Pondering new 2500, '12, '13, or '14?

[Sticks]

I have accepted a position with a new employer that will require me to provide my own pickup. Not going to go into the details and requirements of the job other than to say that a 2500 will suit the needs of the position.

All things being equal, Cummins, 4x4, LSD rear, 4 door, 8' bed, and as close to a base model as I can get (not a fan of all the bells and whistles)...

A lightly used 2012 or 2013 2500, under 35k miles? ~ Found 4 locally that are 1 owner, 3 of which were rentals bought at auction according to Carfax

A new 2013 or 2014 (not ordered, dealer inventory only).

Trying to keep the delivered, out the door total at or under $37k. Way too early in the year to get a new model year truck at used pricing.

 

[Bug Out]

I have owned a 2012 new and a 2013 new. Hindsight being what it is, I would go with a 2013 if you have the chance. The DEF fluid is really a non-issue. My 2012 was a fuel hog and oil change prostitute, if you will. The oil change light was coming on every 3000 or so miles with the 2012. MPG if lucky for the 2012 was in the 12-15MPG, and 15 MPG being wind at my back etc. The 2013, MPG has be consistently above 16MPG, with the evic showing 18+ around town, no dogging the throttle.On the highway, it climbs over 20MPG 70 MPH or less. Thats unloaded. Also, oil changes are now 10K miles or more. I opt to change the oil out at 7500miles. Your money ahead with the 2013.

The one and only thing I dont like about the 2013 from 2012 is they changed the shifting pattern of the automatic 68 RFE trans and it now has a "flare" between shifts (Torque converter unlock time is longer) to the point that its annoying as hell. Does not harm the trans in any way. This made the downshift in tow haul very smooth.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I have a 2012. Based on my own experience and reviewing a large number of threads here on TDR I recommend:

(1) If you are going to be towing or hauling something and running down the highway then the 2012 will work fine and you could say yourself some money on an earlier model.

(2) If you will be doing any kind of short trips, low speed, light load, etc., then I suggest you go with 2013 and subsequent model years. The DEF/SCR system appears to be superior and you'll see far fewer regenerations, better fuel mileage, fewer oil changes.

Lots of threads here on the forum that I think outline these two positions.

 

[rscurtis]

A '14 2500 will also get you the coil spring rear suspension and the front axle disconnect, which the '13 will not have.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

With the differences being made between the 2012, 2013, & 2014 - I would definitely be looking at a 2013 or 2014. I know there are lots of differences between my 2013 and my 2008.

 

[Powder Extreme]

When you factor in long time costs of extra oil changes and wasted money on fuel, (not too mention the unknown longevity effect of all that fuel washing down the cylinder walls) buying a '13 will probably SAVE you money. I would think used 13's would start showing up on dealer lots pretty soon. Some people just buy a new truck every year because they can.

 

[PC12Driver]

I penciled out that a newer DEF truck would save me around $800/year on oil changes and fuel, based on 20k miles/year.

 

[Powder Extreme]

So on those low of miles, that's still 4 grand over a five year period. I doubt there will be 4k difference from a 12 to a 13.

 

[Sticks]

So on those low of miles, that's still 4 grand over a five year period. I doubt there will be 4k difference from a 12 to a 13.

Nope, and from what I have seen, the '12s are actually going for as much or more than the '13s, all things being equal (trim, mileage, etc).

Thank you guys. Stay away from the '12s if possible. Check.

Unless a '14 shows up used, I won't be able to swing that payment, and I really hate taking the depreciation as soon as it leaves the lot.

 

[DJAustin]

I have a 14 3500 ordered and am trading in my 12 simply due to the mileage I get with the 12. I average 13.5, which includes 40 highway miles a day, and very little around town.

 

[Sticks]

Well this has been quite the adventure. Not that many - if any 2013 3500 long bed SRWs around. 15 different dealers and even the 2014 3500 tradesman long bed SRW are about only 1 or 2 per dealer in the colors that I want. Tons of short beds, and a mind boggling number of 5.7 and 6.4 Hemi trucks (like a 7:1 ratio against Cummins powered). One dealer had over 150 2500 & 3500s on the lot, not one in long bed, SRW, white or silver, tradesman.

I did trip over a used 2012 2500 SLT with the Ram Box (Unicorn of trucks?), 4880 miles at a Ford Dealer. I was liking that one a lot. Refused to come down off the 42k price tag, after taxes I could not afford it.

Going to be an interesting week with all the feelers that I have put out. This might not be the best time of year to be looking for a new truck. Sellers market.

 

[wyosteve]

Guess I'll throw in my .02 for the little it's worth. I had a similar dilemma about 1.5 yrs. ago. Question was should I get a '12 or order a '13. I decided to go with the '12 knowing that the fuel mileage would be a bit lower than my 04.5 and probably less than a '13. For the discount I received on the '12, the savings on fuel/oil on a '13 just didn't seem to be worth it for me. It would be about 10 years or so to reach the 'break even' point based on my driving and annual mileage. I'm very happy with the 2012. Not one problem (although I only have 25k miles). I know the '13 and '14's are nice trucks too, but I wouldn't overlook a '12 if you can find a good deal.

 

[Sticks]

Yeah, things are not looking good. The used 12-14's are selling for as much or more than new (presuming the mileage is under 25k). I have to keep in mind that once the 100k warranty expires (2.75 years for my anticipated yearly driving) all repairs will be out of pocket. Not good to only have a third of the truck paid and be out of warranty.

I am nervous about looking into the 6.4 Hemi. First year in a truck format. They've proven themselves in the sports cars, but have yet to have this kind of load put on them, never mind the - what may be old issues - tendency of the truck falling on it's face with anything resembling a load behind it. The upside is it's a $5k savings over the mighty Cummins.

 

[Sticks]

Well, I committed financial suicide Friday and picked up a 2014 3500 SRW 6.4 Hemi. I take delivery next week sometime. They have to install a trailer brake controller (who in their right mind orders a Tradesman trim work truck for stock w/o the integrated controller?) and a bedliner. Now I gotta join another forum.

 

[RVTRKN]

The gasser will be more economical for your purposes, I used to own a 94 2500 360 Magnum gasser and it worked for me just fine. I did want the cummins at that time, but the price was to much for me, at that time, Good luck!

 

[Sticks]

Well, we will see when the repairs start coming out of my pocket in 2.5 to 3 years what "Economical" really means. My advice has always been, get rid of it 1k miles before the warranty expires. I'll still be upside down on it, unless they do a phenomenal job of holding value.

 

[JLandry]

Well, I committed financial suicide Friday and picked up a 2014 3500 SRW 6.4 Hemi. I take delivery next week sometime.

Congratulations!

You're keeping your 2002 diesel... right?

John L.

 

[Bob V]

Here are some at my local dealer, I am sure if you shop around you could find better
http://www.mccorddcj.com/en_us/unitDetail.asp?new-2014-ram-2500-tradesman-longview-wa=475752
http://www.mccorddcj.com/en_us/unitDetail.asp?new-2014-ram-2500-tradesman-longview-wa=475753

 

[Bob V]

Here is a 2014 at Dave Smith that might be close to what you are looking for.
http://www.davesmith.com/new/Ram/2014-Ram-2500-2f43a3840a0a00de491deb1d6299d86b.htm

 

[Bob V]

Opps, I missed that you already bought a gasser. The upside is that fuel will be cheaper