Going from 2nd to 3rd (Gen)?

[JFitzgerald]

I'm considering going to a 3rd gen, mainly for the extra back seat room and an auto. My boss just bought me a company car (he could not resist the employee pricing right now), so I am thinking about selling my truck and the wife's van. I can use the car as much as I want for personal use too. Then I'd get a used '03 or '04 2500 quad cab 4x4 auto.

Are there certain good or bad things to look for in a used 3rd gen? I read about the 04. 5 getting bad mpg?? Probably too new for my price range anyway. I am familiar with the 1st and 2nd gens, but only know the basic differences I've read about the 3rds. My kids are getting to where they are not comfy in the back seat of the '00, and they like the new quad cab's back seat. We looked at an '05 Saturday just to see if there was any more room in the back seat. Those new engines are so quiet! Too quiet! For this to be our main vehicle, it would need to be an automatic, or the wife won't drive it. :{ I love my 6-speed, but she doesn't. Main use would be daily driver, plus towing the Jeep and/or ATV's a couple times a month.

Is the mileage about the same? I am used to getting 18-20 mpg running 70 mph to work, if I don't get too rowdy.

 

[AndyMan]

I never owned a 2nd gen, but I did just spend a weekend driving one. I am considering selling my 03, and have a close friend with a 2001 who was interested in my 2003. The only thing that I REALLY liked better than my '03 was the rattle. In the cab, there's no real difference in sound, but outside, I liked his better. Overall, the 3rd gen's are totally different animals. The way mine drives compares to his, the way the power comes on, etc. We both have autos, (my 48RE, vs. His 47R. . ) so I suppose that could have something to do with it. Mine seems much more responsive to the throttle, and has MUCH better road manners. Seat comfort and ergonomics to me seem better in the 3rd gen (although this could be just because I'm used to it. ). As far as towing differences, we towed the same trailer about 100 miles each way. His truck is bone stock, and had a LITTLE trouble hauling. Mine was able to maintain 70MPH uphill. This was a 7000lb load, and my ramifier was at 50%. Yada yada... I'm thankful to have mine back, even if only for a short time. She's on the market... We need a minivan.



EDIT: Ohh... I was getting just over 21MPG before I put on the 315's. They've been on for one tank, and I'm down to 17MPG. 265's will most likely go back on before I sell her.

 

[JFitzgerald]

You have a sharp looking truck - love the color. I replied to your classified ad this morning! What a coincidence!

 

[fkovalski]

I'm considering going to a 3rd gen,... .

Here is a thread that I replied to which has links to a couple of others covering some of your questions. 3G Rams vs. 2G Good info inside them. Link to the trhead from member KCJackson



-frank.