Rebates extended.

[thejeepdude]

Dodge has extended the $2500 cash back rebate until 4/7/04 per their web site.



That's good news for those of us who didn't call to order until yesterday and never got called back.

 

[PHX ATC]

Cool. Now if I just can shake the money tree again and have about $40K or so fall out!

 

[Wferenz]

I just checked the Dodge website and think the rebates are extended until 07-06-04. My display showed the following for Zip 95973, 2004 models:



2004 01-06 to

2004 07-06

 

[DwayneKelch]

Just ordered my truck on Monday, 2004. 5 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW 4x4, white sport w/Laramie H package and a few extra goodies. Can't wait to get the truck.



If anyone wants a good deal, call Tom Chaney (TDR handle is Tomeygun) @ 314-966-0630. No dealer, Dave Smith Motors (Kellogg, Idaho), Dishman Dodge (Spokane, Washington), or local Colorado dealers could beat their price or service. If anyone wants more details, PM me.





Dwayne

 

[OHale]

Well,



I just talked to my dealer and I found out why the rebates are extended!



Wouldn't you know I already ordered my 2004. 5 :{



He told me that at his sales rep meeting down in Boston that they are trying to move out all the 2004s they can. Apparently the 2005 model years is going to have a MB 5-speed "Allison-type" (his words) transmission.



He said Dodge is concerned that interest in existing or soon to be ordered 2004s will evaporate..... I sure wish I had waited... ...



The MB transmission will be similar to the one that has been in use for 11 years in Europe and is currently in the Sprinter van. The new transmission will be announced 5-1-04.



:--)



At that time the rebate will be increased but my salesman didn't say to how much. Again, the idea is to get rid of as many 2004s as possible before the new transmission comes out. He says Dodge feels that the new transmission is such a dramatic improvement over the 48RE that it will make even the 6-speed manual a rare order item.



If I cancel now all I would lose is my deposit... . What do you guys think I should do? Should I stick with the somewhat 'proven' 48RE or go for the first model year of the new auto 5-speed? I need your advice... ...



Oh, and BTW, April Fools.....

 

[RobertBolinger]

What I heard was that on 5-2-04 they would introduce the 6XRE, which is a 6 speed automatic, and where the second position is strength, 1-9, this guy (X) can take anything that any CTD with any box can put out with no trans mods-even 1000Hp and 2500Tq!



They are going to prove the point by towing a semi with 2 trailers grossed out up a 8% grade at 90 MPH. Oo.



Remember todays date!

 

[OHale]

Bob,



You're once again one step behind the Old Master!!!

 

[RobertBolinger]

OK, how about the new 48 valve ISB Cummins... have you heard about that one



I will be 50 state legal Oo.

 

[BRayls]

it may be april 1st,but it is coming . not that soon but a 6 gear auto is on the board.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by OHale

Apparently the 2005 model years is going to have a MB 5-speed "Allison-type" (his words) transmission.

You know, even if this were true, I would be hesitant about ordering one. The 48RE is based on a proven transmission. It might suck stock with that crappy TC, but with the right mods is pretty darn bulletproof. Five speeds might be kind of nice, but with the low end grunt of the Cummins, we don't really need any lower of a starting gear, and the OD gear is already tall enough to cruise at 70 under 2000 RPM. At least I know if my 48RE is beefed up by someone that knows what they're doing (DTT will be my choice), it's likely to last quite a long time, and there's proven fixes for the frequent failure parts (ie: billet shafts). If a new 5 speed were introduced, there's no telling what kind of things will be breaking. Maybe by the time my truck wears out, in about 2015 or so, the 5&6 speed autos will have all the bugs worked out... or we'll all be driving hovercraft. I hope they keep the 48RE in the '05's, because it's looking more and more like I'm just gonna wait and order one of those.

 

[DwayneKelch]

Whew, you guys had me going for a second... was reaching for the phone...



Guess it pays to read a post to the last letter. I had forgotten it was April 1st...



Too bad it's not true, would like to have a 5 or 6 speed auto. Will have to keep rowing until they come out with a better auto.





Dwayne

 

[OHale]

Wishful thinking on my part I suppose...



thejeepdude, I agree with you. The 47/48RE has come a long way and I would watch a looong time to see what any 'miracle' new transmission would do



Speaking of which its been 10 whole days, where's my bloody truck?!

