Thanks again for the comments, guys. From what I've heard and read, these Rams are very reliable vehicles.

Montana sounds about the same as Alberta for putting down too coarse a material on the road during the winter. We're on our third windshield in the Honda, and most of the folks we know have ones that are badly cracked or chipped. Interestingly, even though Maine had terrible snowy winters and the roads at that time were very well plowed and sanded, cracked or broken windshields were almost unheard of. None of my or my family's cars ever had to have a windshield replaced. Damage from salt was another matter, however.

To make things interesting, today I test-drove a salvage '03 CTD 3500 SLT QC auto dually having only 700 kilometers (435 miles)! The previous owner had recently purchased the vehicle brand new in a nearby city, and was driving to a wedding when the vehicle was struck hard high on the driver's side rear portion of the truck's bed - just above and behind the fiberglass wheel well. The insurance company took the vehicle and gave the owner a new one. The vehicle was sold at auction to the body shop (where I saw it today) which then installed a new box; painted it, and had it "Rhino" lined. The original bumper was not touched, so it was merely re-installed. The body shop claims that there was absolutely no damage to frame or cab, and the truck looks and drives like new. It's "Timberline Green Pearl" in color and has the two-zone climate control, electric 2wd/4wd selector on the console, cloth-covered power seats, aluminum running boards, mud flaps all around, and a tow package. I was shown extensive photos of the truck which were taken before any work was performed. After repair, the truck was taken for inspection to a provincially-licensed facility and was given a clean bill of health. The truck can be purchased for SUBSTANTIALLY less money than anything I've seen so far. The shop claims that the truck is still under warranty, and they happilly gave me the vehicle's VIN to check it out for myself. They also invited me to have the truck inpected at any place of my choosing. After verifying the VIN on the door of the vehicle, I shook hands with the proprietor and told him I'd get back to him about the truck. I don't really need a dually, but this may be "a deal I cannot refuse". On the other hand, I've never seen an after-market paint job that approached the durabliliy of a factory job, even though this paint was "baked" on the bed.

This puts a new dimension on our truck shopping - '03 "re-paint", '03 salvage w re-painted bed, or '04. Yes, very interesting. It's actually fun until you have to plunk down the dough!

 

I don't know how it works up there, but I have a friend with a salvage title on a Mercedes 560SL. Whatever he saved up front, he is paying now in aggravation while trying to sell it. Also, some insurance companies are wary of salvage vehicles. Again, it may be different up there. Just remember. There's no such thing as a free lunch. If it didn't have some baggage associated with it, it wouldn't be cheaper than other comparable vehicles.

 

With much hesitation, I sold my honda accord to buy a CTD. Now, the phrase "apples and oranges" has been thrown around a lot in this forum... That being true, I won't beat it in the ground, but I can assure you that other than the parking issues, you will transition easily. I love my truck. After my honda, I was wondering if I would ever find a vehicle that could replace it!!! Somebody beat me to it: Don't forget the adjustable pedals! My better half is also only 5'3", she would be physically unable to drive the truck if I didn't have the pedals. I did the math the other day at the gas station:
Not including payments on either vehicles or maintence:
My accord cost me $.067 per mile to operate (again, what maintenance?...35mpg on the highway!!!)
My truck, so far, is costing my $.082 per mile. Diesel's cheaper, and the mileage aint bad (warranty, 20mpg hiway)!

There is a point here, I'll try to find it: I was apprehensive about getting rid of my Honda. I made a smart decision with my truck. I realize that more every day. While I will say that not many vehicles are as/more reliable than a honda accord, a CTD is pretty dang close. Preaching to the choir here, right? Can I get an Amen?

 

AMEN!!

 

Nice to hear from someone who has already made the transition from Accrod to truck.
I'm convinced!

 

Get thick skin when it comes to attracting rock chips! I bought my truck a few weeks ago in Central B.C. Canada,and on the way to the dealership with my trade-in(98.5 3500 4x4),the window was damaged by a rock from the highway. Well I thought it was bad luck, but on the way back from the dealership with the new truck 2 days later,I got my new truck's windshield chipped(cracked in 2 places).Then the really bad news...after washing it I found no less than 5 chips in the paint! It seems almost every vehicle I met on the highway knew I had a brand new truck,and had their way with me!They don't sand the highways there...they ballast them!! O well...point is ,if the rocks are hitting windshield and body at highway speed...( twice that if it's on-coming!)there's bound to be damage,no matter how good paint is. So after mourning my loss...I got out some touch-up paint and fixed it up...I'll get the windshield fixed after winter is done...about May I think!

 

moopa, I'm curious...did you get a killer deal in BC or did you just feel like taking a nice trip to get your new truck?

Brian

 

Brian, I was working for a railroad in Ft. St. James B.C., and on my days off I was heading to a buddie's house at Williams Lake (about 41/2 hour drive). I had been close to a deal in Prince George,(trading in my 98.5 3500 4x4 on a new 2003 3500)but on my return to that dealership they told me their final price was more than fair,and that I won't be able to find a better price in Western Canada and they weren't going to "waste any more of their time on this". Well I was quite flabergasted at that statement,jumped in my old truck,and headed to Quesnel,about an hour away,and stopped at their little dealership,told them of my story, and they had a new loaded 2003 3500 4x4 just sitting there,with more options,and in a color I just loved....for nearly $3000.00 less!!!! Well I was happy with that and the deal was done! They offered to put me up in a hotel for the night, as it was now closing time,and not enough time to get both vehicles swapped around. I declined,so the dealer threw me the keys to a new short box 4x4 (filled with gas) and said "see ya tomorrow". I continued on to my buddie's place about 100 miles away and returned the next day for my new truck.I was very happy with the service there.

 

I'm already somewhat annoyed I have my CTD, if all the rumors of the new Jeep Rescue are true. On the other hand, I do use my bed to haul my atv and various crap on occasion. A big Jeep SUV to destroy Hummer h2's, with a 5.9L Cummins would be so sweet though.. If this thing comes out soon with the 325/600, mayhem will ensue! IF you don't need the pickup truck bed, I think the Rescue would be worth the wait!!