I am looking into buy a 2003, 2500. I was wondering what the experiences were with them. I am getting the 5.9 diesel HO. Are there any problems that I need to know about. It is a coin toss in the dodge and the ford F-250.<br><br>Thanks<br>

 

Well, probably get some grief as I own both a 01 f-250 w/7.3 (auto) and and 03 HO with a 6 speed. Put a little over 52k in 14 months on the ford, no problems. Lots of small things both pro and con for each truck. When time to get the wife a truck she couldn't decide so she got the ford (likes red, something to do with being a Georgia fan ???) and I got a new Dodge. Always liked the 5.9, in large part because there are lots of things that can be done to hot rod it. Seems to be the 350 of the diesel crowd.<br><br>Really like the 6 speed, except for those red light contests. I just wait until a hill comes and then walk off and leave them. I typically tow around 10k but have only towed about 6k with the dodge so far. 1st trip with the 5ver comes in about 2 weeks. Can't wait to see how I do.<br><br>haven't had a chance to do anything to the 5.9 yet, all my play money went out the door when I bought the dodge. Hopefully someone will drop a bucket of $$ in my yard soon! Did several Banks mods to the ford, it really resonded to them.<br><br>So, I like both trucks, think you should test drive both and get the one that feels best.<br><br>Sign me &quot;can't wait to join the 500 club&quot;, mark

 

Another question is if I don't plan on towing much do I heed to get the HO engine or is the regular 5.9 diesel just fine?<br><br>

 

TrukMan,<br>First, it looks like you are a very new member to this site. Welcome. Lot's of good information buried in these threads. We that have the 2003's love them, very few problems.<br><br>May I suggest, rather than all of us rehashing what we have been talking about for the last two or so months, wander back thru the threads. The answers to every one of your questions are answered in great detail as each of us have posted numerous times our evaluations of our new trucks.<br><br>Again, welcome. <br><br>FiverBob

 

Get the HO. Aside from the extra power it has oil cooled pistons. And you'l never say &quot;I wish I'd gotten the HO&quot;.

 

I agree with BadUnit - I'm not towing a durned thing right now but I love having all that power! The '03 2500 is a complete blast to drive.

 

I like the truck a lot , but the dealer bites the bologna.....

 

[quote author=FireNhole link=board=17;threadid=10742;start=0#102884 date=1044893078]<br>I like the truck a lot , but the dealer bites the bologna..... <br>[/quote]<br><br>I agree with you there...an mine is a &quot;Five Star Dealer&quot; (whatever that means). Seems like everytime I go in there or deal with them it is a run-around.<br><br>Like the truck except for the overhead door seam detail that allows the snow to fall on the seats when you open the door...no matter how much you clean the roof. And the Reverse gear location on the manual tranny is a little odd for snow plow operations as I think it belongs somewhere other than where it is currently located, but still manageable just not as &quot;seamless&quot;.<br><br>I had a 97 chevy 2500 will all the same options and even the same color as the dodge. Dodge drives nicer, rides better, is quieter, and overall more fun to drive. <br><br>But that is just my opinion.<br><br><br><br>