Best year for used Quad-Cab?

[FloridaEd]

I'm a long term reader of TDR forums and joined last Fall to prepare myself for purchase of my first Dodge CTD.



This summer I plan to purchase a used Quad-Cab CTD 3500 SLT Dually LWB automatic ... if I can find one with decently low mileage. I could purchase a new one, but I've gotten gun-shy with all the changes being foisted on the manufacturers by our friends, the EPA. Also, I believe many of the "improvements" touted by the manufacturers are questionable over the life of a CTD... . cause we don't really know how well an engine/transmission will hold up until we've got a bunch of them with 250,000 or more miles on them.



I'm wondering if any of you can make a reasoned recommendation for one year's model over the others. I want the Quad-Cab to replace my 7. 3 Ford diesel Crewcab. I'll use the truck for hauling a 11,000 pound 5th wheel about 25% of the time. I keep my trucks bone stock as the day they were made. I expect to keep the truck until the 2012 models come out... that will give all the manufacturers 2 years to fix the mistakes they will undoubtedly make on the 2010 EPA-mobiles. I went through this EPA song-and-dance with cars in the 1973-1977 time period, and have chilling memories of the problems caused by emissions.



Would appreciate any thoughts any of you might have on the subject. I've been lusting a long time for a Cummins (or Caterpillar or Hino or Isuzu or Perkins... I'm easy) in-line 6. I've always strongly favored in-line engines. The combination of the Quad-Cab and the Ford 6. 0 liter sucker-mobile have finally convinced me I need to move to Dodge.



Florida Ed

 

[Cummins4WD]

I'd recommend the 2003 or early 2004 with the H. O. 305/555. You get all the power and the 20+ mpg. No extra emissions either. Every option is the same minus the sun roof for 2005 plus they're selling in the 28K range now.



Add and Edge EZ module and blow past the power of a 325/600 rig for $300.



I've convinced my uncle and my Dad to get a late model 2003's. Good luck. It's confusing for people like my Dad who would think a 2005 would be the same as my 2003. I have to explain all the changes and the main mpg difference. I'm sure he would be upset going from his 2001 24v which easily gets 20mpg to finding himself averaging 17mpg most of the time. With the cost of fuel it makes a big difference in my book.