Need help deciding between 06 or 03-04!

[EC4145]

I'm trying to decide between a new 06 CTD and a used 03-04 w/low miles. I was leaning toward the 06, until I found out all of the B. S. Dodge is pulling these days. They are about to turn me off completely. I think Dodge (in their infinite wisdom) is going to start loosing customers. The few things (that I have discovered) that turn me off are:



1. No more 7/70 warranty

2. No more NV5600

3. Worse fuel mileage/ more emissions

4. New lift pump in tank

5. What else have I not found out? (Didn't Dodge used to use Dana front and rears?)



I realize some of the above may not be entirely Dodge's fault (emmisions/ NV5600 availabilty) but it is frustrating none the less.



The lift pump issue is the biggest worry. Any lift pump will eventually fail. I don't like the idea of being stranded far from home and not being able to replace it on the side of the road. Don't Chevy use a CP3 with **NO** lift pump?



Can't decide between the 06 or maybe on 03-04 with low miles. The pre 04. 5's are fine with me. For what I need, they have plenty of pwr stock. Are there any benifits to the 06's I'm not noticing (other than the interior and 0% APR for now). Is the newer CP3 alot better than the older design? Sorry about the rant, but I'm a frustrated potential buyer. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[klenger]

The lift pump change is considered an improvment by most members, I think.

 

[MFalkinham]

To me, the early '04 models had the best of all worlds. You got the 305/555 engine without any emissions stuff, metal intercooler ends, NV5600, decent fuel economy, and in QC models the rear seat headrests.

Find one of those, put in an aftermarket lift pump, and you're good to go!

 

[OHale]

Just one consideration: in some states a low-output engine was required, and you might not be as happy with it. I live in a People's Republic where HOs were forbidden until the 04. 5 50-state legal units came out. Prior to that, the dealerships had the low-output engines here. I test drove one and it was an utter dog compared to an HO or post 04. 5. Of course, you could bomb it... .



The other thing I would try to get is the 48RE transmission if you go auto.



Good Hunting!

 

[Reb.B]

we have one '03 now and two '06 trucks. We are buying two more '06 trucks this week, and i just sold two '06 trucks to some friends yesterday. You can't beat the 0. 0 % for 5 years. You're working on their money. I love the 06 trucks. The auto is much better both inside the trans and the massive computer upgrade from older models. It works with the exhaust brake better and the lights are soo much better than previous years. The mileage is better in the 03-04 but some isw going to figure out how to get rid of the third shot and mileage will be right there. The 03-04 truck you can't find reasonable enough. And you don't want a common rail truckk with too many miles.

 

[MFalkinham]

Prior to that, the dealerships had the low-output engines here. I test drove one and it was an utter dog compared to an HO or post 04. 5.

The other thing I would try to get is the 48RE transmission if you go auto.

Good Hunting!

Hey, I resemble that remark! I think "utter dog" is in the eye of the beholder. Mine has plenty of power for what I need and gets me 23mpg highway.

I do agree with the 48re comment, though. Late '03 SO "dogs" had the 48re available as well.

 

[OHale]

Oooops

Hey, I resemble that remark! I think "utter dog" is in the eye of the beholder. Mine has plenty of power for what I need and gets me 23mpg highway.



I do agree with the 48re comment, though. Late '03 SO "dogs" had the 48re available as well.

Drat! I knew as I typed that I would offend someone with a non-HO. I have read posts by many owners (now you included) who love their standard engine. I stand corrected!



I thought the world of my Mighty Dually ('95) which only had 190 hp... . !

 

[MFalkinham]

Drat! I knew as I typed that I would offend someone with a non-HO. I have read posts by many owners (now you included) who love their standard engine. I stand corrected!

I thought the world of my Mighty Dually ('95) which only had 190 hp... . !

No problem, I just had to give you some grief!!

 

[DPKetchum]

In tank pump a improvement,only 03 has a two injection event,G56 is not a proven unit but has been used elsewhere a long time. 7/70 with D. C. has come and gone a number of times over the years. Cummins sold a record number of engines to D. C. in the last year. I'd LIKE to have a 06 SRW long bed 4x4 auto but my truck is just about paid for with 21k on the speedo.

 

[CHolman]

I would go for the 305/555... . 109,000 miles later, LOVIN MINE

 

[Hercules130]

the only emissions added was the cat, also my 05 QC has headrest in the back. A few other things i have noticed on my 05



Different front doors, the aft lower corner is square instead of rounded

I believe the o5's had a more powerful ecm and no pcm

The steering wheel is nicer on the 05 as well

The throttle sensor is directly on the pedal instead of a cable running under the hood to the aaps.



My g56 has held up fine, but i do plan on replacing the clutch and flywheel.

 

[SRadke]

FWIW I just went through the same decision. In the end I realized I'd loose more in depreciation on a 3 year old truck in the next three years than I would on a new one.



-Scott