Thinking about a new 3rd generation! Help!

[JCyrbok]

I'm seriously thinking about getting a new 3rd gen 2500 4x4 quad cab. I would get a short bed and a six speed. My 2001 is paid off and only has 48k on the odo, which are mainly easy miles. A good friend of mine does finance for 60 dealerships in Michigan and said that with my trade value, all the incentives and rebates that are being offered, plus all her connections at the dealerships, that I could get a great deal.



I ran a "build and price" on the Dodge website and with the incentives came up with a sale price of between 31k and 33k depending on how I played around with options.



Being conservative on my trade in value my monthly financed payment was range between $90. 00 and $120. 00!!!! But get this I actually need more of a kick in the pants than that to go for it!



I'm looking for peoples experiences with the 3rd Gens, particulary ones that match or closely match what I'm looking at above. How is the ride? The power? The Trans? Mileage? etc.



Thanks

J-

 

[Matt400]

How is the ride? The power? The Trans? Mileage? etc.

I went from an 03 to an 05 and noticed no difference in the ride but a huge difference in the power, My 03 was a CA SO.



Same 48re trans but what a difference in the shift strategy on the 05 with tow/haul mode vs the 03's O/D off button. I liked the 03 but the 05 is far better.



Mileage is the same for me- mid 19's unloaded.

 

[Bertram65]

If you decide to get one, get a 3500 SRW, might as well get the highest capacity SRW truck you can, there is no penalty either, they ride the same as the 2500s.

 

[Bow66tie]

I second Bertram65's suggestion on the 3500 SRW. Play your cards right at the dealer and it shouldn't cost you much more either!



You'll love this truck!!!



Michael Willeford

 

[BILLUA]

Agree with Bertram... Also,I went from a 01 to a 05. The steering, brakes and suspension alone are worth it.



From a financial standpoint, you would be remiss not to buy a new truck for its residual value. Prices will go back up! By the way, how much value do you think your 01 lost with this employee pricing deal on new ones? You will love the new third gen



Cheers, Bill

 

[67guzzler]

I'm seriously thinking about getting a new 3rd gen 2500 4x4 quad cab. I would get a short bed and a six speed. My 2001 is paid off and only has 48k on the odo, which are mainly easy miles. A good friend of mine does finance for 60 dealerships in Michigan and said that with my trade value, all the incentives and rebates that are being offered, plus all her connections at the dealerships, that I could get a great deal.



I ran a "build and price" on the Dodge website and with the incentives came up with a sale price of between 31k and 33k depending on how I played around with options.



Being conservative on my trade in value my monthly financed payment was range between $90. 00 and $120. 00!!!! But get this I actually need more of a kick in the pants than that to go for it!



I'm looking for peoples experiences with the 3rd Gens, particulary ones that match or closely match what I'm looking at above. How is the ride? The power? The Trans? Mileage? etc.



Thanks

J-

I think mine is pretty similar to what you're interested in. You can see my window sticker at the link below -- not too many options.



I'm very happy with the truck except for what I believe to be excessive driveline slack. Otherwise, it's fantastic -- very powerful and with the 6 speed, you have total control of the power w/o the slippage of the factory high-stall torque converter that comes from the factory.



It will feel significantly different than your current truck but I think you'll be pleased.



Good luck!

 

[jjordan1]

I have the 2001 2500 but they only want to give me around $16000. 00 for my truck. With all the incentives it really lowers the trade on my truck. Good Luck

 

[JCyrbok]

I was told $18,000 for my trade, not to far apart. I would sell myself and make more on it but u never know when the incentives will go bye bye!



But I kinda think that has more to do with my friends connections in the biz.



J-

 

[RockinJ]

My 01. 5 was a GREAT rig; however, I got the bug and traded it last month for a late-May production '05 (see profile below). My dealer gave me $20,500 for my trade and DC threw in $3,000 in incentives. Thought I would really miss my 2nd Gen, but not any more. The difference between the two rigs is night & day. The power, transmission, brakes, handling and ride have all been improved. Just hauled the horses for the first time the '05 last weekend . . . it was awesome! (BTW, did I mention that I REALLY like this truck???). My only regret is that the gosh darn engine is too quiet . . . the dog doesn't even know when I roll into the driveway anymore. There's nothin' quite like that 2nd Gen 24-valve clatter! If I could find a way to bottle it and make this engine rattle like that, I would do it in a heartbeat. Oh well, that's the price you pay for progress. Good luck!

Oo. Oo. Oo.

RJ

 

[FloridaEd]

I've come to the conclusion that I must buy a 2006 (or 2005 if they have what I want, which is unlikely) CTD. Here's why.



The EPA is changing the rules for emissions on 2007 models. ALL the mnfr's will have bugs in their engines/peripherals with the emissions changes. Depend on it. (Thye will cost more, too... you can depend on that, too. )



Then the EPA changes the rules for emissions again in 2010. Same deal.



IMHO, stay away from diesel pickups starting with the 2007 models and don't consider one again until the 2012 models. By 2012, I expect the bugs will all be worked out by the mnfr's and you can buy a dependable diesel truck.



This EXACT same thing happened with gas engines. My 1972 Dodge Dart 225 C. I. slant six was an excellent car. The EPA hit in 73-74 period, and my 1976 Plymouth Valiant slant six had nothing but problems with the fuel/emissions systems.



None of the mnfr's can deliver a dependable bug-free vehicle when major changes are warranted by the Guv'mint (they're here to help us, remember. . ).



So, I'm going to buy in September and drive a Cummins (and ride in the Dodge that comes with it) for at least 7 years.



Florida Ed

 

[klenger]

This might help: http://www.klenger.net/dodge/2nd-gen-reference/isb-start.wav

 

[GFrance]

I just traded my 01 in my sig for 05 QC 4x4 dually 6 speed nv5600 slt. Even being a dually it rides better, steers better & so far with only 600 miles on it 18. 4 mpg hand calculated on the first tank. Got $22,500 for the 01 with only 29,000 miles on it, paid 34,066 for the 05

 

[DavidBurt]

Hello from a newbie. I bought my first CTD in April, a 05 2500 QC LWB nv5600. I love the truck great power, ride, steering. No problems at all with 9000 on the meter. Average 19. 5 mpg empty, 17. 5 or so with a 7k trailer. I recomend these trucks, I have been very happy with mine.

 

[gonzo2]

The EPA is changing the rules for emissions on 2007 models. ALL the mnfr's will have bugs in their engines/peripherals with the emissions changes. Depend on it. (Thye will cost more, too... you can depend on that, too. )

I think these will be 07. 5's as it seems to go. One thing to ponder is that a lot of people were saying the same things as '04 was coming around and the '04. 5's and newer don't seem to be too bad to me.

 

[klenger]

I think technology has come a long way since they were trying to clean up emmisions in the 70's. I don't think it will take them 7 more years to build a reliable clean engine.