I had to sell my beloved 06' due to commuting 150 miles round trip when diesel got over $4/gallon, but now I have switched jobs and work from home.

I found a white 2006 2500 4x4 QC 6speed Big Horn with 76k on it for $22k and a red/tan 2006 2500 4x4 Megacab Auto Laramie with 62k on it for $24k.

Which one should I go for? I have NEVER owned an automatic diesel, only a stick. Are there really any downsides to the automatic tranny in the 2006 trucks? I plan to keep this truck for a long time but I don't want to pay $35k+ for a new one.

Thanks!

 

That is up to you whether you want the extra room and or an Auto or 6 speed. It the QC a long box. If it were me, I would take a long box over a Mega Cab any day. I would go for the QC and only offer them 16K for it. Believe me, they only gave between 14k and 18k for that truck. Start low with todays ecomomy. This only applies if it is at a dealership. I would not pay more than 19k right now for the QC.

 

Love my automatic,much more relaxing to drive,especially in traffic. I don't pull large trailers or loads,but do have a slide in camper and get 16mpg.Love it! Good luck either way, STAN

 

The QC is a swb. The mega cab is being sold by a dealership and the quad is being sold be an individual but he owes 22K on it.

My main concern was with the automatic. I have never owned one. Do they have more problems? What if I decide to put a edge box or something on it?

 

The auto will be fine until you start doing heavy mods to the truck. I love my auto and wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

What is the mileage difference between the auto and 6 speed?

 

I believe the auto will get better mileage than the 6 speed due to the final drive ratio of the 6th gear resulting in higher rpms at highway speeds when compared to the auto. This assumes a 3.73 rear end on the auto.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Wolff,

As others have asked, I think you need to help us help you.

What are you planning to do with the truck (recreational use, towing, etc.)? If you plan to 4 wheel it, the big horn would be a better truck (shorter wheelbase and the off road options)

What mods do you want to install?

Giving us a bit of detail will help answer your questions.

Another thing to consider is the 1-2 shift issue in the automatics. I had the TSB done and it helped address the issue. It's not perfect, but it is a lot better than it was.

Another thing to consider, what kind of history do these two trucks have (heavy towing, signs of mods, any warranty issues, etc.)? I mention this because another member in the Help forums (dealing with a broken cam) mentioned that his truck was already on it's second engine before this latest problem.

When comparing the two trucks side by side, and based on the information provided, since the mega cab has lower mileage, and it's a Laramie, I think the mega cab is a better deal.


Personally, I've been very happy with my mega cab.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. The truck will be used to haul my jeep and gooseneck cattle trailer from time to time. I will probably put an intake, exhaust and either the smarty or edge box on it down the road. I've had several Dodges in the past but never a mega cab or auto so that is why I have so many questions. A standard transmission is much more reliable in my opinion but it seems all the new Dodges come equipped with the auto now.

 

Something like 40% of Dodge diesels were sold with manuals. They are out there. Check out all the diesel forum classifieds so you can meet the owner. If he didn't keep records,walk away. I had a DTT upgraded auto in my '99. After test driving a new 06 auto,I knew I was looking at investing $4500 right off the bat. I just don't like stock slushboxes. This time I elected to special order a g-56. The stock clutch will eventually have to be replaced,but it'll be at a fraction of the cost. You can't beat an auto for convenience,but it's nice to be in control of the shift pts. Buying private party is a little more work,but at least you'll know the owner.

 

The Consumer Reports I read did not go into details about why the '06 diesel should be avoided - I was under the impression that my '07 5.9 was essentially the same thing and it has been great so far.
I had the trans TSB done and I tow a 7k t/t - the auto has been fine so far but my mods are minimal and I don't thrash it. I had the tranny flushed and a new filter at 11k for insurance.
For my purposes (traveling with kids) the MegaCab would've been better but the long wheelbase would've been detrimental to maneuvering in some places we go.

What fit's your future needs?

 

If you haul more people than stuff in your bed...MegaCab

If you use trailer's more than your bed...MegaCab

As far as overall length, they are the same...

Tranny's...more of a personal preference, I'll take an auto, but my advise would be to drive 'em both.

The 48RE is a good auto tranny stock, as long as you keep it maintained. Upgrades will be needed if you plan on adding a ton of power, but the same goes for a stick as well, although a stick is cheaper to upgrade.

Get the Smarty...

Good luck!

 

06 g56 has lowerratio's including overdrive

 

Ok, I talked to the local dealership today and I can get a 2008 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 auto for $29,800 out the door so I might just get a new one instead. How are the new 6 speed autos?

 

If you push a little you can problably get down to 28k maybe even better if you start working two dealers against each other for your business.