 

[CraigA]

If your arond the Northwest, Richard Hines at Gresham Dodge, Gresham Oregon will also go $1000 below invoice. He is a heck of a good guy to work with. Ordered my 600 on Feb 13, w/ a stick and it's on a train out of Mexico as I type.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by CraigA

If your arond the Northwest, Richard Hines at Gresham Dodge, Gresham Oregon will also go $1000 below invoice. He is a heck of a good guy to work with. Ordered my 600 on Feb 13, w/ a stick and it's on a train out of Mexico as I type.

He's the guy I called urgently on the 31st thinking it was the last day of rebates and he still hasn't called me back. I will probably give him a call back tomorrow and see what he can do. When you ordered from him, did you make sure there were no extra charges over invoice besides delivery? I don't want to pay advertisement costs or any of that other crap the local dealers want to tack on. I know tomeygun doesn't charge this stuff... man i wish he could order a CA truck.

 

[GFritsch]

Heads up in California. Serramonte Dodge in Colma took my order on Monday and gave me a VIN today. $300 under invoice. Had a truck on order in Dublin, but couldn't give me a delivery date. (still like them as they told me to go for what I could get, and gave me my depsit back).



I would bet if you showed them this thread anyone could get their truck in 6-8 weeks and same deal. (talk to fleet mngr Rob)



BTW trucks should always be manuals (just my opinion)--of course my knees hurt more every day--this could change... .

 

[OHale]

GFritsch,



I would have gone for the manual myself--- I had knee arthroscopy last December. The old '95 NV4500 clutch has probably been stroked a million times in the last 9 years. Not coincidentally, I think, it was my left knee that needed the work.



Worst part was not being able to drive it for two months. Fortunately my wife's 2500 gasser has an auto.



I'm only 48 but I'm going to get a truck I can drive with one arm and one leg as I intend to have this truck another 10 years.



Can you track your truck on Insight? The VIN and the dealer code should be all you need.....



Best deal I could do here was:



Invoice + $200

- $200 Dealer "March Madness" sale

- $2500 Dodge cash-back

- $445 Farm Bureau ($500 discount - $55 membership)

- free donuts in waiting area.



I didn't press it any further as I very much like the shop at Newcastle, Maine. I am a VERY finicky customer and they can keep even me happy!

 

[CraigA]

Originally posted by thejeepdude

He's the guy I called urgently on the 31st thinking it was the last day of rebates and he still hasn't called me back. I will probably give him a call back tomorrow and see what he can do. When you ordered from him, did you make sure there were no extra charges over invoice besides delivery? I don't want to pay advertisement costs or any of that other crap the local dealers want to tack on. I know tomeygun doesn't charge this stuff... man i wish he could order a CA truck.

The only extra charges were $55 dollar fee for paperwork and whatever else, (that didn't concern me) and $150 for licenseing and title, ( 4 year tag). He was a straight shooter

 

[GFritsch]

O'Hale,



I havn't tried tracking yet, the truck sounds like it will arrive sooner then I thought. They told me end of month-mid May. If it takes longer I will appreciate it all the more when I do get it.



My below cost price was by accident as I allready had the truck on order at another dealer and cancelled because of they were uncertain they could get it. Old deal was $500 over. New deal $300 under.



It sounds to me like you got a fair deal, especially since you like the dealer. Its hard to put a price on those doughnuts.



Jeepdude--- I did have a $160 PPA (prepaid advertising charge) on my deal. At some point you got to just order one and get on the build list. On color I have had bad luck with metalic paint chipping... .

 

[OHale]

GFritsch,



Many congratulations on your order and great price!



I know what you mean about 'big shoes to fill. ' I'm going to keep my '95 until I'm sure any bugs are worked out of the new ride.



I notice we also ordered black trucks. My '95 is black although the color wasn't my first choice at that time. Since then it has grown on me though... .



Let us know when that fine buggy arrives!



Jeepdude,



My personal opinion is that if your dealer won't call you back for such a large $$$ purchase I would either go somewhere else or call another salesman (person) at the same dealership. If they won't call you back it makes me wonder if they will back you up if there is a significant warranty issue..... Let the sale go to somebody that wants your business.



Just my two cents.