ARGH, Indecision is ruling

[Sregorb]

First, let me say, "I'm new here... . Thank you. " I think this is one of the best forums and ideas I've run across in a long time (having an 'open' board that others-who may not be members yet-can view problems and good news stories BEFORE they decide where to shop). I've been 'lurking' on the board for about 4 or 5 months now and love it.

Second, maybe you experts can help me in my dibilitating indecision problem. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHETHER TO GET A 2002 OR GAMBLE AND WAIT FOR THE 2003 'REMODEL' AND HOPE IT'S EVERY BIT AS MUCH TRUCK!

I keep hearing the new ISB won't be as good, however the frame will be better than before etc. etc. etc. I don't suppose there is a pro/con list out there somewhere that breaks down the changes Dodge is implementing for 2003 on the 2500-series? Will there be a time before the "retooling" next summer to make up my mind and have all the facts?

I'm just full of questions as my money (or debt, I should say) is extremely valuable and need something that will meet and exeed my needs for a looooong time. Help?



Brian

 

[ftb87]

Sregrob,



Welcome! You should go by what your heart says. In the long run you'll be better off (since your making the payments). However, I really like my truck!



Frank

 

[Gray Ghost]

If you can get a deal, go for it. Money is cheap now and they want to sell trucks. You might get hit bya beer truck tomorrow and never owned a diesel.

 

[RustyJC]

Welcome to the TDR! As you can see by my signature, we chose to go with the last year of a proven model rather than the first year of ???? - I really don't care to be DC's guinea pig for 2003! I've been there and done that before, and personally don't care to do it again.



Rusty

 

[TxDieselKid]

something else to think about...

A question you got to ask is do you really want to have the first model, with a new (read unproven) engine. The ISB is a great, proven engine, but will the new one be proven on the success of the last one? Yes and no. The Duramax is a completely new design, but the next ISB will have a LOT of changes over the last one, and will need to prove itself as did the 24v.



I'll probly get flamed for this but it's just my $. 07, deal with it. Just something to factor in to the equation, either way you can't go wrong, it's a Cummins.



AJB



P. S. Welcome!!

 

[socal_rattler]

I agree with Gray Ghost. . you should "Just Do It!". There should be some good deals out there now.



The events of the last week demonstrate why it is unwise to 'put off till tomorrow what you can do today'.

 

[dresslered]

Brian-

I hear the indecision! I started looking at the Dodges back in 1994 and kept putting off the purchase until the following years option was available. I finally settled on an early 2001. It is much more than I imagined!



Now that Dodge has definitely made a presence in the truck market, I think that the general trend is to cheapen the trucks and to increase profit margins. Just the list of items that have been left off of the '01. 5's is astonishing--ridiculous for a $40k vehicle.



I really have not heard that the newer frames will be "better. " They can be, but the new process allows them to actually build a stronger frame with less metal. It will also be an entirely new vehicle. Do you want to get the very first year or wait until the bugs are worked out? New smog and safety requirements will also be in effect. Will they continue to use the Dana axles? I think that cost cutting is the number one objective.



As Gray Ghost says, money is cheap now and the trucks are proven. Do you want to gamble?

 

[Sregorb]

Thanks so far to all the replying posters! I expected I'd start a chain of 'In My Opinion' replies (comparitive to ford vs. dodge vs. chevy) with open-ended questions like that. It sounds like my suspicions are confirmed so far and the only 'safe' bet is to not wait for the 2003! (arg, I really wanted the 4 independant doors but I'm not willing to sacrifice engine/drivetrain/etc in exchange for the convenience).

Gray Ghost-point taken!!! Especially since this would be my FIRST diesel (whoohoo)

I think you all were talking about deals now being available and to find them. I thought the only break I'd get now is with the 2001 series. Is this not the case??? Since the 2002 just issued (granted not alot of difference between 2001 and 2002) I thought the rebates/incentive/etc would only apply to the 2001.

I'm still waiting on a 2002 Ram brochure from Dodge to show up at either the dealerships or home. Soooooon



Brian

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by Sregorb

First, let me say, "I'm new here... . Thank you. " I think this is one of the best forums and ideas I've run across in a long time (having an 'open' board that others-who may not be members yet-can view problems and good news stories BEFORE they decide where to shop). I've been 'lurking' on the board for about 4 or 5 months now and love it.

Second, maybe you experts can help me in my dibilitating indecision problem. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHETHER TO GET A 2002 OR GAMBLE AND WAIT FOR THE 2003 'REMODEL' AND HOPE IT'S EVERY BIT AS MUCH TRUCK!

I keep hearing the new ISB won't be as good, however the frame will be better than before etc. etc. etc. I don't suppose there is a pro/con list out there somewhere that breaks down the changes Dodge is implementing for 2003 on the 2500-series? Will there be a time before the "retooling" next summer to make up my mind and have all the facts?

I'm just full of questions as my money (or debt, I should say) is extremely valuable and need something that will meet and exeed my needs for a looooong time. Help? Auto , plow , tow, read about exhaust brakes and auto Read Read then decide read about towing , read about exhaust brakes with auto and extra $ to up rate transmission Read about plowing with auto or stick. Lots of luck . Ron in Louisville KY



Brian

 

[redneckdr]

new ram

sregorb:

after agonizing for awhile on my new truck, i couldn't be happier with my 01. 5. i even agonized over the duralax and flowerpoke. this is my 5th 4X4 dodge, but first diesel (in a pickup). i luv th' beast. i honestly don't want the longer, bigger truck, and was glad that i didn't have to "discuss" not wanting the crew cab with my mrs. once i made the decision to get the diesel, i don't think i could have waited another 1-1/2 years... ... ... ... ... ... I SAY GO FOR IT!!

