Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
After driving a friends 2001 Dodge Cummins and being very dissatisfied with my 2001 1/2 ton GMC, I started doing "heavy research" on the 2003 Dodge Cummins. (I also checked out GM and Ford diesel trucks even though the Ford was never in the running) (Take that, Ford. I've bought a lot of vehicles since my 1979 Ford 3/4 ton's engine blew up with 13,000 miles on it and you told me, "too bad". I had 5 Ford trucks at the time. Haven't bought a Ford since. Bums. )
Anyway, thanks to TDR, I think I pretty well educated myself. I thought some of you guys were a little "over the top" in your praise of the CTD. Nope, you were right on the money. I picked up my new Dodge on Thurs. in Worland, Wyoming and drove it the 100 miles home over Powder River pass (9,600) and down to Buffalo. The Computer mileage was 18. 7. If the computer is accurate, I'll be more than satisfied. I can't believe the power this thing has. I could have climbed from 4,400 feet up to the pass in 6th gear and not have had to downshift if it weren't for the hairpin curves. The ride is fantastic. I can't believe a 3/4 ton can ride so nice. The Dodge handles potholes, autogates (cattle guards), etc. much better than my 1/2 ton GMC.
I got a pretty good deal at Worland Ford-Chrysler. Beat Dave Smith, anyway. The best thing was that it was a clean deal. No games. That's worth a lot. I'd never been to the dealership until I picked the truck up. Everything was done on the phone. I'm sure my experiences buying vehicles are the same as most on this group. Lots of games and salesmen trying to pull a fast one. This transaction was the best in my 34 of vehicle ownership. I got a good deal on the Jacobs brake and the install (done at a shop down the road by a guy who installs a lot of brakes) came in cheaper than they quoted me and they reduced the price. I would have never known and they could have pocketed the extra cash. I really liked the salesman, Chad Jones. He's been selling rigs for 30 years. Worland is a small farming community and the dealership is a typical, honest, laid back small town dealer. Chad's phone number is: 800-653-2306 if anyone is interested.
Anyway, thanks guys. You helped make the decision to buy the best truck I've ever owned. Hope I'm as happy with this rig after 7-10 years of ownership as I am now!
Bob
Anyway, thanks to TDR, I think I pretty well educated myself. I thought some of you guys were a little "over the top" in your praise of the CTD. Nope, you were right on the money. I picked up my new Dodge on Thurs. in Worland, Wyoming and drove it the 100 miles home over Powder River pass (9,600) and down to Buffalo. The Computer mileage was 18. 7. If the computer is accurate, I'll be more than satisfied. I can't believe the power this thing has. I could have climbed from 4,400 feet up to the pass in 6th gear and not have had to downshift if it weren't for the hairpin curves. The ride is fantastic. I can't believe a 3/4 ton can ride so nice. The Dodge handles potholes, autogates (cattle guards), etc. much better than my 1/2 ton GMC.
I got a pretty good deal at Worland Ford-Chrysler. Beat Dave Smith, anyway. The best thing was that it was a clean deal. No games. That's worth a lot. I'd never been to the dealership until I picked the truck up. Everything was done on the phone. I'm sure my experiences buying vehicles are the same as most on this group. Lots of games and salesmen trying to pull a fast one. This transaction was the best in my 34 of vehicle ownership. I got a good deal on the Jacobs brake and the install (done at a shop down the road by a guy who installs a lot of brakes) came in cheaper than they quoted me and they reduced the price. I would have never known and they could have pocketed the extra cash. I really liked the salesman, Chad Jones. He's been selling rigs for 30 years. Worland is a small farming community and the dealership is a typical, honest, laid back small town dealer. Chad's phone number is: 800-653-2306 if anyone is interested.
Anyway, thanks guys. You helped make the decision to buy the best truck I've ever owned. Hope I'm as happy with this rig after 7-10 years of ownership as I am now!
Bob
