Another Frod Story

[KD7GYJ]

Another Furd Story

A friend of mine got into financial trouble last year and has been trying to sell his 99 Ford Diesel. It has about 165,000 miles on it because he drove it 1,000 miles a week or more running between states. He took it into the Ford dealership to trade it in. They didn't want to talk with him. They told him that Fords with that many miles are not a good seller but if he had a Dodge with that good ol' Cummins, they would have it sold within a week for a great price. So now my friend is repenting and looking at a Dodge with the Cummins. But, he may have to eat the Ford first.



Blair

 

[ddesau]

Another Furd

Well of course - everyone knows or should that Dodge Diesels rule. . Never looked at the Ford when I was looking for a big truck. .

 

[Chipstien]

Gotta love that Cummins.

 

[redramnc]

Two years ago when I bought my 96 from a used car lot I looked for a couple of weeks at various trucks - but none of them were Dodge CTD-equipped. When I found mine the guy said it had ben on the lot for two weeks and he was really surprised that it hadn't sold quicker. The fact that it is a regular cab and needed a set of tires may have been why it was still available. I am currently keeping an eye out for another 12-valve truck but, even in the Raleigh area where there are alot of high-priced vehicles running around, there are almost never any Dodges for sale in the paper or on lots. Plenty of Furds and Chebies and a fair number of Dodge gas trucks are in the paper but it is rare to see even a 1st gen CTD for sale.



I reckon the word is out - Cummins Rule - everybody else just blow smoke and don't get no where... .....

 

[10-G]

Sorry about your buddys bad luck. A dealer just took my 96 on a trade ,sight unseen.



A little tabasco might make the ford more palatable.



My 02 is here, , my 02 is here , break out a fresh case of lift pumps

 

[cmercer1]

On a related note... .



I am in the market for a Diesel Duellie. I have the opportunity to get a 2001 HO diesel with a 6 speed... loaded. It is an SLT+ with all the goodies. I took a look at it and test drove it. Everything seemed OK. The only thing that scares me is it has 49,000 miles. It was purchased by the dealer at auction so I do not have access to the reasons it was sold and the maintenance history.



I plan on putting 25,000 miles a year on it and it will not be overloaded in terms of towing or carrying.



Does anyone have opinions on this possible purchase? What should I look at? The steering felt good. It started up great (first start that day). It drove good and stopped good. The only thing I noticed was a long travel in the clutch before it engaged (1/2 to 3/4 of the way out). I have not driven 6 speed before so maybe this is normal.



Thanks for any information.





Carl

New York

 

[KD7GYJ]

cmercer1



Have the dealership repair the defect you noticed. As far as I can tell from your description, it appears to be good. At 49000 miles, I doubt the engine has broken in yet. I think they unloaded it because they would take a beating when the new model year comes out. You can check on the history by using carfax. They give you information about the condition of the car, whether it is clean or beatup. Mileage isn't a concern here, you should play hardball with them and start at a really low price, say $19,000. You can always go up, you can't go down. Be firm about the mileage and you should come out ahead. Have the clutch plate checked for abnormal use. New clutches are pricey!!! The only thing I had checked under warranty are normal items that were out of adjustment. My first Dodge was great, that's why I purchased another one. You'll love the HO and 6 speed. Too bad it isn't in the winter time so you could see if it grinds in third. You may want to have that added in writing just to protect yourself. See some of the posts for the gringing in third gear.



Good luck,



Blair



PS: I reread you post. My clutch engages about 1/2 to 2/3 to the top of the pedal. It appears yours is similar to my clutch.



Cmercer1, You can't go by Kelly Blue Book or NADA. The dealers don't go by it, so why should you. I would start at $19,000 but wouldn't go above $24,500. Afterthat you are better off buying new. Really. . They only want your money. There is so much mark up on used vehicles, specially high demand used vehicles.

 

[cmercer1]

Thanks for the grind information. From the posts I have read, there seems to be confusion as to whether this is normal behavior or a true problem. Some people are getting new Syncro's, some are having tons of work done, and some are ignoring the problem as "normal". The best I can say is I test drove the Truck when it was about 40 degrees and it shifted better than my small pickup does. I have emailed as question to the dealer asking if they can get information on the TSB's applied.



I like your thinking about getting the truck for $19,000... but that seems kindof low. KBB says $32,000 and NADA says $30,500. I am sticking hard to $28,500. Is this too much, am I missing something about these trucks?



Last question... what is the difference between 2001 and 2001. 5. Is there a way based on VIN to know which it is?





Thanks



Carl

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by cmercer1

I like your thinking about getting the truck for $19,000... but that seems kindof low. KBB says $32,000 and NADA says $30,500. I am sticking hard to $28,500. Is this too much, am I missing something about these trucks?

I ordered my truck (see signature) and paid $32,000 and change, brand new.



Rusty

 

[cmercer1]

Sorry, I may have left out information on the truck that would adjust the asking price. It is a 2001. 5 Dodge 3500 Ext cab 4x4 with HO Diesel, 6 speed, SLT+, Camper, Tow, Infinity sound,... I am not totally familiar with Dodge options yet, but it has leather, redundant radio controls, trip computer, heated and power seats, under seat storage, sliding rear window, power windows and doors and I believe it has an alarm system.



There is a 2002 similar to this 10 minutes from my house, it has an MSRP of $42,000+ and an invoice of $37,300. Even with the rebates the best I could do is $35,500.



