Diesel Comparison

[JDalton]

I have been trying to make up my mind on which diesel truck to buy and did a few test drives this weekend. I have read a few posts here that are somewhat concerned about the competition out performing the Cummins. Well I just don't see it. I could only find an SO auto Dodge to test and it was much more responsive than the Duramax and felt much quicker. Plus the Dodge handled, rode and stopped much better. The Chevy did have a nicer interior that felt a little higher quality and a few more bells and whisles but I personally am looking for a truck. So I have decided on the Dodge. Now the question is an '03 or wait for an '04. Does anyone know of any changes ahead that might be worth waiting for? Oh, by the way, the four speed auto seems much more suited to the Cummins than a five speed does to the Duramax. I am planning to get a 2500 Quad, HO, auto, 3. 73 rearend. I hope to get about 20mpg on the high way. Does that sound reasonable? Thanks for any input, great website.

 

[Pit Bull]

Get the 03, they are adding EGR in 04 (not a good thing) You should get 20 mpg after some breakin miles. Good luck and ejoy your soon to be new truck.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Another reason to buy/order one now. Dealers (most) are willing to sell at there cost and Dodge's incentives ($2,000 or 0% INT. ) may not be here in sept when the 2004s come out.

 

[jlord]

I say get the 03 HO. It will end up as being the highest rated stock cummins diesel for a long time due to next year's emission changes.



I couldn't be happier with mine! Today I loaded 13 of my kayaking buddies, and pulled a trailer with all of our boats, and it actually drove better than when it is empty. Was my first "test" of my first diesel, and it passed with flying colors. Later, I hooked up to my 14' pop up trailer (that my 318 Dodge could barely pull) and drove it up the steepest mountain around. I ran out of mountain before I ran out of pull in 6th gear!



LOVE THIS TRUCK!

 

[Ladders]

Just a word of caution, the 04's may have the same eng till Dec 31 03 but as of Jan 1 04 they have to be the egr for the lower emmissions. Other than the rebates now, they may not have any on the 4's because of leftover 3's. But try to find one that has YOUR options will/may be impossible. If you find one now (within a reasonable distance) you may want to have the dealer do a trade for it. Or (as I did) search all states for 5*'s (only 5 star dealers inventories are listed on the Dodge site some with the sticker avail to look at) that may have the one your looking for and call them. It may be a demo by the time the 4's hit and even tho it is, you are the first owner and if it was never titled, you can probably get the warranty to start the day you buy it. This is not always possible as some demos were "titled" to the dealer by DC and you lose the miles it has since put into service. (bought one this way back when)



\\BF//

 

[JDalton]

Thanks for the rplies. I think I am going to see what kind of deal I can get this week and go for it if it looks good. Love the truck, that is a no brainer.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I believe you'll get 20 in a 2WD (highway) but it's very difficult in a 4WD. If I do almost all highway driving and keep it to about 60 MPH, I can nudge 19+ but it isn't easy because these things cruise so easily at any speed.