CUMMIN BEATS STROKEN!!!!!

 

[KMeek]

I agree with what everyone else has said for the most part. Let me suggest one alternative you apparently have not given consideration to. Buy a new 2001. There is a $2000 rebate on them and you can get another $300 discount if you own a business OR a $500 discopunt if you are a member of the Farm Bureau for 30 days before purchase. (you cannot get both the $300 and $500 discounts).



I was in a situation where I needed to get a truck now rather than later and wondered if I should wait for the 2003 also. BUT, I found a delaer that sold Dodge trucks for $200 over invoice so I bought a new diesel for $2,100 under invoice. A price hard to beat!



It is unlikely the 2003's will have any rebates on them anytime soon and compared to the 2001 and the current incentives I would not be surprised if the wait for a 2003 might not cost at least $3,000 to $5,000 from what you can get a 2001 for now. Just food for thought!



Good luck--buying a new truck is always fun!

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Brian, welcome! Well, some good advice here, If you're decision making process takes you into the fourth quarter of next year, you will be able to choose from either a close-out deal on a 2002 or a brand new 2003 and test them side by side. Personally, I'd buy one that was proven already. Also, if you have some high horse-power aspirations, the new ISB will likely be considerably more expensive to BOMB, especially injectors. Good luck whatever you do.

 

[mbrolin]

Welcome aboard. The newer ISB will be just as good,if not better,than the present models. As far as the 2002 models there are a few things to look at. Mainly since a new body style is coming Dodge is downsizing on vendors making parts. This means no hood insulators,no tailgate mouldings,no fenderliners in the rear on 4wd models and,as has happened since 2000,no bedside mouldings. Take a look at the pics of the 2002 1500. This will be the newer bodystyle in 2003 for the 2500 and 3500. At least from what Ive read here. Im happy with my 01 HO.

 

[Bigsaint]

Have an 01.5 ETH and love it !!!

And not because of the BOMBing I have done, this truck was great completely stock !!!! We know what your going to get with the 01's, why not make a deal as I'm sure that most dealers are anxious to make room for the 02's and start enjoying the ride. Just my $0. 02.



Welcome aboard !!!!



Scott W.

 

[MCummings]

Hey, I have an idea!!

WHy no buy the year model that had nearly all the options on it, Like side molding down the length of the bed, the pass. grab handles on A-Pillar, the Lighted Vanity mirrors, the variey of colors, and a very "cool running" ETC motor, EGT wise.



See if you can find a low mileage '98. 5 then spend the money you saved from buying a new one, and BOMB the thing enough to make Fords and Chevy's run with their tail between their tails.



Just my $. 01



MerrickNJr

 

[Scooby]

I just looked at some 2002 1500's at the Dodge dealership today and I don't care for the interior at all! It looks/feels cheap and one way they got the extra room for the rear doors was to make the front seats thinner! I couldn't beleive at how cheap those front seats felt (grab one at the shoulder area from behind and squeeze: you can pretty-much feel through the seat! You can feel some cheap little frame in there too. )



I wasn't impressed with the leg room of the rear area either. I have heard they drive nice, though.



Good luck!

 

[jsimpson]

Indecision can be a GOOD thing. I've also been trying to decide since 94. I finally decided this year and BOUGHT a 94! For only $7775! I'm glad I held onto my 89 until now. It saved me BIG bucks!

http://ChristJesus.go.to

 

[Sregorb]

Went out to the local stealership today and test drove a 2001 (they didn't have but 2 2002's and they were the 1500series). I've settled one major question--the new truck will be a Dodge. Second major decision was (of course) it will be a diesel. The truck is a good match for me. It just felt so right.

I think I left with several questions answered only to find more to take their place (typical). Maybe someone can chime in and answer them without me having to go back again. hmm, maybe that wouldn't be bad either... . or both!

Keep in mind--First time driving a diesel. So if it's really stupid question, it's because it's a really ignorant person asking...



1. Test drive was great. Didn't have the get-up-and-go I expected. I was thinking in my head that this was going to be a "do everything you can to rein in and tame the wild beast" drive and I instead found a very smooth, tight, and strong drive that sealed the fate of the "competition". I've read threads on smoking tires on takeoff. Are those only BOMB'd or burnout modified or what? Keep in mind it's an auto.

2. I like the independant 4 doors! Hate the white dial dash of 2002 though. Anyone know if the white faces are going to be in the 2500's also?

3. I probably wouldn't mind 'guinea pigging' the 2003 (assuming I have a $0-deductible on warranty work) but the "newly redesigned" engine scares me. Is there any independant testing info on the new diesel's with EGR or is it still wrapped in development?



That's it for now. I'll be back, I'm sure.



Brian

 

[Sregorb]

One more

Oops, one more question (in addition to above). When would the data on the rail injection engine slated for the Ram be avail?



Brian

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

I made my decision about the 2003 earlier this year. I chose to go ahead with the DTT valve body and torque converter. Also did some other upgrades on the 97. Transmission cooler line with temp port, replaced Kelsey brake controller with Prodigy, early replacement of tires with larger Michlens, replaced 31 tooth speedometer gear with 30 tooth (for tires), installed shim on driveshaft hanger bearing, and have 27 mm rear brake cylinders ready to install.



A slightly bombed older Cummins will equal or out perform the new common rail Cummins at 275 HP and 545 ft-lb torque. See:

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b091901.htm



If I was looking for a Dodge/Cummins to replace the one I had, I would be looking for an early 98 quad cab with the 12 valve engine. Then I would spend the left over money on bombing.