck. What's the scoop on the 2002s? Slightly modded would be good I assume as long as warrantee is still in tact.

-Keith

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Tell to go with the 03/04 Ram. It's much more refined ;D ;D.
Depending on what his intensions are he may want to go with the 3500, if he wants to haul a major load. Most difinetaly(spelling) go with the HO iether auto or manual.
Tell him to go for broke but make sure its a 03/04. ;) ;)

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

[quote author=SuperGewl link=board=17;threadid=18834;start=0#msg176731 date=1061882822]Most difinetaly(spelling) go with the HO iether auto or manual.
Tell him to go for broke but make sure its a 03/04. ;) ;)
[/quote]

He tells me the HO is not available in CA. Any truth to this?

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

That is true for the 03. Maybe they will fix that for the 04.

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Other changes to 04 include trim changes. Headrests for the rear seats, and supposed elimination of the fake laramie woodgrain are among the few changes. I'm hoping the small probs of 03's are fixed as well. As for the 02 being the last 'real diesel'. Well, maybe it's the last REAL LOUD diesel, but the new ones will burn up the #2 as well ;)

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

Yes, the HO engine is not available in California at this time because it does not meet the California emissions regs, which themselves are more stringent than the federal EPA regs. This applies to the 2003 model year, AND the 2004 trucks being built right now. Starting January 2004, the Federal EPA regs will change dramatically and will match the California emissions regs. That means no HO's anywhere OR (more likely) they put in the EGR engines that have been used in school busses and motorhomes since October 2002.

the fake woodgain trip in the Laramie has been replaced by "silver door and I/P bezels" thats per information in the Dealers book.

The body color side moldings on the laramie have been replaced with chrome ones

The body color/chrome grill surround w/ honeycomb insert on the laramie has been replaced with chrome grill surround and chrome billet insert.

tow hooks are no longer standard on the laramie and are part of another option group.

Re:Dad's about to buy new DodgeRam Diesel
 

[quote author=TruckNooB link=board=17;threadid=18834;start=0#msg176702 date=1061869493]
[quote author=phox_mulder link=board=17;threadid=18834;start=0#msg176698 date=1061868963]

Now the 2002's, the last "real Diesels" from Dodge are another story altogether. ;)[/quote]

Well, I with a decent argument, I'm sure I could convince him to get a used truck. What's the scoop on the 2002s? Slightly modded would be good I assume as long as warrantee is still in tact.

-Keith
[/quote]

I was just saying that 'cause that's what I have.

Benefits of getting a used one would be:

More aftermarket goodies available (body style has been around a while).
More BOMB goodies available.
Already broken in (if not broken [eyecrazy] )
You get the 2nd generation body, instead of the "piggy nosed" 3rd gen. ;)
Less money out the door.
Since it is used, you can get a HO in California.


phox