anyone regret going 3rd gen?

[Forrest Nearing]

been looking at new trucks... I went and test drove three new dodges today. I had it in my head that I was going to get a new truck here pretty soon, but I don't know... They were fine and all, but they just lacked the soul of the old 12v.



I know nothing lasts forever, and eventually I'll have to get another truck, but I don't know if I can do it... I can afford to keep the 12v, but seems foolish to have to trucks when one will fit the bill

 

[MMeier]

Just do it !! Not only do I have the '03 with 177k on it, I picked up a 93 w250CC last fall to satisfy my first gen needs... not to mention my 89 4 Runner, 2 "good" running street cars and my full time bracket bomber! Might go out this summer and pick up a C&C , don't know yet, depends on work needs!

 

[RMachida]

Great question! If I found these forums before I purchased my truck, I think I would have looked for a good, clean 12v. Simpler. I had no idea the extent of the computer interaction in areas that don't need a computer. There's more power now but it comes at cost, complexity.

 

[Grizzly]

I totally loved my 95, but I love my 05 much more. I love the Quad Cab and the much more power of the 05.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

well, I've got a quad cab, and 535rwhp. obviously the new trucks felt a little sluggish compared to mine. I would remedy that quickly, but... :-laf

 

[onestackdram]

If you get one, get one now before the 6. 7's are in everything. Atleast with the 5. 9 version its basically simple plug and play and/or the mechanical parts to play with are realitively easy to do (minus the lack of room under the hood. . lol). But my guess is the 6. 7's are gonna be a pain in the arsss to get any true power out of for a little while until everyone figures out how to get around some of the sensors and computer crap they have on em now.

 

[DieselFiend]

Forrest, I carry a little bit of regret going to the third gen. Not a whole lot but just a little. I came from a 2nd gen which got really good fuel milage and ran good. I just liked the four door feature on the 3rd gen. I was sure that the engine would give me the same or better fuel milage. I was wrong and thats why I'm disapointed in the 3rd gen. Plus I don't feel like the 610 engine is quite as reliable. they seem to be a lot more quarky.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Only thing I regret is the payments... . OUCH!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

company would be paying the note, but it's essentially me paying because I get a truck allowance for driving my truck...



and yes, I'm considering now because I'd like to get one of the last 5. 9's... otherwise I'll be watching the 6. 7's over the next couple years while driving a 12v

 

[NPloysa]

Only thing I regret is the payments... . OUCH!

Exactly! Other than that no regrets. Just wish I had time to keep it clean!

 

[Bob4x4]

No regrets but I kept my 12valver too.



Bob

 

[kshimizu]

I knew my MPG was going to drop off. My 2006 is getting 5 MPG less than my 2002 and the price of fuel on the rise again..... this is the only thing I regret.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

No regrets here either. I also kept my 12V. I just wish the mileage on my '06 was better.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

well, I'm not that worried about mileage as the company is paying for fuel

 

[Bob4x4]

For those that think they may want a new truck but going stock the 6. 7 in the pick up is very impressive. The exhaust brake is standard now and the 6 spd auto is spot on. The trans will stay locked up in 2nd even. The ex brake will stay engaged down to about 25mph and has as much braking as any add on brakes I have used. The accelleration is qiucker than the prevous models by a good margin. The "slap shift"switch on the shift lever is a blast to play with and will make mountain driving with an auto almost as fun as with a manual. The tires will break loose hitting 2nd. Not bad for a 6cylinder:-laf



Bob

 

[BradyWilliams]

I have 2 12 valve trucks. One 97 and one 98. I also have one 04. 5 which is my favorite truck. My 04. 5 makes very good hp and burns clean. It is also more responsive to drive. Stock trucks will not run like that but there is many cool products to make a big difference for power. I keep my 12 valve trucks as they are more reliable and less finacky. Thanks

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Forrest I had positive and negative feelings going to my '03 while I had it. Main pros were less noise, more refinement, less smoke for the power, creature comforts & amenities, good handling truck, strong frame & creak-free cab, etc. Dislikes were seemingly thinner sheetmetal in places, less "character," fakey-feeling power curve thanks to a computer, and I didn't care for the view over the hood and cowl. I went back to 2nd Gens but miss my '03, someday I may own another.

 

[bighammer]

I like the simplicity of my 94. Everything is there for a reason and it's pretty simple to figure out how or why it works. (or doesn't) There are also ways around things that don't work. It's also noisy and sort of crude in its roughness. I like the sounds though.

My 03 is very comfortable. I like the quiet for longer trips or when I want to hear music. (94 has no longer has a radio, but I don't miss it at all) While it has all the creature comforts and gizmos, it also has a mind of its own. It does crap like shut off the light while I'm cleaning it out, just because it thinks it smarter than me and I must've left the doors open. It's those annoying conveniences that I could do without.

Lengthen a frame so you can have an 8' bed and a 3rd gen mega cab on it. Put the Dana axles and a good 12 valve engine on it. Quality aftermarket suspension of your choice. Pull all the computer junk out of it and wire it old school... .

I think you get the idea. They both have their strong points. It's tough to pick one over the other.

 

[Cattletrkr]

On the outside I miss the rattle of my '01 HO. On the inside I like the relative quiet of the '04. 5. There are times when I miss the '01 for whatever reason, but not too often. I spent more for my Juice w/Attitude than I've spent in repairs in 153K. That's pretty darn good for a heavy hauler.

Yeah the computer controls suck and it's quirky, but it just keeps going.

 

[wcjp]

My 96' was a clubcab. Wanted 4doors for my daughter. A 12v Mega would be a near perfect truck. My 06' does drive way better and the brakes are in a different league compared to my 96'.