So here's the deal. I'm really stuck as to if I should actually take a deal I almost can't refuse and I have to make a decision by lunch time on Friday eastern time. I have the opportunity to purchase a new 2003(Sort of new, read further), Light Almond Metallic, 2500, SLT, 4x4, long bed, auto, 305/555, no leather with only 336 miles after my two test drives. It was damaged in transit, shipped back to chrysler repaired and then put out to auction for 5 star dealers. A dealer local to me picked it up and has given me an offer that is just slightly above what I pay now. The truck technically has to be sold as "Used" for reasons that don't make full sense to me since DCX has had possession of the vehicle the entire time, so in all reality I'm going to consider it a completly new truck, but still get killed in the intrest rate department.

As for the damage, the damage was to the left from frame and was only an $1100 dollar body shop repair(so given todays insane labor rates it couldn't have been too serious). I can not find anywhere that they did obvious work, though the snow on the ground made it tough to really get a good look. What I figure is that a load binder was incorrectly attached to the frame for transit and either tore a hole or did some type of visible damage to the frame. The two test drives were great no creaks squeeks or rattles, no 70mph vibe, tracks straight, no death wobble on the horrid New England roads. So i think its a good sound truck all in all. I really think that I'm getting a darn near steal from the dealer, which has treated me great even while haggleing for 2.5 hours!

With that said, my current truck(see sig) is a beauty and am obviously very attached to it. I get compliments from ALL walks of life. Even elderly ladies have complimented me on how "pretty" it is for a big truck(something I'm proud to not be ashamed of!) I have put many many hours into the truck along with many subtle mods. A few light dashes of chrome and a bit of diamond plate to give it some shine. Some decent cash in the form of the gauges, box and filter. On the down side though, the truck does have its annoyances. Front cowl rattle(needs spot welds fixed), drivers seat kills my back, wanders like a drunken hobo(needs track bar upgrade) and is tought to keep as clean as I would like it to be. All in all though I really love the truck but for some reason the new models keep dragging me into the dealers.

My question goes out to all you guys and gals who have made the switch from a trusty 2nd gen of which you were very loyal to, to a 3rd generation truck. Especially owners of 305/555 equiped trucks. Do you think I'm going to regret the change? Am I out of my mind? Will restarting the MANY years of payments all over again be worth it? Will the length increase drive me nuts with parking and maneuvering? Will the drive line make me as happy as with the 2nd gen? Will the new rig ride good, last long, and be able to look as good as Old Blue????

Sorry for the fruity babbling about being attached to a mechanical object, just VERY lost right now. Any input will be gladly accepted.

Mike

 

If your ready to spend the $$ and not getting talked into the sale, then Do It!! You will not be disappointed. Check and see if your really getting a good deal though. Lots of dealers are selling 05,s way under invoice in the low 30k,s. Pluss you'll get the good financing. Payment just might be the same or close. Also check the engine tag or vin# to be sure its a 305-555 H.O. But back to your initial question, you'll love the new ram. Those elderly women will be impressed and you'll be the main conversation at bingo on friday nights

 

I did take the time to check the plate on the engine and its labeled as 305hp, so thankfully its a 305/555. As for getting an 05 in the same price range....... I don't see how that would ever be possible up here in the north east where a price break is diesel for $2.15/gal for diesel! As for the deal i'm getting, since I'm not positive if I can post the exact price I will say that i'm getting it for a little more than $11K under MSRP.

P.S. If anyone knows how to get a north east dealer to give me a deal like this on an 05, i'll be there in a heart beat... but dealers are just plain greedy in these parts.

Mike

 

I've had 4 Dodge/Cummins trucks now (94,95,98,04). The 04 is by far the best of the 4. The only thing I miss is the sound. The new ones don't have it, but the other improvements make up for the lack of the "big rig" sound. This truck handles so much better than my 98 (both are 4x4 duallys). I don't think you'll be disappointed with a new model.

 

Sell your truck out your self.

I think I could get you an 05 for 9000 under invoice at my local dealer. Give Dave Smith in Idaho a call. He is on the internet. He sells them under invoice all the time, then subtract the rebates etc. New one is not that much more and the beter intrest rates may make it a better deal. Consider the 03 as lost some on simple depreation as well.

Gary

 

I also had a very nice 2nd gen. Always received compliments, in fact the Dodge dealer asked if it was ever driven even though I had over 60K on it. I was very hesitant to go for a new truck but finally did and I never looked back. The 3rd gen is so much improved in many different ways. Go ahead, you won't be sorry. JMO

 

I got my 03 in 03, as a NEW vehicle for ~9K under MSRP. So, to me at least, 11K under MSRP on a "used" vehicle with some sort of damage history... probably not.

Dealer'd probably offer you around $26 or 27K for it. So... I guess figuring what mine cost (MSRP), 11 under might actually be OK.

Are they offering you a warranty?

As for the difference... I sold my 98.5 and bought the 03. I had recently paid it off and now am making payments again. With not a single complaint about it. I love my 03 so much more than my 98.5. It's just a better truck in every single way.

 

Can't reply on the cost but as far as getting used to the length. I went from a 2nd Gen Short Box Quad Cab to a 3rd Gen Long Box Quad Cab(full four doors) The new truck actually has a better turning radius and not too much getting used to the extra length at all. And I have to park in a tight public parking garage for work. I too got lots of compliments on my old truck but I like the new one that much better.

Hondo

 

Well thought its not the deal that some could get... I know that I wasn't going to find anything anytime soon that I would like. So I took the truck. Its great and not really a comparison between the two trucks. More to come later.... Its time for some sleep since in one day I bought a new truck, found that my knee will need surgery and had to deal with phone calls regarding a loose Iguana in one of the companies patrol vehicles!

Thanks for all the input guys, feel free to keep sharing your stories of your adjustment to the 3rd gen vs. 1st or 2nd gen's.

Mike

 

Here in sunny So. Cal $1000 under invoice is an excellent deal. It would be unheard of to get a new '05 for $9000-$11000 under invoice!! What's the deal here??

As far as trucks go, if the bottom line price is only $5000 difference between the '04 and '05, then go '05. But if the price difference is like $8000-$10000, the I'd seriously consider the '04. Get dealer to give you a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.