Is yours similar? If so, How did you get it for $5500 under invoice? If I could get the one by my house for $32,000... I'd do it in a minute.





Carl





P. S. I figured out from this forum that it is a 2001. 5, based on the fact that the black plastic on the tail gate is not there. I have not looked to see if it has rear disk brakes yet. The Truck is an hour away and I am deciding whether to drive down tomorrow or not.

 

[RustyJC]

I've never seen a 3500 list for $42,000! Mine is a 4x2 Cummins HO/6-speed with the SLT+ package (includes all the goodies you've listed such as the leather seats, trip computer, Infinity sound system, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, power everything, security system, etc. ), a Sport (another $150 or $200, as I recall), sliding rear window, camper and towing packages, 4. 10 rear axle with LS ($55, I think). List on my truck was slightly over $37,000. Add $1,500 or so for 4WD and you're still only talking a list of $38,500 to $39,000 and a deal at $33,000+. I ordered mine in late June, 2001 and took delivery on August 15, 2001. I don't know what rebates may have dropped off, or what MSRP increases may have taken place, but I still think you can beat $35,500.



You might want to check out some of the internet dealers such as Chaprell Dodge in Ada, OK or Melton Dodge. That's what I did - I got a quote from Chaprell and took it to my dealer's fleet manager. We finally agreed on a price about $25 more than Chaprell was asking.



Hey, at the end of the day, it's your money. You just asked what we thought about paying $32,000 for a truck that's soon to be 2 years old with 49,000 miles. I shared my opinion - based on what I paid, I think the price is high. Whether you buy it or not is strictly your business.



Good luck whatever you decide to do!



Rusty

 

[wyosteve]

Check out the Meltonsales website. There was a post yesterday about it. They have about half a dozen new 3500's, all around 32k out the door. fwiw

 

[JR2]

RustyJC -

If you havent seen a 3500 that had a list of 42K then you are not looking at the same trucks I have. My 2500 had a sticker price of just over $42K, I paid $36,750. That is $1500 over the invoice and one heck of a deal from my local dealer who ususally does not budge on prices.



You have to know that my 2500 is loaded. The only option it does not have is the snowplow prep group... they won't put it on a sport...



JR2

 

[RustyJC]

What exactly, other than 4WD, do these $42,000 trucks have that mine doesn't? Mine prices out as follows (I just went down to the truck and dug out the window sticker):



Base Price - $25,675

Package 2BG - 2,380

Sport Group - 375

Trailer Tow - 275

Camper Group - 95

Leather Grp - 1,590

Underseat Stg - 75

6-speed trans - 400

4. 10 axle - 50

LS axle - 285

Cummins HO - 5,225

Slid Rear Win - 140

Keyless Entry - 190

Security Alarm - 150

Infinity Audio - 690

Wheel controls - 75

Destination - 715

Sub-total - 38,385

Package disc (700)

Grand total - 37,685



Rusty

 

[cmercer1]

Here is the window sticker information from the 2002 by my house. Its hard to believe 4x4 makes this much difference... .





2002 MODEL YEAR RAM 3500 QUAD CAB 4X4 SLTPLUS



Base Price: $29,130

Customer Preferred Package 2BH $4,235

Trailer Tow Group $275

Camper Special Group $95

SLT Plus Decor Group $1,665

Transmission - 6-Speed HD Manual $400

Axle Ratio - 4. 10 $50

Axle - Anti-Spin Differential $285

Engine- 5. 9L HO Cummins Turbo Diesel $5,225

Air Dam - Front $25

Tires - LT235/85R16E BSW On/Off Road $195



Customer Preferred Discount -$700

DESTINATION CHARGE $740



TOTAL PRICE:* $41,620





This is close to the truck I am looking at. I do not have the window sticker off it, but all the options are the same. I would love this truck, but I can't afford $35500 plus tax. If anyone else wants it, its in Sodus NY.





It looks like most of the difference is in the base price, probably the 4x4 option.



Carl

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I would get the price down much more. I see trucks advertised around here similar to the one you are looking at brand new just 2500 instead of 3500 for 28500. if you have your heart set on the used truck I wouldn't pay more than 25000 for it. My uncle who sells cars says there is only money in selling used for him. I would think you are better off getting a new truck. you are less likely to take the shaft and always get a better deal with the financing

 

[M Barnett]

Carl, I think you may be right about the 4 X 4 option. when I bought mine in 1994, the 4 X 4 was over $4,000 more. Thats the difference between his $25,000 and your $29,000.

Michael

 

[cmercer1]

Well, I got it. They met my price... . I am now the proud owner of my first Dodge, my first full size Pickup, my first Duellie, and my first Diesel. I am slighty overwhelmed, but it is fun. I'll have to put a signiture together, but for now...



2001. 5 Quad Cab 4x4 3500. 6 speed. SLT+, White





Carl

 

[RustyJC]

Carl,



Congratulations! Hope you have many miles of trouble-free enjoyment. (By the way, since taking delivery on August 15, 2001, ours has never had a problem and never been back to the dealer).



Rusty

 

[JHansen]

Wanna see scary pricing? Come to Canada.......

The Silver Cloud retailed out at a tick over $53000 CDN! It cost me $46009 which was close to $1000 cheaper than any of the other quotes I got. Like John's it's a loaded Sport 2500 4x4-missing only the snowplow prep group due to its being blocked out with Sport trim. Lots of cash-but so far worth every $$$ if there is such a thing as a vehicle being worth $46K!



Jason