I have an 03 HO 4x4 SLT SB with 17k miles in great shape. I like what I am reading on the new 600 engine. I am well satisfied with my current truck but would like to get a 600 with the 6spd and the exhaust brake. Had the 6 spd in an 01 dually and liked it. Nothing wrong with the 48re just like the stick a little better with the big flat tq band of these engines. The sticker on my truck was 40500.00 and I just finished configuring an 04.5 on DC's website and the sticker was almost exactly the same. Just was curious as to what you guys would consider fair as far as the $ difference in a trade between the two. Thanks in advance.

 

Not that it's fair but you will probably only get around $29,000.00 for your truck.
Make sure you really want the new one...

 

I would say that's a good guess as well.

 

I'd like to upgrade my '01.5 2500 for an '04 600 Dually, but YIKES!

They won't give me squat for the trade in, and the best price I can work out will cost me around $12K

PLUS, not ONE of my aftermarket accessories, body OR engine, will transfer over to the '04

So, as much as I need/want a new dually I'm not going to take it this hard in the rear. Guess I'll have to live with my "old" '01.5

 

It sure is tough reading about the new more powerful engines. I was one of the first orders for the '03's in CA. So I've got a SO, with the 47RE. Only 28k on it and absolutely love it. But... it's a lot of money to trade. I can rationalize all day on how much better the 600 will be than mine, and how the 48RE is worth the swap alone, but... it's a lot of money.... ;-)
TP

 

Roadranger,

I know what you mean about the tradein. I guess these guys think everyone that comes is rich or an idiot. Hmmmm, I guess some are, or they wouldn't try it.

A couple of years ago I took a Ford pickup over to the Western Slope and sold it for about $3K more then I could get for it down here. I don't know if things have changed, but a couple of friends over there have told me a Cummins is hard to come by and will bring a premium. Three years ago I advertised a camper in the Glenwood paper and got covered with calls.

Just a thought...................

CR

 

I'd suggest one of two things. #1 wait till the dealer has what you want or darn close on the lot. Go in approx one hour before they close on the last day of the month. They are a bit more flexible then.

#2 If you can wait till the end of the model year they usually introduce some real good incentives.

I traded my 1st 03 with 15 miles on it on Oct 1st 2003. On that day DC was giving $4500 rebate on all remaing 03 trucks including 2500 and 3500 rams. So, between the $4500 from DC, I got the dealer to drop $4500 off the sticker, got $500 customer loyalty and another $500 for something I can't remember, I was able to trade my old 03 in for $2K more than I paid for the new one. And, the new one is better equiped than the old.

Dealer said he wouldn't be able to sell my old truck till this deal with DC was over. Truck sat for 2 months in the back lot.

Now this does not happen often, but at the end of the model year it's possible to do a good deal.

2 cents

 

I just traded my 2003 SO 47RE for my 2004 HO 6 spd. Very glad I did. Could have waited for the 600, but didn't want to. I'd do it if I were you, but not for the 600, but for the 6 spd. Meaning, I wouldn't trade in a 555 auto for a 600 auto.
I'd actually, I'd trade a 600 auto for a 555 6spd.

 

Hi guys: this is my first post. I have been checking things out here for over a year and have benefitted greatly from the information on all the posts. I ordered a 2004.5 dually diesel sport, 6 speed 3.73 on January 7th. The dealer is giving me $31,000 for my trade in which is a 2003 Dually 48re. List on my trade in was $41,200 I might mention I buy employee price so the amount I recieve on a trade is actual $. I thought the trade in allowance was very good. Hope this helps.

 

Roger Ramjet

If you dont mind me asking? What was the actual trade difference dollar amount? Thanks.

 

03CumminZ4x4

The trade difference after $2,500 rebate was $2,255. The list price on my 2004.5 was $41,900

 

It's only money......

 

Roger Ramjet

Thats a great deal in my opinion. I would definately trade for that! My truck had a 40500.00 sticker and the truck I configured had virtually the identical sticker price. Your trade really has sparked my interest now! Thanks RR and everyone!

 

This is an oustanding deal. But you said you buy at employee price, so personally, I'd be amazed if a normal customer will get such good offer. But, it could happen.

 

You are correct, to get this good of a deal first you need to buy at the employee price, and second you need to get top trade in price. Trade in price is between you and the dealer. When you buy at employee or friends price the price is fixed by DC. The price you get for your trade in is actual $. The dealer doesn't have as much to play with on your trade. There is a dealer in St Louis that is giving close to employee price discounts on new Rams you can find him at the TDR site, he calls himself tomygun. Or if you can find someone that works for DC you can get what is called a "Friends" discount this amounts to 1% below actual dealer invoice plus a fee of app. $25.00. if any one is interested in this program I can obtain 2 or 3 "Friends" discount #'s e-mail me if you are interested.